Interview with New Knoxville’s Singer & Songwriter “Vallie Noles”

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Interview with New Knoxville’s Singer & Songwriter “Vallie Noles”

Vallie Noles, a young woman singer-songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee, is making waves in the music world. 

Her self-produced and written material have allowed her to garner attention with an EP titled Circumstances that was just released last year, but it didn’t take long for people to recognize what this talented artist could do! 

This originally Pop/R&B Indie artist has started breaking into a genre of her own. 

Having released 3 EPs and one full album, this woman’s discography spans a wide range of musical styles, often inspired by experiences touching on deeper issues.

We have asked a couple of interesting questions with Vallie Noles in this interview, 

1. What first got you into music? 

I’ve always loved music ever since I was very young. My family said I would even hum when I was a baby. 

My favorite movie growing up was “Quest For Camelot” featuring music from huge talents like Celine Dion

To this day, I still recall a majority of that soundtrack. I remember my parents also had many CDs, including the Titanic soundtrack, the Batman soundtrack, Enya, Enigma & Kraftwerk. 

I’d go into their home office, and when they weren’t there, I’d dance and sing along with those CDs and pretend I was performing on a stage.

Vallie Noles [PC: Kevin Young]

2. How did you first start producing the style of music that you are releasing today? 

With years of trial and error! In my first years of pursuing music, writing, composing, and recording, I spent most of my time learning from others and trying to please others. 

That was reflected in the music I created during that time. 

It was still my voice and writing, but I hadn’t learned how to express my opinions. My first single, “5 Seconds”, was the first time I recorded my music in a studio. 

I had about an hour to record everything, and I wasn’t allowed to explain what I envisioned for the song. I was timid and self-conscious then, so I did what everyone else wanted. 

As I grew older and more confident, I learned how to use the knowledge and experience instilled in me to express my thoughts and desires and use my skills to convey my intent through writing, composition, beats, performing, producing, and directing. 

What you hear today is a culmination of my experiences which I finally feel open to sharing!

3. Tell us more about yourself? 

I have many passions and interests when I’m not working on music. Off the stage, I’m a reserved and more introverted person who is curious about many things. 

I enjoy interior design and architecture. 

It’s what I studied in school. In design, I’m very passionate about accessibility and reuse as I believe we should care for all people around us and preserve a legacy for our future. 

I also love nature and exploring through walks, hikes, and climbing. 

Staying active and going to the gym sustains my agility and keeps my core strong for performing. 

At least one night a week is spent at my parents’ house with friends and family, playing games like Volleyball with intense competition and disregarding traditional rules and gameplay. 

On the days I’m not feeling up to being active, I’m content with the couch, a lot of food and cuddles from my favorite boy, my cat Charlie!

4. Tell us about your greatest challenge and something you are proud of.  

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished personally with my newest EP, “Circumstances.” It’s also been my greatest challenge so far in my career! 

The songs on the EP touch on subjects of mental health, anxiety, trauma, physical health, and abuse. 

It was difficult for me mentally and emotionally. For instance, the song “drop the subject” reflects on my struggles to cope with a multitude of health issues doctors nor I understood while receiving relentless questions from the curious, not the concerned. 

During the production of the EP, there was a battle within me to make sure the lyrics and melody conveyed not just feelings but the entire setting of the stories being told. 

“Alone With You” shares my struggle, unfortunately all too familiar with many women – the fear, intimidation, and anxiety of creating new relationships after having experienced sexual aggression and abuse from previous partners and people they’ve trusted. 

I wanted to create something that could tell our story. I wanted to give back the power to speak up to those who felt it had been taken away. 

The EPs cinematic approach was the only way I knew to emphasize the entire narrative. In finishing the project, 

I also struggled with schedule conflicts and setbacks with fast-approaching deadlines, re-filming one of the visuals due to technical issues, and significant distribution problems. 

Ultimately, my team and I overcame them, but it was quite a roller coaster getting to the EP release, all 100% worth it!

5. How should people connect with you?  

You can connect with me and all my shenanigans on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter! I love hearing from new friends and talking with fantastic people following my journey. 

You can also find my music and visuals on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon – any place you typically go, by my name “Vallie”. 

6. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished? 

Honestly, over the past few years, there have been a lot of artists who have accomplished some amazing things. 

I’m most impressed with what BTS has accomplished not just through Grammy nominations and their breaking world records but through how they interact with fans and how they’ve created such a positive, fun, and uplifting environment for all of their listeners. 

They give back, and I think that’s amazing. I’d love to be able to do that for everyone who supports me.

7. What are some mistakes you wish you could have avoided?  

I firmly believe that we learn from our mistakes; without failure, there is no growth. 

So with that being said, I don’t necessarily want to redo anything in my career so far, but if I had to share one thing with anyone who has dreams they want to follow, I’d say this: don’t let anyone else take ownership of your dream. 

That’s yours, so speak up for your vision and be yourself.

8. What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the music journey?

I think in the entertainment industry, it’s easy to lose yourself. There are a lot of sacrifices that are made on the way to success and a lot of pressure to succeed. 

You lose individuality and purpose when stuck trying to fit into a mold. When it comes down to it, though, there are so many different forms that music takes and all creators, no matter where they’re from, what they look like, their beliefs, etc., are valid. 

I just remind myself that this is a creative industry, and embracing our differences is how we truly make art. 

9. What are you working on now?  

New music, always. I’m constantly writing and producing for the next project, and I like to stay busy and know my next move. 

I’m also in the process of scheduling a US promotional tour for “Circumstances.” I’m excited as this will be the first tour of this size for me.

10. What skills have you learned that will help your singing career? 

I feel like so many skills go hand in hand with singing and music in general. 

A big one for me was finding physical activities that build stamina and lung capacity, as I have health problems affecting my breathing, strength, and energy. 

Activities like working out in a gym, playing sports, hiking, etc. have played a significant role in helping my endurance with performance and keeping proper breath support for the voice.

11. What are the essential qualities that make a good musician? 

I think number one is the ability to listen and learn and adapt. The beauty of music is that it’s an ever-changing art and unique to both the creator and the observer. 

That’s also the biggest challenge, and it grows as you grow.


To know more about Vallie Noles, head to her Instagram: @CallMeVallie or website.

*For Any PR or Media inquiries, please contact: Antoinette Love Ransom at [email protected] | Instagram: @Antoinette_Love_Ransom

*Retoucher: Chastity Heyward / Instagram: @ChastityDoesMarketing | Website

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