A Conversation with Noah Gundersen – HuffPost 2.25.14
Mike Ragogna: Noah, you’ve been recording and touring professionally since 18 and your new album Ledges addresses your transition into manhood. What would you say were the most challenging aspects of that evolution?
Noah Gundersen: It’s been a long process and one that I am very much still in the middle of. Having drive is so incredibly important, but equally so is patience. I’m not always the most patient person and developing a more patient spirit has been a challenge. Then there’s the terrible tours, playing for empty rooms, being broke, living in your friend’s brothers garage in the middle of winter, working s**t jobs to pay rent, etc. But I wouldn’t have the foundation I have now without those challenges. So I’m grateful for them. And grateful that they are past.
MR: Would you say the process of writing for and creating Ledges was cathartic and what were your discoveries about yourself when you listened to the project top to bottom after it was mastered and ready for release?
NG: The process of writing songs has always been cathartic for me, which is ultimately why I do it. Sometimes is it’s like pulling teeth, difficult but worth it when it’s done. Sometimes its a verbal vomit. Sometimes it’s a shot of morphine straight to the heart. Ledges was no different, except for that I was in a new season of life with new experiences. Listening to the album top to bottom gave me such a satisfied feeling, like “I can do this.” Very encouraging.
MR: Which songs on Ledges would be the most revealing about Noah Gundersen and why?
NG: They’re all about me, in some way or another. One through the eyes of someone else, one through a fictional story, most in my relationship to others. The single, “Ledges,” is probably the most self-reflective. In it, I did my best to express my wants and desires, while also addressing my faults and downfalls.
MR: How do you view the world differently now than when you first started?
NG: My art has simultaneously grown as I have. I played my first show when I was 16. My view of the world then was much more wide-eyed and innocent. I’ve seen a lot more since then. I’ve traveled the country several times, met a lot of interesting and wonderful people. And some not so wonderful people. I’ve been burned, I’ve had my heart broken, as we all do when we’re growing up. My music has been a reflection of that. I also see my world as something I have more control of, that I can make choices and stand by them and not be pushed around.
MR: Were there any events in your life since you’ve been a professional musician that you can remember as being major turning points and what were they?
NG: My first song placement on Sons Of Anarchy was a significant moment in my career. It was a good placement that in the span of 4 minutes introduced my music to a very large national audience. I got a call from a major record label the next day and although I turned their offer down, along with others, it was a big deal for me. I was able to quit my day job shortly thereafter. Hiring my current manager, Paul Bannister, was an important step. He’s someone who completely gets my vision and works his ass off to help achieve it. My whole team is like that and I’m so grateful for them. I couldn’t be doing this without them.
MR: How has your being an artist affected your relationships with your friends and family?
NG: I’m gone a lot, so it can be difficult to sustain friendships at home. But I’m aware of that and try to keep in touch with my close friends when I’m on the road and be intentional about spending time with them when I’m home. I’m still very tight with my family and thankfully I get to tour with some of them. Family has always been a priority and we always make time to be together when we’re home.
MR: What is it about this career and artistic path that surprised you the most?
NG: How kind and generous and supportive people can be. There is a lot of s**t in the world, a lot of hurt and sadness. I’m continually blown away by how well people have treated us. Our fans are the best.
MR: Would you encourage a younger brother or sister to go into this field?
NG: Haha, well, I guess I already have….
MR: What advice do you have for new artists?
NG: Work hard. Be good to people. Being an asshole doesn’t make you cool, it just makes you an asshole. Be diligent. Be patient. Don’t compare yourself to others. Surround yourself with people who will be honest with you. Write a lot. Be honest in your art. Don’t wait around for the moment to fall into your lap, because it won’t. Get out there and do it.
MR: How do you see yourself five years from now?
NG: I plan to have a couple more records under my belt. I also hope to produce several more records for other artists. My dream is to support my parents in their retirement. And be writing better songs.