Noah Dillon's new single That’s Just How I Feel is out now! We chat to the musician about the release, his upcoming tour and so much more.
Image: Daniel Hilderbrand
Bringing his infectious brand of indie-rock into the new year, Perth born musician Noah Dillion has unveiled his shimmering new single, That’s Just How I Feel. Accompanied by a stunning visual, the release comes alongside a tour announcement, with Dillion set to hit the road next month.
Recorded at Debasser Studio with producer Andy Lawson, the song and its accompanying video are a dedication to individualism and being who you are, written after the singers introspective thoughts on love and passion had him exploring themes of independence. Directed by Daniel Hildebrand along with Dillon, the energetic visual celebrates personal freedom, taking on vivid imagery to represent our personal inner voices, whilst also challenging gender stereotypes, making a comment on preconcieved social constructs through the musicians clothing and demeanour.
Dillon and his band are gearing up for a string of live shows across the country next month, kicking off in the musicians hometown of Perth. Performing shows across Midland, Bunbury, Margaret River and Geraldton, the band will then head east to perform headline shows in Melbourne and Brisbane, before wrapping the tour up in Sydney.
2020 saw Dillon release a handful of singles, with tracks like Knievel Daredevil, Matthew McConaughey and Sunburnt landing him as the fourth most played artist on Triple J Unearthed, and was also selected for the #BIGSOUND50. With sold out shows across WA, Dillon has taken to the stage at festivals including Nannup and Wave Rock, with a performance scheduled at Good Day Sunshine later this month. The musician has also supported the likes of Holy Holy, Olympia, San Cisco, Spacey Jane and Paul Dempsy.
That’s Just How I Feel is out now! Read our interview with Noah Dillon below.
Tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey...
I started writing music when I was about 17. Before that I had been writing poetry and loved music but hadn’t made the connection between them. When I worked out how to meld the two (story telling and music) it’s all I really wanted to do.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, That’s Just How I Feel! The song is a dedication to individualism and being who you are. What prompted you to explore these themes?
Thank you! I guess I had been thinking about independence and how lucky we are to have passion and love. It made me want to really self reflect and ask myself about what things in life make me feel good and what I really dislike. I think the best way to counteract the negative in your life Is to focus on the positive and the things that make you happy!
The track continues your infectious brand of indie-rock. How did you arrive at and craft the sounds present on the release?
I have always loved alternative rock and story telling through soundscapes that reflect the lyrical content. I wanted this song to have the energy of the lyrics and feel like it’s pulsing and moving whilst just hanging on by a thread the whole time.
That’s Just How I Feel is accompanied by a stellar visual, which you also directed. How did you conceptualise the music video?
Cheers! I’m not really sure to be honest, I kind of just listen to it over and over whilst pacing around the house. A visual usually pops into my head and I’ll sit down and try to elaborate on that idea. I wanted to deconstruct the idea of gender and clothing norms - just wear what ever feels good on you!
The video also sees your continued collaboration with Daniel Hilderbrand. How has your creative relationship evolved with each release, and what is the best part about working together?
DAN IS THE MAN! Yeah Dan and i work really well together - he has the ability to encourage ideas out of me and push me to let the visualisation grow. He understands the emotions of songs really well and has an amazing ability to reflect it visually.
If That’s Just How I Feel was a piece of visual art, which artwork would it be?
The one that Kim Kardashians daughter (North West) painted.
Could you tell us a bit about your creative process when writing and recording songs?
Writing it was really a stream of consciousness. It felt as if the song was on the tip of my tongue when I woke up and it just fell out. We recorded it with Andy Lawson at Debasser studios - I think Andy understood the song sonically straight away and allowed it to be so fun and upbeat whilst maintains some sentiment.
Did you encounter any challenges whilst creating music during the COVID-19 pandemic, or did it allow you the time and space to immerse yourself within this musical project?
COVID was and is a strange time. Lots of great time to think and write - but obviously no ability to tour it. I think this song came from a feeling of frustration and just wanting to do what I want and be what I am - which was definitely encouraged by being lockdown inside.
You’ll be hitting the road next month on your That’s Just How I Feel Tour. How are you approaching crafting a set and overall live experience for these socially distanced shows?
Yes!! We are so excited to be back on the road. We are hoping to make each show a really special and intimate time whilst also keeping it really fun and engaging.
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
Crying, laughing, dancing
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Modest Mouse, Ball Park Music, Courtney Barnett, Alex G, Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin.
Dream collaboration?
I think doing something with Phoebe Bridgers would be the all time dream!
Album that has had the most impact on you?
I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning - by Bright Eyes.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Cathartic indie rock.
A musical release you’re most looking forward to in 2021?
The next single we are putting out hehe.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
The Notebook, because I could write really sad folk songs.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley 100%.
The best/most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Here Comes The Sun festival! The stage was spinning in a 360!
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
At the moment, Drunk Tank Pink by Shame
Best concert you have been to?
Green Man Festival in Wales.
Last concert you went to?
The Haircare show!
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Spice curls.
Guilty music pleasure?
Dua Lipa.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
I think probably Modest Mouse.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
I think Billie Eilish has changed the music game.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Keep having cold showers every morning and be nice.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
When I first wrote a song in year 12 that actually helped me process my emotions and felt so cathartic to play that I was just busting at the seems to get home and play it.
Watch the music video for That’s Just How I Feel below and find out all you need to know about Noah Dillon's upcoming tour!
NOAH DILLON 'THAT'S JUST HOW I FEEL' TOUR
Friday 12 March, Milk Bar, Perth, WA
Saturday 13 March - Hyper, Midland, WA (All Ages show)
Friday 19 March 19 Prince of Wales, Bunbury, WA,
Saturday 20 March - The River, Margaret River, WA
Friday 26 March - The Freemasons Hotel, Geraldton, WA
Thursday 22 April - The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 23 April - Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 24 April - Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney, NSW