We were lucky to catch up with Austen Nobles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Austen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started learning how to produce back in 2010. At the time there weren’t many prominent social media influencers and producers. It was really about the grind and learning at your own pace.

To me, the most essential skill to learn is developing your ear. Without that, it seems hard to know what you want to make and why you want to make it. It’s crucial to listen to all types of genres and styles of music so you always have a reference point.

Looking back, I wish I reached out for help more. I’m super independent and really enjoy working by myself. I’m learning that though it’s a wonderful skill, music is supposed to be shared and there’s many ways to look at it and get to your end goal. Don’t be afraid or too prideful to reach out for help. It can limit you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Salutations! My name is Austen Nobles, and I am a passionate music artist and producer dedicated to creating timeless sonic experiences. My journey into the music industry has been a fusion of love for art and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

I discovered my affinity for music at a young age, with influences ranging from Bloc Party to Lupe Fiasco. The 2000s sparked a fire within me to explore the world of sound. From the moment I laid hands on my first instrument (trumpet), I knew that creating music was not just a hobby but a calling.

As a music artist, I specialize in alternative/indie rock and alternative rap. I’m big on emotional depth and experimental sounds. My aim is to connect with my listeners on a profound level. Through my productions, I provide a range of services including exclusive production, mixing, mastering, etc. all tailored to meet the diverse needs of my clients. I also offer social media management and consultations as well.

In the realm of music production, I’ve honed my skills to not just create songs, but to craft sonic landscapes that tell stories. I pride myself on solving the creative challenges my clients present and translating their visions into reality. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a narrative or enhancing the emotional impact of a project, I strive to elevate every piece of work to its fullest potential.

What sets me apart is my commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. I am constantly exploring new sounds and technologies to stay at the forefront of my musical evolution. This allows me to offer clients a fresh and unique perspective that transcends the ordinary.

One of my proudest achievements is hitting the top 100 on Apple Music for a hip-hop project I helped mix, as well as selling out a Chicago DIY venue in 2021. I’ve also been featured in publications like Lyrical Lemonade and Elevator Mag.

I believe that authenticity and genuine connection are the keys to building a lasting relationship with my audience. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is not just about creating music but creating moments that linger in the hearts and minds of those who experience it.

In essence, my brand is a celebration of resilience, and the power of music to tell stories. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I look forward to sharing more adventures with you in the future.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started learning social media in 2019 through YouTube.

I’m big on keeping on trends and changes to the algorithms. What helped me get off the ground was introducing reels into my content strategy. By feeding the algorithms what they want and having an authentic voice I found it easier to grow.

It’s always good to have a mix of content too. Photos, short videos, and memes are great ways to get your point across. At the end of the day, people just want to relate, be entertained or be inspired.

It seems like a lot of artists post that they’ve dropped new music without telling the story behind it. As humans, we love stories and use them to connect with others.

I’d suggest that no matter what you’re aiming to accomplish with social media focus on your storytelling. It’s a go-to way to make sure your content finds the right audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve always been super passionate and with that comes a lot of adversity. I feel like people have treated me as an underdog my whole life. I grew up in the Suburbs of Chicago, so when it came time to go to college I fled to an art school in the city. There I learned all the intricacies of Recording Arts.

After graduating I realized I had to make my own opportunities at the end of the day. I began doing open mics around the city and eventually made a name for myself in the Underground Rap scene of Chicago. In 2018 I began throwing my own shows with my homies.

I always wanted to create something bigger than myself and give back to the community that built me. Things were on track for a while up until Covid. During that time I took a huge step back from music and had to regain my confidence. I felt like I was being undervalued and unappreciated when things started to pick back up.

I’ve been working on getting out of my head and still am in the process of becoming consistent again. I’m taking the time to learn so many other skills and tools. I’m sure it will pay off soon. When it comes to resilience never count yourself out. Even when you’re not getting the support you want, keep pushing. Be your own hero.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @austen.nobles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063580056587
• Linkedin: Austen Nobles
• Twitter: @austennobles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGBQFN9AC__B8QKr8kEWdew

Image Credits
Photos by: @kayodidthat_ @lilmuffphotography @killroy_