We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noah Sills. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noah below.
Noah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I’m definitely happy with being someone that is creative. Music is the closest thing to God for me. Even though I got my degree in Business Management at Georgia State University, I really haven’t put too much thought into pursuing any other career path than music. Music has always been there and I’ve just been blessed enough to continue getting the call.
Noah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got into the industry like most musicians in the scene. I went to jam sessions every week. I would send music to friends and family. I started getting called for small gigs. Didn’t matter if it was saxophone or piano. Eventually, I found myself getting more and more calls for gigs and studio sessions. I’ve been at it since 2018 when I transferred to GSU. I’m just now feeling like I’m just getting started, which is great. Nowadays, people think of me more of a producer than just a horn player ever since Arkose, my band with my childhood friend, Tad Adams, started releasing more music.
I guess what sets me apart from others is the fact that I have a producers brain. I’m never really thinking about saxophone when I’m performing or producing. I’m always trying to find the relationships between each sound or instrument. Playing multiple instruments helps with that.
Right now, I’m most proud of the growth of the Arkose project in the last year or so. From selling out our first show to playing on Fox 5 news was simply cool for us. I’m very thankful that people dig the music. I think people like Arkose because it’s chill and lively at the same time. It’s a cool balance. Which, we were inspired by so many Acid Jazz artists prior to us. Hopefully we’ll have our debut album out this fall and start hitting spots around the country or even the world next year.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Man, the most rewarding thing is when you’re playing on stage and you just see people smiling and dancing or even crying and closing their eyes and being present. Seeing people feel something is the biggest reward in my humble opinion. Of course it rewarding to play with amazing musicians, but the listeners are important too. When they give back, it makes you want to give more.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
This career path isn’t supposed to be linear. Some days, I have 20 things to do and some days it’s nothing on the calendar. The amount of sacrifice you have give to do this is a lot. Sometimes I have 14 hour work days. It might sound crazy, but I still love it. This career is not for everyone, but if you truly love something, you’re always going to find a way to make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Arkose
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahesills?igsh=MmU4Y2trYWdld3Yy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arkosejams?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arkoseofficial?si=jPF9UNQ8PnLn1HWn
Image Credits
1. Vlonery 2. Stephanie Heath 3. Erica Glass 4. Douglass Dresher 5. Devin Simmons 6. Devin Simmons 7. Zachary Galloway 8. Eric Matthews