We recently connected with Noella Grey And The Imaginary Band and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Noella Grey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
We learned to do what we do through trial and error. knowing what we know now, being more willing to step outside of comfort zones and step outside the box and be willing to meet people in different genres would have sped up the process. The most essential skills are people skills and public speaking skills. Our biggest obstacles have been ourselves, our own fear and doubt.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The Imaginary Band was formed in Houston by guitarist Tony Jay. In 2014 he moved to Austin to become part of the live music scene. The Imaginary Band met Noella Grey at Kick Butt Coffee where they had both been booked to perform. Tony was so impressed by Noella’s vocal talents he asked her to join the group as lead vocalist. They quickly became friends and collaborators. in 2018 they released their first album under the new name Noella Grey And The Imaginary Band.
During the quarantine we took time to reflect on our stage presence. When we were able to perform live again we reinvented our act. We introduced elaborate outfits and costumes, props such as a bubble machine, and a dynamic narrative which flows through the act.
We also intentionally try to create an environment in which musicians of color are able to thrive.
One of our long term goals is to help Austin get back to being weird.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
HAAM, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. They have helped us tremendously both by providing healthcare and other resources, and by exposing our music to their audience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that our music is affecting people. When people come back inside the venue when they hear us start playing. When people walking down the street hear our music from the sidewalk and change their plans to see us play. When we see people we don’t know personally singing along to our songs in the crowd. When people want to take pictures with us after the show. We can feel our art is resonating with the audience emotionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.noellagreyandtheimaginaryband.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noellagreyandtheimaginaryband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noellagreyandtheimaginaryband
- Twitter: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwim8LTn75qAAxXgkWoFHQvEA7QQFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fnoellagrey%3Flang%3Den&usg=AOvVaw0Lrx6nhcHKOaiY8K9Jm9si&opi=89978449
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noellagreyandtheimaginaryb3480
Image Credits
Jake Rabin Sam Asper