We were lucky to catch up with Nolia Joy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nolia, thanks for joining us 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 was raised in a musical family. My dad has had a bluegrass band since the 90s, he was the guitarist and one of the singers. So growing up, I would go to sleep listening to them play, at family parties we would have jams and I was always invited to sing and play along. When I was 4, I wrote my first song with my dad called Baby Drives A Car. At 5, my mama and mamadear (my grandmother) got me a piano for lessons. I began singing with my dad during his band’s breaks at gigs. Then at 12, I started getting into guitar and taking that seriously. My dad showed me the chords, G, C, D, and Em. From there, I blossomed and my songwriting grew and my style took shape. I was offered a regular gig where he was gigging during high school. Then during 11th grade, me and some girls from school formed a band called Breakfast 4 Dinner (we have stuff out on all platforms). I already had solo chops for some time, this really began to grow my ensemble skills. How to write songs with people. Most of the songs for the band I would begin writing and we’d finish them together. Or I’d come with a chord progression and a chorus and we’d write off of that. But by the end of our time as a band (11th-12th grade) we were starting from scratch together. I think a lot of my ensemble skills come from bluegrass jams and knowing when to come down in volume and when to really utilize dynamics to show which person of the group has the floor. These skills are so essential to being a musician, especially in college and ultimately in the working world.

Nolia, 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?

My name is Nolia Joy, I am known for my soulful voice and poignant lyrics. I create a timeless sound rooted in Americana music. I have been told I have a talent and skill with making simple, and small things mean so much more and make my listeners relate on a much deeper level. My music is on all streaming platforms. I am working on recording some more songs soon. I got into the music industry through my roots background, playing at bluegrass festivals, learning through my dad, and going to Rollins College for their music program. Recently, I have really found my sound in Americana and roots music through my mentor, Dan Flick at Rollins. He has really influenced me to get back to what I know and opened windows to growing that sound. I have really found my flow in writing. I use it in a cathartic way to process my emotions. I always say I am not so good at the talking part, but when it comes to singing, I can say exactly what I feel. Just last semester (fall 2024) I started a band, Nolia Joy & The Ramblers with Simon Ramos on drums and Thomas Todia on fiddle. We just recently won The Battle of The Bands at Rollins. Simon has told me that every song I write is something different with the same heart, and that has meant a lot to me. And Thomas says he’s really appreciated the experience because he is fully classically trained, so it has challenged him and he has grown. And I have grown from playing with both of them. They are both such talented and skillful musicians, with much variety and ability. It has grown how I have been writing my music, leaving room for them to unleash their instruments and let them express themselves through my songs. I am most proud of my writing and how consistent I am. I am also proud of the covers I do, Allman Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Sierra Ferrel, Tyler Childers, The Beatles, etc. It has been a struggle to be consistently posting my music and reaching out to restaurants and bars while also continuing to do well in school. Growing my fan base has been a challenge when I can’t put 100% of my energy into my music career, which is a struggle and frustrating. However, I am taking it one step at a time, getting a degree in music to further my career once I am out of college in two years. I am excited to see where I’ll go.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Mainly just to release what I was feeling and experiencing and putting it somewhere, but after taking The Show Goes On class at Rollins College, where we researched, wrote, and performed a show/musical (song after song telling the story) about the history and conservation of the Indian River Lagoon, I realized I can do something bigger with my music. I would love to use my music to advocate for the conservation of land, specifically Florida land. My dad, other than being in a bluegrass band, is a Forester working for UF, running his own program teaching landowners how to take care of their land and such. This has influenced me tremendously to care about the environment. Specifically Florida because I am a seventh generational floridan through my mama’s side of the family. It wasn’t until this year that I thought I could make a living by marketing preservation through my music (influenced like John Denver, Jimmy Buffet, Molly Tuttle, etc).

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Be appreciative of your local artists. If you own a restaurant or bar, pay them. This is how we are making our living and it can be a hard life. I am lucky enough to have a support system around me, but I know adult artists that are on their own and struggling. I come from Gainesville, Fl and there are places that cherish music. Like Satchels Pizza, for example. Artists get good time on stage, free dinner and free drink, plus keep their own tips. Going to Rollins and playing around Orlando has been a struggle and it’s been hard finding a place to be a regular at and be able to be paid. Most places I am hired for “experience” which I have. Since I was 6. And then tips, which in some of these places, are not much. Appreciate entertainment. It’s what makes a party a party!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nolia.joy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/165bhA39xJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/noliajoy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@noliajoysings?si=CYgursYPBdXJA9Ac

Image Credits

Kerry Gellman @kerri_kaptures on instagram. For Nolia Joy & Ramblers photos at the battle of the bands.