We’ve recently written about Noah Hoffeld’s stirring and thought-provoking song, ‘Born For America‘, a track that examines the situation in the United States at present, how much has changed with the country, and what can be done to restore its position in the world. A lot of the questions the song asks have no real answers, unless everyone works together; thankfully, when we spoke to Noah, he had answers to *our* questions, and every last reply was thoughtful and insightful.
Thanks for speaking to us today Noah!
Your new single, ‘Born For America’, will strike a chord with everyone who listens to it, no matter where in the world we live. So many of us have grown up with the idea of the US being the leader of the free world, but in the past 10 years or so it’s felt like we’ve been told a lie; America is deeply flawed – the emperor has no clothes. Of course, I’m speaking as someone on the outside looking in – but how is it for you, for the people who live there? What solutions are there to bring America back to what it once was?
It’s definitely very challenging for us here as well.
I think the Beatles got it right when they said Love is All You Need. When we have leaders moving in that direction, things go well. When government succumbs to greed and racism, things go down the tube very quickly. The challenge for Americans is two-fold: to vote compassionate leaders into office, and also to work on ourselves so that we hold love for all people, and the planet- and make decisions based on that unbiased love and kindness for all.
I live in the UK and we certainly have plenty of our own problems, but we look to America to lead – and to an extent, the solutions that work there will be transferrable. So – how can we heal America?
Martin Luther King Jr. pointed the way to that healing. He taught that Love is the only force that can conquer hate. It’s easy to hate someone you disagree with, but you just increased the division! We need to stand up to injustice, but without putting those we disagree with into boxes, because it’s division that’s tearing us apart.
The minute we think ‘us and them,’ we lose the love we need to heal the nation, and the World. It’s not an easy row to hoe, but if we look back through history we see it’s created real, lasting change. Gandhi is another shining example of that approach.
You’re a multi-instrumentalist and a graduate of Juilliard. What’s your favourite instrument to play, and why? Do you favour any particular instrument brands?
I love playing all kinds of instruments. One of the amazing things about picking up a new one is that it immediately suggests new musical ideas, melodies and riffs. That really opens things up for me as a songwriter. But playing the cello will always have special power for me, since it’s what I’ve done since I was very small, and it’s so beautiful. There’s something so healing about interacting with a physical, vibrating instrument.
Who or what inspires you in your everyday life? Why, what is it about them that makes them so inspiring?
I’m inspired by my friends and family. For example, my girlfriend is an incredible human who shows me how to be a good person. I’m amazed by her willingness to go out on a limb to help others. It’s really opened up my world to experience that first hand, and try try try to get out of my little self-absorbed world. It’s not easy though! It takes constant work to break through and be available to others in a meaningful way.
Likewise, who inspires you musically, and why?
I’m inspired by the songwriters who brought deep and world-changing messages through their music- John Lennon, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie- these are just a few. I strive to reach that level of impact- but it can’t be done with poor music as the vehicle for great words. The music itself is part and parcel with the message, and that’s the amazing pairing those guys achieved. It’s due to that unassailable combination that their songs have helped make this world a better place for everyone.
If suddenly all music disappeared from the world, what would you do instead?
Amazingly, the Taliban have actually forbidden music in Afghanistan. Can you imagine? What could it be like to live without music? It’s very sad to think about. If I had to live without it, I think I would turn to spirituality full time- studying and meditating all day. That’s my biggest passion alongside music. How would I make a living? Now that’s a good question. Haha. I have to say I have no clue. Besides music, I really don’t know how to do much!
Finally, and I ask this question of everyone I speak to, what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, and what’s the answer to that question?
How ‘bout the old dinner party with dead people question? That’s a great one! I’d invite Ludwig van Beethoven, Prince, Janis Joplin, and Nina Simone. Then we could all rap about the great music we love, and how it’s changed the World.
Thanks for having me guys. I really appreciate your deep and penetrating questions.
Watch the video for ‘Born For America’ below, and follow Noah Hoffeld online for more about the man and his music. You can find him on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Comments