Tyrone Noonan
New York journalist Brad Balfour talks to Tyrone Noonan about his debut solo album I Believe. In meeting Tyrone Noonan on his return from a recent stay in Australia, where he completed tracks for his solo debut album I Believe,....
....his exuberance comes across as both genuine and infectious. He offers a “G’day” handshake and plops into the chair revved up to talk about the arts.
When singer/songwriter Noonan decided to move from his native Australia, first to England, then New York, it wasn’t a matter of abandoning roots but acknowledging reality. He could live a nice life traveling this island continent, one with a unique history and environs both culturally and ecologically, but the creative challenges had diminished.
The shaggy-maned multi-instrumentalist and talented composer was creating songs that reflected the global influences filtering through Australia, so he felt he had to bring his music to the world – and to go to the sources of these influences directly.
Along the way he played in numerous bands, finally settling on the quintet that became known as george. Including sister Katie on keys and vocals, it was his family away from home for 10 years. This art rock band nurtured his creativity, and the dividends were paid back in the great songs he wrote for its double-platinum debut album, Polyserena.
george had a reputation and fan base built on successful independent recordings, extensive touring and indie radio support(particularly from national youth radio network Triple J), but had received little commercial radio play prior to release.
Noonan released a top 10 AIR (Australian indie chart) jazz album, the self-titled debut Palimpsest, followed by the critically-acclaimed rock mini-album Heavy Soul Part One and subsequent successful national tours. His international aspirations soon led to a three month writing/recording stint across the US, followed by an extended period in London, before settling in his current home base of New York.
Having completed his first full solo album I Believe, Noonan is ready to bring his unique musical perspective to both the United States and the world. This uplifting and thoughtful album encapsulates the sounds of Australia, the US and the UK, easily combining pop, rock, soul and reggae, whilst delving into topics both personal and geopolitical.
