Nolle expresses a profound understanding of her emotions in her song writing while introducing new sounds into every project. Nicole Hylton (Nolle) is a 21 year old all-around creative from Calgary, AB who found her passion for music the day she was born into a generation of musical talents. Now residing in Vancouver, BC where she majored in Entertainment Management, Nicole continues to push boundaries by beginning to make a name for herself in this convoluted industry as we know it today. Check out Nolle’s latest single which is set to release this summer. Thank you for taking this interview! How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?
Thank you so much for this opportunity! 2022 has been bittersweet so far, had my own series of unfortunate events occur but I have a job in the entertainment industry and I'm living in a beautiful city. It’s hard to speak on this year's accomplishments when my last project was in 2021 but great things are coming.
Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?
I explain part of this in later questions however, finally seeing music as my passion automatically distracts me from any disappointment which would have led me down the path to burnout. I had to learn a whole new DAW which has allowed me to perfect my production to the best of my ability and I'm excited to prove my growth to not only my listeners but my biggest critic - myself.
How did you come up with your latest project?
My last project “congratulations” was a post-breakup slowcore track that revolved around the little catastrophes that lead to that result in the first place. “You fell into the arms of manipulation while I'm still hand in hand with humiliation” speaks for itself through the lies that we’ve all unfortunately been through in what we thought was love. The song goes on to metaphorically explain every event and feeling that takes place through the emotional rollercoaster that is your first love. The track concludes with my insecurities that lingered for longer than I'd liked to have admitted.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Calgary, AB by my parents who immigrated from the UK shortly after my older brother was born in northern england.
Where do you live now?
I’ve lived in Vancouver on and off since 2019 while attending Capilano University; however, I moved to North Vancouver permanently back in December 2021.
Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?
Music in itself is a feeling, wherever you go there are bound to be different factors that impact the way you create. Even just the short distance from Calgary to Vancouver already feels like a whole new world, especially for creatives.
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
I was born into and grew up around creativity, especially in the music industry. My dad was in a band back in the 70s and my mom sang at the local pub while attending university back in England before they met. I’ve always had an adoration for live music but was particularly drawn to the business and logistical aspect of it which led me to my diploma in Arts & Entertainment Management. During my program in the midst of the pandemic I revisited my love for writing and producing and well - Nolle was born.
How do you want to shape your career?
I hope to shape my career around being nothing but myself, creating only for those who feel any sort of emotion when dissecting my work. Being someone who has adored music from the day I was born to molding my career both creatively and in terms of business around the industry; I hope to be the change and power those whose voices so desperately need to be heard.
Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?
When I started making music for the first time since I was a teenager, I felt obligated to finish an entire project in around 4 weeks time. One day I stepped away from the pressure and simply felt; long story short I wrote one of my favourite songs lyrically to date. In some ways, not seeing it as a career allowed for an immense amount of growth and understanding of myself resulting in the music I've dreamt of making.
How did your latest title of your music come to be?
It’s been a little while since my last project “congratulations” which is one of the few titles that speak for themselves in my discography. My next single “tuesdays” reflects struggles for indie artists trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry. The song goes through the doubt and imposter syndrome of originality in a repetitive industry. The title “tuesdays” comes from the chorus “I should've never listened to tuesdays” describing that trying to be like everyone else won't turn you into yourself.
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?
I think I speak for most artists when I say that you can't get your work out into the world fast enough while it’s simultaneously one of the scariest things you can do. Your version of completeness will never satisfy everyone and that's a very hard pill to swallow publicly.
Do you feel an emotional attachment to your music?
The words I write and turn into music are quite literally my digital emotions. I’ve always struggled with expressing how I feel to anyone but knowing that someone out there will feel the same and connect with my art makes it that much easier to let go into the world.
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?
The lines of genres these days are so blurred that many artists find it difficult to see a clear path of where they fit. The line “the music I write is never what I listen to” in my upcoming release “tuesdays” could not explain better how confusing it is to navigate through genres. I hope one day to truly be declared indie rock however, as of right now I call it indie alternative meets bedroom rock.
Where do they go to listen NOW?
Nothing beats Spotify but you can find me under “Nolle” on any streaming platform.
What has been the best fan reaction to your music?
I once posted a video asking if anyone wanted free stickers to put around their town or city, no matter where they lived in the world - and it blew up. I was absolutely shocked at the response so I added a poster for any fan who pre-saved my song and seeing the poster I made on that fans wall in a different country really changed everything for me. I was once that music obsessed girl with band posters going to a new concert every week; I thought wow this could actually be my future.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
My upcoming release “tuesdays” which is a self produced rock inspired track based on the internal conflict this industry forces you to face will be releasing this summer. I've had the initial lyric idea for this song for over 3 years and I'm beyond excited that it’s finally coming together. Everyone is more than welcome to keep up with me on social media @nollemusic (Ig:@nicolehylton) to follow along on my journey.
Are you performing the song anywhere LIVE?
I wish more than anything that my schedule allowed for live performances other than getting noise complaints from my neighbours…. you can however catch me e-performing on any of my socials.