Sophomore broadcast, telecommunications and mass media major Noel Scales can be best described as “floetic.” The musician-poet has createdsongs alongside coveted music producer Dannie Phantom, starred in Russell Simmons’ national HBO reality documentary, “Brave New Voices,” and performed as a spoken word artist for the renowned poetry collective Babylon.” Scales let The Temple News in on her dreams of breaking into the music industry.
The Temple News: When did you fall in love with music?
Noel Scales: I first fell in love with music when I was very young, as a toddler. My mom used to listen to Michael Jackson, Prince, the soundtrack to “Sarafina!” and Whitney Houston. My mom said I always used to scream, “And I will always love you,” in the backseat in my car seat. I just always loved how happy music made me when it came on, so I always gravitated toward it.
TTN: What is your greatest accomplishment working in the music industry?
NS: I am still working toward getting involved in the music industry. I wouldn’t call any of my accomplishments great just yet, but some of my stepping stones include performing for the Welcome America [celebration] in 2008 and being featured on HBO’s “Brave New Voices” as a spoken word artist.
TTN: What is it like working with Phantom?
NS: Working with Dannie Phantom is the most exciting thing in the world. His vision is literally like something I have never seen before, and because we’ve known each other for a while, everything we create is so authentic. His production and artistic abilities remind me a lot of Kanye West, and that’s no exaggeration. I feel honored to work with him.
TTN: What current projects are you working on?
NS: Currently, I am creating my first [extended play]. It will be a five-to-eight-track disc that will feature all original songs produced by Danny Phantom and written by me. I’m really excited to put this out because everyone currently knows me as a spoken word artist. So for them to be able to hear my music is exciting.
TTN: How has your life as a poet influenced your music?
NS: My life as a poet directly influences my music. If I hadn’t taken a break from music to do poetry, I wouldn’t have realized how badly I wanted to do it. It’s kind of weird. Sometimes my poems inspire songs, and my songs inspire poems, so I kind of merge them into one. On the EP there will be poetry, as well.
TTN: How has your job as a resident assistant allowed you to mentor other aspiring musicians?
NS: My job as a resident assistant [at Hardwick residence hall] for the School of Communications [and Theater] living learning community floor has allowed me to mentor a few students working to become spoken word artists and musicians. Being an RA allows me to work closely with students, while Babylon gives students all over campus the opportunity to show everyone what they’re made of. It’s really exciting, and I’m ready for the 2011-12 Babylon year. It’s going to be explosive.
Jamal Robinson can be reached at jamal.robinson@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment