Aisha Noel is a multi- talented singer, songwriter and musician. Born in the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, she is emerging as one of the hottest new voices on the local music scene. With a love for the performing arts, at a young age Noel began her musical education in piano and classical ballet. With a passion for writing she partook in various calypso songwriting camps and competed in multiple music festivals representing her secondary school choir. After graduating from the University of the West Indies, Noel traveled to Colombia where her passion for singing pushed her to begin her musical career.
Aisha Noel describes her music as Pop Soca - a fusion of Soca, Pop and Caribbean sounds. Aisha welcomes innovation and brings a contemporary sound to traditional Soca music. Her unique vocal styling appeals to fans both locally and internationally. “I want to uplift with messages of love, celebration and positivity” she points out. “For me it’s about connecting to people’s emotions and making them feel good. It’s not about me, it’s about us. My fans and supporters are my tribe .” To date the young artist has released five productions, ‘Nobody be Safe’, ‘Soca Fever’, ‘Lifestyle’, ‘One Dance’, and 'Sign Your Name’ and written songs for established Soca artists including Machel Montano. Aisha Noel names Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Machel Montano as some of her biggest influences and aims at honing her craft and becoming a world-renowned international artist.
This week the Lakeside Entertainment Group blog talks with Aisha about her musical influences, future plans, and latest release “Sign Your Name.”
LEG: When someone listens to Aisha Noel for the very first time, what do you hope they take away from your music
AN: That love is worth having and fighting for, that it’s good to be bold and speak up for what you want. I also want them to enjoy themselves, most of my releases are really up beat so I know dancing is a must and just celebrate and be free. Life is worth celebrating because it’s one life so just be you and live your lifestyle. That’s from my song, ‘Lifestyle’.
LEG: “Sign Your Name” is out now! You say the song was “inspired by love and is about being bold and going for what you want”. What are 3 things you want that you are currently working towards achieving?
AN: I want to write for established artists and I’ve already started doing that so I’m proud of myself on that achievement. On a more personal level, I’ve been on a journey towards deepening my own level of self love and it’s made me very aware of myself and my thoughts. I want to keep loving and building myself up so that I don’t try to look outside for something that I should be giving to myself. I also want to have multiple streams of income so I’m working on that!
LEG: How much music did you make during quarantine? More or less than usual? Did your approach to making music change because of the pandemic?
AN: I’ve been creating a lot more actually. There are days where it’s just really dull because we literally can’t go anywhere much right now in Trinidad. But I released two songs one video and two other tracks that I co-wrote for artists and I’ve written a lot of others that haven’t been produced yet.
LEG: We are going to Trinidad and Tobago…. What’s the very first thing we should do when we land on the islands?
AN: Try Doubles! Doubles is a dish we have here and it’s made with two baras filled with curry channa and various chutneys. If you can handle pepper I’d say add slight pepper for a nice little kick. You’ll love it.
LEG: You spent some time in Colombia. How and why did you decide to make that journey? What kind of influence does your time there have on your music?
AN: Yes, I went as a volunteer teaching English to high school students and it was such amazing experience. The decision to go was because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and I was still trying to figure out my purpose. I always had a love for music but I didn’t know how deep it went or if I was passionate enough about it. My time there helped to answer those questions and feelings of doubt I had. Coming close to the time I was supposed to leave I got a bad food poisoning and I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. When I thought about the fact that I didn’t give myself the chance it made me really sad so I knew that it was something I had to do. My first song I ever produced was about freedom and not holding back. I also wrote bilingual songs because of my Latin influence and just personal love for the language and culture.
LEG: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist growing up in Trinidad & Tobago and how did you overcome it?
AN: We don’t have enough avenues for young people to learn about the production side of music at an early age. To know that it’s an option for them and who they can talk to if they are interested in it. That was my first hurdle and I think the biggest one because at the time I really didn’t know where to start. By luck or by God when I got back to Trinidad without even looking I met someone that happened to be a connected producer. But that’s always the first couple questions aspiring artists that message me on my socials ask me because the information isn’t as readily available as it could be.
LEG: What 5 people (past or present) would you invite to a dinner party and why?
AN: Michael Jackson and Prince because I love them both and dinner would turn into a party. Santana because we need those guitar strings and he’s a living legend. Nicki Minaj because she’s also Trini, she’s an Icon and she does the best rap verses. Although I’d love to talk to her more than anything. I have to add a boss producer in there so Timberland.
LEG: Our Lakeside Living Co. brand slogan is “Find Your Lake”. What does your version of peace and relaxation look like?
AN: Lots of trees and flowers, laying in the grass, looking up at the clouds and the bids in the sky. Just being present, thankful and one with my surroundings.
LEG: What advice would you give to a young female artist in the islands with a dream of performing and sharing their music with the world?
AN: Go for it girl! You can do it just don’t doubt yourself or your abilities. Everyone great started from somewhere and with persistence, hard work and determination you can do anything. Your team also matters a lot so surround yourself with people that want to see you win.
LEG: What can we expect to see from you in the second half of 2021 and beyond?
AN: Expect to see more music, more collaborations, more great content, videos and all of the blessings from the Universe.