Canadian singer, songwriter and musician Noeline Hofmann makes her Irish debut when she supports Zach Bryan at his three sold-shows in Phoenix Park on 20, 21 and 22 of June. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
21-year-old Noeline released her debut seven-track EP, Purple Gas, last October and Zach has since covered the title track of the EP on his latest album.
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"I have never covered another musician on an album and it's because I was waiting on someone to write a song like this," he says. "Noeline resonates like Gillian Welch to me and Gillian is one of my favourite musicians to ever live."
Speaking about the EP, Hofmann says, "Purple gas is dyed fuel sold at a lower tax rate to farmers and ranchers for agricultural use in Alberta, Canada, where I'm from.
"It’s similar to off-road fuel in the US and you need a special license plate to burn it on public roads. The title of this project is a metaphor. In my mind, purple gas, as a commodity, symbolizes resilience and the rural attitude of where I'm from."
She adds, "The songs on this project have been the petrol in my tank, fuelling every step taken while I run after my north stars and follow the constellation's lead off the beaten path. They will continue to be on the next stretch of ground that will unravel with their release."
How would you describe your music?
Lyric driven, image rich, gritty, dancing between the lines of country, rock, and folk.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Emmylou Harris, Turnpike Troubadours, Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Emmylou Harris - Elite Hotel.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Love is a Rose - Linda Ronstadt.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Ride the blue wind, high and free" - Rex's Blues by Townes Van Zandt. I have it tattooed on my forearm!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Impossible choice, but I’ll say Rex’s Blues by Townes Van Zandt.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first one that stands out in my mind was a Colin James concert as a kid.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.
Alan Corr
