Q&A: Steve Noonan, performing tonight at Brit’s

Local singer/songwriter Steve Noonan is bringing his colorful melodies to Brit’s Pub tonight at 8 p.m. Backing him up is Nick Salisbury on bass, timmyz on drums and Blair Krivanek on electric guitar.

Noonan’s acoustic guitar-driven songs, which have such poetic titles as I can lead, Far Away and The Light of Day, are easy to listen to, yet meaningful. The lyrics, which touch on universal themes like heartbreak and exhilaration, are brought to life through Noonan’s expressive, full voice. Think Tom Petty, Oasis and Aimee Mann, “stirred and shaken,” as Noonan put it. The outcome is rich and enjoyable.

Noonan, whose self-titled EP was released in March, said that his musical influences stretch back to the 70s, following with the postmodern British bands of the 80s and some current artists like John Shanks and The Matrix. The singer/songwriter honed his musical talents at the Boston-based Berklee School of Music.

Here’s a Q & A that I managed to snag with Noonan this afternoon, via email:

Can you say a little more about how you would describe your work? What kinds of themes do you find yourself dealing with? Any common threads?

I like to think it’s music that has integrity in its melodies, chord changes, and arrangements. I want my songs to be singable to people who hear and like my sound. The themes range from leaving behind a break-up and being happy about it while driving in a convertible, to feeling like I shouldn’t sleep so late because so many people are up earlier performing their various tasks. So, really no common threads song to song.

In addition to your schooling/training and some of the influences you’ve already mentioned, what kinds of experiences have enriched your music and made it what it is?

Seeing other artists play live, their stage presence, and the structure of their songs. I like song that have sections that connect well.

What do you hope people take away from the music and where can people find your EP?

I simply hope people get enjoyment from listening to my songs.  They can order online from Amazon, CDbaby, iTunes, or in-person at the Electric Fetus here in Minneapolis.

How about a little on what you like to do outside of work?

I like sitting in the rays of a setting sun with no wind, with a good ale and good company.

For more information about Steve Noonan or to listen to some sample songs, here’s his myspace page.

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