Today we’d like to introduce you to Noa Sinclair
Hi Noa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s always a bit daunting whenever I’m asked to introduce myself or talk a bit about me. Not because I can’t think of anything, but pinpointing a singular trait and sticking with it isn’t exactly a strong suit. I’m bits of a lot; multidisciplinary and intersectional. To have the full picture of me you really can’t have one without the other, and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I now live in Miami I was born and raised in Connecticut. My mom was very passionate about both me and my sister exploring the arts growing up. I began with dance and acting at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven at age 5. As I got a bit older singing and music became more dominant, by the time I moved onto 7th grade I already participated in my school’s choir, town-wide and regional. Songwriting is a little different because I remember making up little jingles to remember things told to me, but it wasn’t until I was 16 that I realized I could expand on that more. When I heard about how Sia was a lyricist for a lot of artists I began to look deeper into lyrical structure of actually writing a song. Since then my notes app and I have been completely inseparable. Playing guitar however is very much new thing, when I first started going out to events where singers were performing I realized a lot of them had guitars in their hands. If I was going to perform and give my best each time there’s no way I was going to do it with backing tracks alone. Lianne La Havas was also a major influence, the way she seemingly orchestrates the ambiance of a room or stage with her vocals and guitar together is an experience I wish I could feel for the first time again. So I got a guitar and looked up some tutorials on YouTube, began playing covers and my own original songs too. Now I’ve got my Jazzmaster in hand and it really feels like an extension of myself when I’m playing. I still have a lot to learn but I think my growth from a year ago speaks for itself.
Last year was really when things took off for me, I was booked for my first music gigs and got back into modeling. Whenever I wasn’t at my own gig I was attending and supporting someone else’s, getting to know people in the underground scene and making new friends. I quickly found myself aligned with local artists, event organizers and in curated spaces where blackness, queerness and neurodivergency were key components when currating events. These became common spaces where I found myself performing and slowly growing a following and planting roots. Earlier this year me and two friends organized an event for trans day of visibility, and to this day I still have people come up to me and recall this event because of it’s impact and how well it went. I’ve begun working with other artists outside of music too, like Jesus Pineda, a local designer who customized the pants I wear for shows and created a denim chest piece for performances too. I found my community, though it also feels like they found me. When I perform I bring all of me into my gigs, both culturally and personally. It’s nice to have a community that wants to see more of my mentality, I’m thriving to be honest.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think moving to Florida was likely one of the biggest hurdles, to completely uproot myself and take a chance in another state. Starting over didn’t just mean for music, I was now in a completely different social climate, where I didn’t know a single person or resource for artistry. For a whole year I didn’t have an outlet for music, and my closest to a social life were customers at work. It wasn’t until a year later I found a nonprofit that not only held events but also offered classes for vocalists. It was one of a few victories I think made the most difference in the whole 5 years of living in Broward. The first half year of living in Miami had similar challenges, the social culture was a lot steeper and I hadn’t found any circles or places where I could grow. I was almost ready to give up but something told me to give Miami one more year. Sure enough things changed, after attending an arts intensive program called Artists as Catalysts back in 2023 I was invited out to events and found a small artist crowd. One social circle and event led to another and before I knew it I was getting booked for modeling and music gigs alike, and being expected at some locally organized functions. After what felt like a completely immersive year I’ve absolutely fallen for the magic of this city, it’s home.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One thing I’m most proud of is where and how I’m getting my start as a musician. Not just the city but for the scenes that have gravitated towards me. My very first gig in Miami was Queerfest, a variety show that raises funds for queer survivors of sexual assault. I once heard Nina Simone say “an artist’s duty as far as I’m concerned is to reflect the times.” Since first hearing that it’s been something that I carry with me and keep in mind when making decisions as an artist. When I perform it’s also a cause towards recognition of intersectional talent and representation, but to help further other causes that align is also a major plus. The larger my platform grows the more I aim to bring intersectionality into conversations of social change and progress. The overlapping of race, gender identity, sexuality and neurodivergency is something we’re going to keep seeing. Representation in media still plays a large role in those convos, so getting the stories as accurate as possible is crucial. Even as I’m in the studio recording songs I’ve performed live and people are familiar with, I plan to release an LP that has highlights of trans/queer love and neurodivergency. When I first started writing and sharing I realized how vulnerable it was to share a piece of yourself like this, but for the sake of someone feeling recognized and understood I think it’s totally worth it. I’m proud of being able to contribute to my community via my music, specifically the queer night life community. My music at gigs have been mostly indie/alternative with elements of calmer and intimate vibes, for a city that’s known for it’s parties I’m glad there are still those who are open to something a little different. Going from an artist who only played with backing tracks to who I am now, with my guitar, backdrop, merchandise and more is so much more than I could have expected and I’m living for every second of it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
There’s no way that I would be the artist I am now without the support from local and community arts programs I got to attend, most importantly being taught by amazing teaching artists. That said there are so many other artists out there who don’t have access to these kind of spaces and programs, to those I say don’t think a mentor is some kind of highly profiled person with major intel that you meet with on a basis. I’ve learned a lot just from observing other artists both local and mainstream, studying mainstream artists by looking at how they present themselves and their work in performances and interviews is a great way to learn, especially when that artist has similarities to you as well.
Orthogonal thinking always helps too, meaning just because something is in a completely different lane doesn’t mean it’s not going in the same direction, learn from others outside your art forms as well because you never know what can happen.
I also strongly believe in surrounding myself with people who make me want to grow and be a better performing artist and person overall, my community plays a crucial role in that. The events I go to are normally run by organizers I’m familiar with, who’s missions align with my own. Seeing how my friends run their events and the impact it makes on people is a great motivator. Mental note taking has also become second nature at this point.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsinclair.audio/
- Other: sinclairtalent1@gmail.com
Image Credits
Mikah Amani, Audrey Torres, Sid
