Hailing from Omaha in Nebraska, Noah James Mass is an exciting new artist with a cinematic flair running through everything he creates. Working as a writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer, Noah comes at music as a complete creative process, building his songs from the ground up to deliver hook-driven alternative rock where driving rhythms, soulful energy and engaging storytelling collide, creating a sound that feels capable of filling a screen while remaining based in the energy of rock music.
His influences include The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age, while guitar and piano provide the initial framework, before organ, strings, synths, sound design and textured percussion enter the picture. Within all those layers sit rock-solid grooves and memorable melodic curves, giving the music an instant magnetism while leaving enough detail for repeated listens to uncover what simmers beneath the surface.
That vision now arrives fully formed on Noah James Mass, his debut seven-track self-titled record, presenting an artist already comfortable with the possibilities of his own production. There’s little sense of Noah treating the album as an endpoint; he’s already producing his next full-length record, positioning the release as the first statement of a much larger creative project.
Recorded at Make Believe Studios, the album is built around custom BilT Guitars, energetic live drum tracking and compelling vocal performance. Its filmic character comes not from sacrificing the grit of rock but from amplifying the atmosphere within it, offering fuzz-rock grooves alongside emotive, reflective songwriting influenced by facing mental health recovery and creative burnout.
Entirely self-produced, Noah takes each song from its earliest guitar or piano origins through layers of instrumentation and vocals, effectively treating the recording studio as another part of the writing process. The engineering was similarly focused on preserving character, with the tracking designed to capture analogue vibes, room warmth and the physical qualities of the performances. Rick Carson subsequently handled the mixing and mastering, completing a production that connects organic texture with modern sound.
“I Am the One,” the album’s opening track, revolves around a soul rock aesthetic, pairing electric piano, intricate guitar textures, tight hybrid drum dynamics and blues-infused energy. From its spacious opening, with gentle key notes and sparse percussion, Noah’s alluring voice enters while the arrangement settles into a laid-back groove. Soulful backing vocals and marching rhythmic energy transform the track into an epic jam where overlapping vocal layers and intricate instrumental flourishes combine to craft an engrossing outing that’s timeless and memorable in equal measure.
“On the Way Down” slows things down with soft key tones, warm bass notes and hushed vocals as sparse percussive shots hint at the incoming groove. Gliding with slick ebb and flow, the blend of pattering drums, delicate instrumentation and emotive vocals casts a sound that’s mesmeric, energising and highly original all at once. “Misery Winter” forms with crunchy guitar lines, jumping with a gritty scene of punchy drums and fuzzy riffs as Noah’s commanding vocals spin catchy melodic leads above, offering a superb showcase of his swaggering rock style.
On “Thinking of You,” the steady pulse of the beat and bounce of lightly gritty instrumentation underpins his captivating vocal performance, offering a hypnotic groove which expands into a stunning chorus of bright melodic leads and uplifting tone. “Better Love Me” arrives with mellow rhythmic sway and power pop-tinged backing vocals as Noah’s impassioned leads ring out above, offering a stellar display of his musical range.
“Rich Girl” rolls into a blues-inflected scene where moody guitar lines and rolling drums form an enthralling rock ride packed full of hooks and invigorating instrumentation. Closing the record with “Out the Door,” another bluesy groove forms through twanging guitar riffs and punchy drums capped by by dynamic leads and sweeping backing vocalisations, offering an incredible finale to Noah James Mass’ sensational debut album.
The debut has already begun gathering momentum, receiving regional radio rotation alongside coverage in The Reader and direct features on KIOS 91.5 FM. With more material on the way, Noah James Mass confirms his status as a must watch new artist on the rise and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next on his thrilling musical journey.
Listen to Noah James Mass below
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