Meet Noa Sinclair

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noa Sinclair. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noa below.

Noa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only person in a room, presenting myself as I am isn’t necessarily a new thing for me. In some instances there have been other’s who happily tell me how I’m being perceived. This is both verbal and unspoken cues, told in body language, side eyeing and inactions. Creative’s understand that we’re the only one’s who can speak on our craft while standing in our visions. Yes, there will be the select few who see you show, visit ur gallery or watch you in some form of visual media and not be able to relate, for one reason or another. I’d say a healthy level of self confidence/awareness are incredibly important, and knowing how to read a room is crucial as well. Something to always consider is that your name enters rooms you have yet to be in. Before deciding whether or not an opportunity is worth taking allow your work to speak for itself. Along my journey so far, a lot of my experience has be learning via trial and error. This includes performing in front of various crowds, trying different music equipment like pedals and various guitars, modeling workshops and more. Pursuing a music business certification via TISCH also helped me with effectively communicating my music, sometimes you have limited time to share your vision so terminology is crucial. When I enter my business mindset I take it all with me, knowing that the best outcomes for me always come to fruition.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In a single word I would describe myself as multidisciplinary, at this point in my career I refer to myself as a performing artist. One minute I’ll be on set for a photoshoot or commercial, the next I’m prepping for a music gig with a 30 minute set. It’s probably easier to ask what gigs I have going on at the time. I’ve been gigging as a musician and model in Miami for almost 2 years now. I got my start in Miami’s underground scene and have performed for organizations such as Masisi Radio, Call to Action, DWN4WHTVR and many more. When I’m on stage I really like creating that space for audience members to let go and be present in the moment. If my set gives people something good to remember their night from then I know I’ve done my job. As a model/actor I’ve done work for artists like Karol G and Feid in music video’s and recently wrapped on my first lead role in a feature film, directed and written by Yung Bleu. Over the last two Art Basel weekends I’ve also been booked for gigs such as runway walking for agencies, solo music gigs and performing with collaborating local artists at the YoungArts Gallery. In my music I aim to center the stories of black/trans/queer experience(s) because these stories are every bit deserving of being highlighted and shared. As a model I love being a part of helping the designer bring their vision to life, crossing mediums is a learning experience you apply to your own projects and I really enjoy it. In the future I hope to aid other artists in their developmental process of their music and brands. I definitely want to have a bit more practice under my belt before that but it won’t leave my mind for a bit.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’m really lucky that I got to learn music theory at a younger age when in choirs, while I’ve met with plenty of other singers and instrumentalists who have gotten far without it, it helps me whenever I’m trying to convey song ideas. There’s also my artist mindset for both business and creative moments. Because I found myself in professional environments when I was younger I think it prepped and molded me in a way that it’s an easy mental transition. Third, I’d say my resilience. Lemme tell you guitar equipment is not cheap, and decent effect pedal can cost someone near 100$. I’ve learned to maximize my sound with minimal tech before I was taking on paid gigs. From my experience the best thing other aspiring musicians can do is to not allow something like financial limitations stop you from pursuing. Research into what you want your own sound to be is your best tool in the early stage of artistic discovery. Youtube tutorials and reviews have been my best point of research when looking into guitars, effect pedals, and other needs for my own development.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Oh absolutely! Sometimes the best forms of art really does come from collaboration. I’d been in such a “do it yourself” and “optimize self-reliance” mindset that I forgot working with others is one of the best experiences in this industry. That said, anyone who understands the importance of community values already has my interest. Other small queer artists abroad I’d also love the chance to work with. If there’s someone or an organization I see, and feel we’d be able to maximize our talents to create something, then it’s an instant green light for me. Especially if our moral compasses are aligned in terms of shared values. I’d also love the chance to be an opening/supporting act for other artist’s as well. I love my city and the community I’ve found here, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned so far in other places.

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Image Credits

Ali Wisdom

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