We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joe Nolan. Check out our conversation below.
Joe, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Lately I’m regularly getting lost in music. I have a lot of professional obligations in my writing life and my art life. I’m promoting a book and running a poetry workshop, and I’m curating an art exhibition – it’s a group painting show that also features my work. I love all of this stuff, but there’s a lot of work around this stuff and behind the scenes. There’s obligations and expectations, not the least of which are my own. But nearly everyday I find myself stealing 20 minutes to sit down and play guitar or blow some improvised phrases on my wind synth. I just get lost in melodies for a little while. When I come back to earth everything is clearer and less harried.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m and artist and an author based on Nashville. I release my music as Mighty Joe Nolan and my book Nowville: The Untold History of Nashvlle’s Contemporary Art Scene is available through Vanderbilt University Press. I’m also a visual artist, a martial arts enthusiast, and a fly fisherman.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I was always anxious to grow up and by the time I was a junior in high school I knew I loved writing. I stared to entertain the idea that I should take writing seriously and let it be the focus of my life. When I had a meeting with my creative writing teacher she told me I was a talented writer that I should definitely take it seriously. A year later she gave me a set of pens at my high school graduation party. It’s nice that lots of creative people have stories about a special teacher. This one is mine.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Athletics have always taught me a lot about resilience. I was at a jiu jitsu class one evening. I had forgotten to use my asthma inhaler and we were wrestling and grappling pretty intensely at that class. I was paired up with my black belt instructor who was humoring white belt me and providing resistance, but allowing me to progress through various positions as I was able. When the timer buzzed the end of the round, he could tell I was barely breathing, but he was also enthusiastic that I was still struggling forward until the very last moment. I was fine once I got to my inhaler, and I was happy that I didn’t quit.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Rogue One is the best Star Wars film. Nobody kisses. Everybody dies.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When things feel a little anxious and scary. David Bowie talked about the idea that you wanted to get out deep enough into a creative project so your feet weren’t touching bottom. You want to be a little bit in the deep end or you’re not going to have to do anything new and innovative. If you’re not risking anything you’re playing it safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joenolan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyjoenolan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenolannashville
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyJoeNolan
Image Credits
The photo of me should be credited to Antonia Oakes
The book should be credited to Vanderbilt University Press
All the rest to me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
