Here is an article that was written about me by Dan Cowan, a
staff member at Music Design, a longtime distributor of my music.
I was very touched by Dan’s piece, as I feel he really “got” what
my music is all about.
Music Design, IN REVIEW, May/June 2004 Issue
“Inside each of us is an inner child - an innocent, curious soul
that sometimes gets overwhelmed by the struggles of life. Just
as a child feels warm and secure when serenaded by a mother’s calming
voice, we sometimes crave that sense of reassurance that there is nothing
to worry about as well. With her sweet, caressing music, Shaina Noll administers
to this need. Her albums of soul-nourishing music are a blessing
for the listener, touching and affecting them in ways that few other things
can.
Noll received her vocal training during a period of time that she was
studying to be an actress. She eventually chose to leave this career path,
opting to pursue a degree in transpersonal psychology instead. Between
her studies and her aptitude in music, she brings a unique perspective
to her compositions.
The inspiration behind her first album, SONGS FOR THE INNER CHILD, came
one night while singing a lullaby to help her children fall asleep. As she
sat rocking her youngest child, a realization came to her-that people of
all ages could benefit from the use of this sort of gentle, comforting music
in their lives. Over the period of a few weeks, Noll had compiled ten pieces
that she felt best conveyed the healing message she wished to impart.
These songs really do reach to the heart - the lyrics are positive and
reassuring, the music peaceful and Noll’s singing is a thing of
crystalline beauty. The artist never expected much of a response beyond
that of her family, friends and colleagues. However, a response is exactly
what she got; thousands of people were touched by her exquisite singing.
The album found an audience in various facets of society, from exhausted
mothers to people in recovery to stress-riddled adults. It has been of
great benefit to those on journeys of emotional healing, and has been
used to comfort those with serious and terminal diseases.
Following the release of SONGS FOR THE INNER CHILD, Noll decided
that she wanted to further explore the ways in which the divine
manifests itself in all things - BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY, her
second release was the result.
In the fall of 2002, Noll released her long awaited album YOU CAN RELAX
NOW. This release marked a return to her contemplations of the divine.
Throughout the album, Noll meditates on the question: “If all is
divine, then is there really anything to fear?”; because if there
is nothing to fear, true relaxation becomes possible
Serenity, spirituality and inspiration permeate every aspect of this album,
which features nine lullaby-esque songs of healing and peace. Once again,
listeners have been naturally drawn to her angelic singing and quiet, piano
based arrangements. They provide a much needed repose from the frantic
pace of life, offering an escape to a place of stillness, calm and above
all - loving grace. Noll has a gift for putting people at ease with her
music. With each of her releases she has tapped into a need that many of
us didn’t even realize we had - that of simply being comforted the
way we were as children. And for that reason, we’re all the better
for having joined Shaina Noll on her journey of healing and inner tranquility.”
--Dan Cowan
