Interview: The Noble Front (Written)

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with Barry Gleeson, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the hard rock band The Noble Front.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

My name is Barry Gleeson, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the band The Noble Front. I got into playing guitar and writing a long time ago now. I always loved rock and metal music and decided to begin writing and creating my own band and record during the lockdowns. It has been a very rewarding and cathartic experience and my debut album just released on January 4th.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I play hard rock music, with elements of metal and prog.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

New album has just released. I’m really excited to get it out there as it’s come together really well and it’s been a long time coming. The feedback so far has been really positive. Touring-wise, I am finalising a band lineup and will keep followers posted as to upcoming shows in the near future hopefully.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

I think the most positive experience about making music has been the connection it brings to other people. Between working with friends and other musicians on the recording process to the reactions and well wishes you get when you announce upcoming releases, it’s been really positive and enjoyable overall.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

I reckon the biggest challenge has been the mixing and editing stage of the recording process. Although I enjoyed it overall, the constant small changes and pedantic alterations you tend to make to the tracks was very time-consuming and challenging. A lot of patience was required and I’m delighted that it’s out there now.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

As this is a new venture for me, I’m only getting my first taste of these modern expectations now. So far it has been interesting and positive , with friends and family wishing me well. But I can predict what the future may hold; in the judgment of my music being quantified in likes and follows . I will have to ground and remind myself that what I have created has been the best that I could have done. And that I can grow from the experience and aim for even better next time. I really learned a lot over the last couple of years!

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

As I stated above, this is new to me. But what I see as being a double-edged sword is the way the algorithm works for bands and artists. It can promote music to the upper echelons or demote them to obscurity. I also think the quick and fleeting nature of social media platforms such as tik tok and Instagram has diminished the value of real music. As an artist , you just have to remember that your music is meaningful to you, and to keep motivated to grow and learn.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Just give it a go really ! Music is there to be enjoyed. It may resonate with you, and if it does, a follow or share would be much appreciated!

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I read and try to get some exercise in a few times a week. Going to shows is important to me as well, as I take inspiration from them.

10. Where can people find you?

Spotify | Instagram | Facebook