Image: Spelman NOIRE. Group (Credit: Zeke Rabb)

By Hunter Bonaparte, Arts & Entertainment Coordinator

NOIRE. is a contemporary popular music ensemble of several multi-talented Spelmanites. Maroon Tiger sat down with them to speak about their upcoming “Matters of The Heart!” concert.

The group has been around for a while. Founded in 2015 by Brittany Ruff, the ensemble was created to give Spelman a new outlet for its musical voices. NOIRE.’s President, Hannah Baumgardner, had words on the service that their ensemble provides.

“[NOIRE. is] another opportunity…for girls to express themselves musically,” said Baumgardner.

Baumgardner has a strong team behind her. The group has an extensive e-board that covers everything from social media to archives and wardrobe. 

When they’re not performing, NOIRE. is spreading their knowledge and passion to their peers.

“We’re allowed to create our own music, so we just had a songwriting workshop and the different ranges of creativity that we were allowed to express in the space was so beautiful” said Music Librarian Aislynn Brew.

The ensemble isn’t committed to any particular genre–– in fact, they pride themselves on their shared eclecticism. The idea was to set NOIRE. apart from the beautiful yet highly classical style that persists across school-oriented musical acts.

“Even sometimes after rehearsal I’ll start, y’know, playing a random song on my guitar and like no matter what it is – no matter what I’m playing, someone is going to know what it is because I feel like we all just have like such like a wide genre of taste, there’s overlap everywhere so there’s not really like one specific box that we feel we have to be in.” said Brooklynne, the Social Media Chair.

NOIRE.’s approach does not seek to denigrate other styles. The ensemble sees themselves as a welcome additive to the orchestras and glee clubs that grace the AUC; they just seek to push beyond what is currently offered.

The growth and development of social media, music streaming and, most recently, AI has sparked significant concern amongst the artistic community. NOIRE. sees themselves as a bulwark against the homogeneity created by an artificial environment.

“So much of the music that we listen to is influenced by these algorithms so what’s quick, what’s cheap, what’s easily made, what’s easily consumed,” vocalist and Sophia Davis said. “It shows and it’s disappointing but it’s also reflected in so many other parts of our lives. Like somebody mentioned, fast fashion – it’s the equivalent.”

NOIRE. wants to be a breath of fresh air for the AUC. Their April 26th show will give them a chance to be that. Be sure to visit them at the Johnnetta B. Cole Living & Learning Center II Auditorium on April 26 to see for yourself.

Copy Edited by: Colin Royal, Managing Editor of Print