Setting the tone with a cerebral texture, a pulsing beat and luscious synthscape, Noel Johnson (NDJ) opens Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride with atmospheric, brooding vocals and wise lyricism, as he sings, “When you’re still young, the world makes sense, but once you get older, just no defence, I’ve know regret, I’m just like you, so don’t try to pretend that it’s not true…”
The opus expands into an immersive, dark wave energy that fans of Leonard Cohen would definitely be able to connect with, although there is no doubt that Noel Johnson (NDJ) is creating a universe of his own.
We learn that Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride is inspired by Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing ins Las Vegas,” and the artist’s personal experiences with Ayahuasca. Noel Johnson (NDJ) tells us that “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride is the perfect soundtrack for tripping down the desert highway at night with the top down.”
We deeply appreciate the poetic prowess of the piece, and the conscious lyricism that Noel Johnson (NDJ) shares with his creation. The way that he brings to life the process of taking Ayahuasca is wonderful and unique, and let’s be real, quite rare in music to hear a connected and wise soul share their experience with so much clarity and charisma.
Noel cites Leonard Cohen (which we expected!), Nina Simone, Tame Impala and Post Malone as some of his influences, but lyrically what he is sharing is alternatively expansive in many ways. Speaking on his intention to create, the rising artist from Birmingham, Alabama (who has also lived in South America) says, “I desire to create something beautiful out of the confusion and pain of life. My music is the attempt to entertain people without being shallow or materialistic, to somehow make the profound mystery of life into enjoyable songs.”
With reference to Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride itself, he adds, “I think it’s a song that people with drug experiences or interest in altered states will understand. You are here and this life is what you make of it.”
We are in awe, and grateful for Noel Johnson (NDJ)‘s cinematic and authentic effort. We have added Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream his wider discography including So Out of Style and Life After Death!