Novulent’s music is the kind that fully immerses listeners into their world. Everything created by the artist is purposeful, unique, creative and never-before-seen. With their third album VOL. 3 released in February, Novulent is at their best, evoking heavy emotions through distorted sonic wizardry.
In anticipation for VOL. 3, an 1824 press conference with rising shoegaze artist Novulent dove into the story behind the project, also giving attendees a first listen into some of the tracks off the new album before they were released.
Out on Feb. 13, VOL. 3 is the third project from the Texas-born Novulent, with its predecessors following in a similar vein, VOL. 1 and VOL 2. The first two albums dove into dark coming-of-age themes and conversations with a past self, where VOL 3 dives into both reflection and narrative, combining the themes of their previous work and creating a cohesive story. Novulent blends influences of shoegaze, alternative and rock to create a sound that is uniquely them and resonates with fans; hazy vocals, fuzzy guitars and crashing drums that work alongside devastating lyricism and heartbreaking themes.
“Without the aesthetics, 70% would be gone,” Novulent said. “When it comes to VOL. 3, in particular, the green tone, the old iPod camera, the DIY headphones — all of that are intentionally, which is supposed to feel at home.”
Influenced by movies, Novulent shared they are very particular about what is being seen — from the colors being used to the way something is portrayed visually, especially on the album cover for VOL. 3. Every little detail was a conscious, intentional decision. Everything is made to evoke a specific emotion within the listener.
Intention is heavy in Novulent’s music video for the track “sacrifice.” Filmed in a VHS camcorder style, Novulent is depicted riding a carousel with tattered wire wings accompanied by writings. When asked what this symbolized, Novulent dives right in, encompassing the entirety of VOL. 3. Through the music video, Novulent is seen facing a bright light carrying heavy wires, where they eventually let go of them, tying back in with themes of being stuck on a never-ending carousel and having to let go to better yourself and to create new beginnings.
“I always have the idea that to improve yourself, to get better, you always have to sacrifice something,” Novulent said. “And in this particular context, it’s really about sacrificing a bond with someone who’s holding you back.”
Through it all, Novulent’s writing process has stayed universally the same as when they first started: on their phone. “I just got better at mixing my vocals to be less scratchy, compared to my older work,” Novulent shared at the conference. Lyrically, however, Novulent feels has gotten more mature, though similarly their process hasn’t changed much. Through writing, they have learned that just adding a specific detail can strengthen a song, while, on the other hand, being too vague could make it not stand out as much.
Novulent’s complex lyricism and storytelling has truly resonated with listeners as their community continues to grow. Novulent emphasized their desire to build something larger than a “fanbase” with listeners, with their main goal for music is to simply make this community “a gigantic safe space for alternative rock.”
STREAM VOL. 3
Keep up with Novulent:
