Every small town has a kid dreaming of getting out, and Nep just turned hers into an album.
Florida-based singer songwriter Nep recently released her debut album Noelle via Harbour Artists and Music. Nep has a way of writing that feels unique and personal, a way of turning chaos and pain into something strangely fun. The record plays like her own indie-pop diary, packed with stories of heartbreak, late nights and a nostalgia straight out of a coming-of-age film.
Across 12 tracks, Nep tells her story through honest lyricism and pretty, layered production, pulling together sounds of indie pop, alt rock and folk all in one.
One standout track is “Daytona.” Nep references her hometown throughout the record, but on this track it feels the most direct. It’s raw, loud and witty – a personal story about where she’s from and how it’s shaped her. She’s angry, she’s honest, and her rock sounds blend perfectly with her words: “Daytona sucks now, didn’t you notice / that nothing is happening? That nobody’s happy?”
The song opens with softer vocals and minimal instrumentals, but it doesn’t take long to build into that angry, restless energy, full of crashing drums, buzzing guitars and sharp, emotional vocals. Nep sings about wanting to be famous, but underneath it all, “Daytona” feels like the moment she finally outgrows her hometown, and the sound that proves she’s ready for bigger stages.
The rest of Noelle keeps the same vibes of chaos and control, moving between a range of emotions but always keeping her unique sound. “All Around Beauty” is a song about seeing her ex at a college party, but she manages to make it sound beautiful. It opens with prettily plucked guitars, soft vocals and gentle folk sounds before evolving into a fun, driving beat with a groovy, bass-driven rhythm. It’s such a fun track to listen to.
There are some deeper cuts on the album, too. The title track “Noelle” builds through orchestral soundscapes and intimate vocals. The strings really stand out when listening, and the whole song feels cinematic.
You can listen to Noelle here:
Keep up with Nep: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube
