Pedal Steel Noah Photograph by Holly Faulkner
Texas phenom Pedal Steel Noah will release the Texas Madness EP on April 1, 2024, via Lightning Rod Records. The 5-song set features two original songs written by Noah as well as his popular renditions of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” and Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels.” Noah’s debut was recorded in Austin and Nashville and features accompaniment by his 13-year-old brother Nate on bass, his father Jay on guitar, and Pat Manske on drums.
Today, Pedal Steel Noah releases his rendition of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” as well as an original song, “Cleopatra.” Noah says, “I am very happy and proud to be sharing my music with the world! I’m so glad Nate and I could make this record together and all our friends get to hear it.”
SHARE PEDAL STEEL NOAH’S “LOVE WILL TEAR US APART” AND “CLEOPATRA”
A 16-year-old musician based in Austin, Noah Faulkner has won hearts with his daily Instagram videos, which feature him covering ‘80s and ‘90s hits on pedal steel. His brother plays bass, and their dog Kara looks on. Texas Monthly recently featured Noah for their “Best Thing In Texas” series, saying, “In an Austin revival of a traditionally Nashville sound, Faulkner brings the sliding notes and deep vibrato of pedal steel to his Gen Z peers.”
His impressive fan base includes an influential list of supporters and followers including R.E.M., Johnny Marr of the Smiths, Peter Hook of New Order, Frank Black of Pixies, designer Todd Oldham, Jenny Lewis, Big Thief, Jason Lee, Neko Case, and many more. “Pedal Steel Noah and Barefoot Nate are tight!” exclaims Jason Lytle of Grandaddy. “So good! Maybe even dog whisperers!” And the Polyphonic Spree’s Tim DeLaughter says, “This new Pedal Steel Noah EP manages to reimagine classics with just enough nostalgia through the familiar melodies, and chill enough while putting the soul of Texas in the air. I love it!”
Noah is on the Autism spectrum, and the Texas Madness EP will be released in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. 100% of the profits from the sale of the EP will flow directly to Noah.
At the age of 9, Noah taught himself the basics of piano and began formal study with Terry Allen’s son, the musician Bukka Allen, at age 10. After Bukka introduced him to the Texas music legend Lloyd Maines, Noah’s interest turned to the pedal steel. Maines helped Noah find his first pedal steel and gave him his first—and only—lesson. From there, Noah taught himself by watching videos of Maines and Buddy Emmons and by listening to other country music legends. On October 15, 2022, he posted his first pedal steel video to Instagram, with the subject #pedalsteelguitar is life. He has posted regularly since then, offering his own interpretations of songs by Devo, George Strait, Thompson Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, and Fleetwood Mac, among many others. His Instagram fanbase has ballooned to more than 60,000 followers.
Pedal Steel Noah will appear multiple times at the SXSW Music Festival this week. He’ll perform during the festival opening night party this evening, and he’ll open the Black Keys keynote event on Thursday afternoon. On Saturday, Noah will perform live during the Austin City Limits Radio/KGSR’s morning broadcast. Noah will also support the Polyphonic Spree for three Texas dates on March 29 and April 26 and 27. Please see live appearances below, with more to be announced.
The Texas Madness EP will be released across streaming platforms on April 1 and can be pre-saved NOW via LIGHTNING ROD RECORDS.
Sean Hocking called this “genius performance art” and he is, of course, correct:
