Emily Nolan is a singer, songwriter and figure model. She was recently interviewed by Famo Celebrity Magazine and below is the Q&A session, we had with her.
Introduction – Can you tell us a bit about your yourself?
My name is Emily Nolan, I am a British singer/songwriter and figure model based in Manhattan! I am currently working for the Triad Theatre on 72nd street, and model for the School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York School of Arts (NYSA) and Grand Central Academy (GCA), as well as doing gigs for my original songs in venues around Manhattan and Brooklyn.:)
Personal Background – Can you share a little experience about your Upbringing and Early Life?
My upbringing was fortunately very loving. My family have always supported me in my dreams of being a performer, my dad’s side of the family are largely creatives (artists, actors, singers), so I believe I got that trait from them. I have loved to perform from a young age, from getting on stage for karaoke as a child and crying because I didn’t actually know all the words (I just wanted to be on stage at all costs ) to my dad supporting me in my first ever acting classes, and getting me my first guitar, the support I’ve had from early childhood has definitely shaped my confidence and successes so far in my adult life
Career and Achievements – What do you consider the Highlights of your Career so far?
Some of my highlights would be being apart of the 2025 Women’s Playwright Collective. I was lucky enough to be asked to act in 2 of the plays running in the festival, one of them winning the selection to be produced into a full-scale play next year. I also had the privilege this year of performing at 54 below in Peter Filichia’s Broadway Tales and Tunes Show. I accompanied the Broadway legend Jackie Hoffman, and got to perform alongside amazing performers who originated major Broadway roles: Penny fuller, Karen Mason, Lee Roy Reams, Josie de Guzman, and many more!)
Other highlights have gotta be all the wonderful cabarets I’ve done around Manhattan and Brooklyn, including my own show in Brooklyn “Emily Nolan and Friends” at the Brooklyn Music Kitchen, and singing in Riley Given’s newest Album in 2024 “Flying Solo” which is on all streaming platforms!
Challenges and Growth – What are some of the Challenges you’ve faced in your Career, and how did you Overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my craft with everyday life. I kept second guessing what the “right” thing was to prioritise, and felt guilty for choosing other things like laundry or work over an audition, for example. Finding that balance is still something I’m working on, but I’ve come to an understanding that you are your business, so you need to take care of yourself in order to be able to excel in your artistry.
Passions and Hobbies – What are your Interests and Hobbies outside of your Career?
I love reading, running, and watching slam poetry performances 🙂 I also like being educated on movies (as in, I’m not usually much of a movie person, but when someone specifically recommends something to me and watches it with me, it’s fun)
Milestones and Future Goals – What are some of the Milestones you hope to Achieve in the coming years?
I would really love to be in an Off Broadway show, I love being in casts and being apart of the creative journey with a whole group of people. I love my solo gigs but nothing beats connecting with other performers through creating together. I would also really like to release my own music. I have a few songs recorded on my phone (very informally), but I would like to get them produced and released 🙂
Life Lessons – What is the most Valuable Lesson you’ve learned in your Life or Career?
“Nothing worth having comes easy” I tell myself that a lot when things get difficult, and sometimes it can be really hard to face things like self doubt or fatigue, or even lacking artistic drive sometimes. But if this career was easy then everyone would be doing it, and the accomplishments that come from it would not have as much meaning as they do now.
Advice for Aspiring Artists – What advice would you give to Young Artists looking to make a Mark in the Industry?
Do everything. Everything that looks interesting to you or sounds fun. Meet new people and put yourself and your work out there. Also, know that 9 out of 10 people you meet don’t have their lives figured out either, so when things feel messy and inconsistent, know that you’re still moving forward even if it doesn’t feel like it, and everyone else is probably doing the same 🙂
Rapid-Fire Round:
*Favorite book or movie name?
“A little life” by Hanya Yanigahara
*One word to describe yourself?
Impulsive
*If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Emily Davison (suffragette)
*Favorite travel destination?
Thailand
In the Last, what are your Social Media Platform Links?
Instagram: @x.emily_n
