Courtney Noe is pop powerhouse hailing from Portland, OR. We were lucky enough to catch up with this badass babe to ask her a few questions about her song "Like That" which has a music video premiering on Monday, March 13th, as well as her inspirations. See what Courtney had to say and check out the single "Like That" below!
"Like That" addresses female sexuality head on in a way that is uplifting and powerful for women, what was your inspiration for the concept behind the song and video?
-The beat sounded sexy to me so I just wanted to write a “sexy song” but when I started writing I pulled from situations and men I’ve experienced and it just snowballed. My co-writer kept sending me ideas and I’d say, “No, it needs to be sexier”. Eventually she had to get drunk to help me write it. I was sober- if that tells you anything.
The visual story started off as a simple black and white concept, but when I began looking through the footage I realized I was feeling super self-conscious and was feverishly trying to keep out any shots that would be deemed “unflattering”. I realized this was an opportunity to empower women. It’s rare to see someone who isn’t toned in all the right places flaunt her curves in a photo let alone a music video. I couldn’t just pretend that we didn’t have 3 minutes worth of cellulite saying 'hi' to the camera. I decided if I liked the shot, I’d use it, even if I didn’t look “perfect” in it. I feel like my body type is one that a lot of women have; yet is rarely seen. The problem is that only specific body types are represented in the media, especially when it comes to what’s classified as “sexy”. I go to the gym, I eat well, I look like this. I love how I look. Not everyone has a stomach that is flat as a board, or legs that are smooth as silk-that doesn’t mean you’re not FIRE. I wanted 'Like That' to either further support women who are confident in their body image or help boost the confidence of those that need little jump start. Own what you have and rock it.
I really pride myself on being real. Women empowerment is a really important issue for me and I want to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk. I hate that there is so much pressure for women to uphold a certain physique and the scrutiny we have to endure. I think the worst offenders are often ourselves. It took me being very cognizant of my thoughts toward my body to get to where I am today, and I still have my issues, but I really try to love how I look and not tear myself down if I am having an off day. Most of it is a mental game.
What badass women were your role models growing up and helped shape you into the woman you are today?
My number ones are my mom and my grandma. Between the both of them I was pretty much destined to be an independent & driven woman. They’re both so strong and intelligent and can do anything, but also are loving and warm and SO encouraging (I’m still perfecting the last two qualities).
Aside from them I've always worshipped Oprah. I love that she doesn't feel the need to get married but still has such a full life. And of course all the pop divas- Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Rihanna. I truly admire how true to themselves they are. True boss babes. Obviously, Michelle Obama is a more recent idol but she is so poised, intelligent, passionate and caring. I would love to meet her.
Where do you find your inspiration for your self-designed outfits? Are you more interested in the fashion side of it, or the creating side?
My outfits are inspired by the mood of the song and the demeanor I want to have on stage. I’ve always been the type of person that if I don’t feel 100% in whatever I’m wearing my whole day or event is thrown off. I was originally going to say that I’m more interested in the fashion side of it but realized if I was able to just buy what I wanted to wear it wouldn't’t hold the same value. I’m very proud of my costumes because a lot of work goes into them and even though during the process of sewing them I am usually miserable, (partly because I wait until hours before to finish everything) once it’s done not only is it a fashion statement but a statement of what I can do.
What is the coolest thing that has happened to you in the past month?
Honestly, finishing the “Like That” video. I had been sitting on the footage since August and was yearning to get it out. I've also started working on new music which is both exciting and detrimental to my health because I get so emotional during the process. It's literally one of the only things that brings me to tears.
What are you hoping to accomplish this year?
Book a gig at a major venue in Portland, tour, get a slot at a festival and do what I can to empower women and protect our rights.