Ian Noe is an American singer-songwriter from Beattyville, Kentucky, working in americana and acoustic roots music. Born in 1990, he grows up with a guitar in hand and develops his writing and performance style through the influence of folk artists including Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie and John Prine.

Early life and influences

Noe begins performing in local talent shows, school assemblies and festivals. He starts writing songs in early 2007, and his songwriting is described as story-led, with a strong focus on narrative. His musical background is rooted in folk and acoustic traditions, and he plays several instruments, including guitar, harmonica and piano.

Competitions and early recognition

In October 2007, Noe enters the Appalachian StarSearch in Hazard and wins the grand prize with his original song Don’t Let The Morning Bring Ya Down. That result leads to a performance at a Rhonda Vincent concert in Hyden a few days later. In June 2008, he wins first place in the State FFA Talent Competition in Louisville and is also named one of five finalists in the Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Competition.

Recording and songwriting

After those early successes, Noe begins recording his first album in mid-November 2007. The session moves quickly, and he records all 10 songs in a little over a month. He writes and performs every note on the album, Ian Noe. Among his songs is Sweet Virginia, which he writes in response to the Virginia Tech shooting and performs for Virginia Tech students in April 2008 on the anniversary of the tragedy.