Vancouver pianist Noah Franche-Nolan has quickly established himself as one of the city’s most inventive young jazz artists, known for his curiosity-driven approach to improvisation and composition. With his new project, Arid Landscapes, Franche-Nolan blends the lyricism of the piano with the expansive possibilities of synthesizers and electronics. By weaving in looping, textural effects, and electronic treatments, he creates soundscapes that push beyond jazz tradition into the realm of abstract electronica—always with a deep sensitivity and nuance that reflects Vancouver’s adventurous creative spirit.
Name:
Noah Franche-Nolan (from Arid Landscapes)
Genre:
Post-Jazz / Ambient / Electro-Acoustic
Founded:
2024
# of Albums:
1 with Arid Landscapes. I have also released 6 recordings of my own and appeared on 6 additional albums by other artists.
Latest Album:
Arid Landscapes
Latest Single:
Summerhill
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Radiohead was my longest-standing favourite band/group when I was growing up.
Favourite musician now:
I deeply admire Tyshawn Sorey’s work, although I wouldn’t say I have a single favourite musician.
Guilty pleasure song:
I don’t feel guilty about listening to any music—there is no guilty pleasure song for me.
Live show ritual:
A solid early morning practice session, followed by a run. I also try to eat before the gig, and prefer not to talk too much leading up to the performance.
Favourite local musician:
Trumpeter Feven Kidane. I believe Feven is doing great things for the improvised music community and for the arts community here in Vancouver.
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
– Rose-Anna Trio Album Release: Nov 14
– Noah Franche-Nolan Trio Live at Frankie’s: Nov 23
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
Favourite local restaurant:
Kishimoto on Commercial Drive – the smoked oshi is mind-blowing.
Favourite street in Vancouver and why:
Commercial Drive. I grew up busking there and developed my chops as a teenage pianist playing the happy hour set at the Libra Room, thanks to the late, great Bruno Hubert. I’m proud to call it home.
Favourite park in Vancouver and why:
McSpadden Park. My fiancée and I love going there in the evenings to watch the dogs.
Favourite music venue in Vancouver:
Tyrant Studios. Best jazz club in town with the coolest vibe, thanks to Dan Deorksen.
Favourite music store in Vancouver:
Neptune Records. Great selection—and I once saw Nardwuar perform there on Car Free Day when I was a teenager!
