by kristen case
photo by lindsey grace whiddon
With a sound that feels both luminous and grounded, NORA. creates music that lingers. Blending indie-pop textures with subtle country warmth, she writes with a rawness that mirrors the uncertainty, tenderness, and exhilaration of growing up. Just Words., her debut EP, captures that in-between phase of life where self-discovery, nostalgia, and release collide. Each song traces the emotional shifts that come with learning when to hold on and when to let go. We spoke with NORA. to talk about the brand new EP, her creative process, an unusual place to find inspiration for a song, and to what's next on the horizon.
Congratulations on your new EP Just Words.! What emotions do you feel now that it is out there released?
NORA.: “Thank you so much! I’m feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and deep satisfaction. There’s relief in finally putting my music out into the world, excitement in knowing people will get to hear my heart, soul, and mind through these songs, and satisfaction in how proud and happy I am with how each track turned out.”
What are three words to describe your music to new listeners?
NORA.: “Self-deprecating, reflective, and self-assured.”
How did you approach Just Words. differently from your previous singles?
NORA.: “I approached this EP the same way I approach all of my songs by being completely truthful and writing straight from the heart. Every song is based on my own experiences. That’s what matters most to me when I’m songwriting; it feels like a diary I choose to make public.”
When it comes to sound selection and production for Just Words., what was the process for sound selection like and did you ever have a specific vision for what the song should sound like?
NORA.: “Honestly, with every song I sat down with my producer, Aden Gray, and my brother, Nick Suknaic, and talked through exactly what I was going for. Together, we collaborated to bring the picture I had in my mind to life. It’s funny looking back at the stripped-down versions from before recording, because they’re so different from where the songs ended up. Each track had an incredible amount of time and energy poured into shaping it into what it is today.
Aden Gray is especially talented in that way... before every song, he took the lead by asking the right questions and making sure we all truly understood where the song began and where it needed to end.”
What was the songwriting process like for Just Words.? Any unexpected moments or challenges making the EP?
NORA.: “The process was very similar to writing in a diary. Each song usually started with me alone in my room, sitting with a strong emotion... anger, sadness, falling for someone, or nostalgia. A little wine was usually involved too. From there, it was about letting everything out and being extremely honest with myself. It’s hard for me to leave things out; I want the songs to hold the whole truth.”
Each track on the album deals with such vulnerability and honest storytelling. How do you balance the evolution of artistry while staying true to yourself? What is your favorite song?
NORA.: “That’s a tricky question for me. I don’t always feel a disconnect between the two — there isn’t much shame in my game. If I feel something, it goes into the song. It’s all just very honest details from my life, and they’re not always pretty, but sometimes they are. I’m okay with being vulnerable because when other artists are, I’m so grateful for it. I love being able to relate to music, and you’d be surprised how much more alike we all are in the way we feel and process things. My favorite song is also tricky, but currently it's ‘The Hudson’ by The Favors!”
What's an unusual place you have found inspiration for a song?
NORA.: “An unusual place where I’ve found inspiration for a song is the back kitchen at my serving job. Working in customer service brings up a lot of emotions — for better or worse [laughs] — and sometimes those moments spark ideas I never expected.”
Is there any verse or lyric that holds a special meaning to you?
NORA.: “Truthfully, I’ve spent about half an hour pondering this question, and my answer is basically a whole album. With that said, you have to listen to A Grey Area by JP Saxe.”
What do you want fans to take away from Just Words. and your music as a whole ?
NORA.: “I hope people feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.”
What projects can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
NORA.: “I’m writing nonstop, so hopefully an album is in my 2026 plans!”