Interview – Ronny Noel
Realize
Congratulations on releasing your debut single, “Realize.” What emotions are you experiencing now that your first official release is finally out in the world?
I’m feeling a mix of pride, joy, and excitement. There’s definitely a “Wow, I actually did it” feeling. I’ve been working toward releasing my own music for a long time, so seeing “Realize” finally out in the world feels very special. And of course, it’s exciting to know that other people are now listening to something that started as a very personal experience for me.
You describe “Realize” as a song about recognizing your own worth rather than focusing on heartbreak. What inspired you to tell that story?
I know that pain is a part of life, but I don’t want it to define my life. For me, happiness is one of the greatest things we can have, and I believe that finding it often takes a lot of work on yourself – but it’s worth it. You can’t change other people; the only person you can truly change is yourself. That realization is really where my journey with “Realize” begins. Instead of staying focused on what went wrong, I wanted to focus on what I can control: how I see myself, how I live in the present, and how I choose to move forward.
Was there a specific moment in your life that sparked the idea for this song?
There wasn’t one single dramatic moment. After a breakup, I spent weeks overthinking and asking myself why I wasn’t good enough. At some point, I realized that I didn’t want to keep living that way. Growing up, I learned to connect my worth with my achievements and how well I was doing. But I’ve realized that my value isn’t something I have to earn. That’s something I’m still working on every day.
“Realize” came from that turning point. Instead of staying stuck in the question of why something didn’t work out, I wanted to change the way I looked at myself and focus on the life, the people, and the moments that were already around me.
The single has a bright, feel-good energy while carrying a meaningful message. How important was it for you to strike that balance?
It was very important to me to find that balance. I believe that even in the darkest room, you can still find a star in the sky. That’s where courage, strength, and change can begin.
Even during difficult times, I think we should allow ourselves to feel happiness. Giving yourself that permission and showing yourself compassion is an important part of healing. That’s why I wanted the lyrics to carry a deeper message while the music itself feels light, uplifting, and full of energy. I wanted the song to remind people that you can go through something difficult without letting it take away your ability to enjoy life.
If listeners take away just one message from “Realize,” what do you hope it is?
I hope “Realize” simply makes people feel good. Whoever is listening to the song should have the chance to let go of their negative thoughts and feelings for a moment and just enjoy themselves. You don’t always have to have everything figured out or be strong all the time. Sometimes you just need to give yourself permission to enjoy a moment. I hope “Realize” reminds people to take that moment for themselves.
Songwriting
You write your own lyrics and vocal melodies. What does your songwriting process usually look like?
My songwriting usually starts with a strong feeling or an experience from my life that is occupying my mind. Music gives me a way to connect with those feelings and process them.
I usually start by asking myself what I want the song to say and what message I want to communicate. Then I think about the sound and atmosphere I want to create. I often listen to songs with a similar sound for inspiration and use them as a reference.
From there, I find chords that fit the feeling and start humming melodies over them. Once I have the melody, I work on the lyrics and develop the story of the song. The instrumental usually comes last, and that’s where I work together with a friend to bring the whole idea to life.
How do you know when a song is finished?
I’m honestly a perfectionist, so it can be difficult for me to decide when a song is truly finished. With “Realize,” I eventually had to set myself a deadline and simply work on it as much as I could within that time.
I’m learning that I need to let go of some of my perfectionism in the future, because sometimes it can take away from the creative process. Music should first and foremost be something I enjoy creating, not another performance or achievement I have to be perfect at. That’s something I’m still working on, and I think learning to enjoy the process is just as important as the final result.
Are your songs typically inspired by personal experiences, or do you also draw from the stories of people around you?
At the moment, most of my songs are inspired by my own experiences and the things happening in my life. I think there’s something very powerful about turning your own emotions into music and being able to process them that way. But I can also imagine being inspired by other people’s stories in the future, especially when something about them really moves me or makes me feel something.
For me, it’s less about whether a story is technically mine and more about whether it creates an emotion that I can connect with.
You perform in both English and German. What influences your decision on which language a song should be written in?
I think both languages give me something different. When I write in English, I feel like I lower the barrier between my music and the listener. It can make the songs feel a little more open and accessible, and I really like that.
At the same time, German allows me to express myself even more precisely because it’s the language I know best. I think my German songs can therefore become even more personal and direct. So for me, the language depends on what feels right for the particular song and the emotion I want to communicate.
Were there any musical artists who influenced the sound of “Realize”?
There were definitely a few songs that helped me find the right direction for “Realize.” Nico Santos’ “One Day” and Nicky Youre’s “Sunroof” and “Shut Me Up” all create a vibe and feeling that really resonated with what I wanted “Realize” to communicate.
It wasn’t about copying a particular sound. I was more interested in capturing that feeling of lightness, positive energy, summer, and wanting to sing along. Those songs helped me understand the atmosphere I wanted to create with my own music.
Music Video
The music video captures the uplifting spirit of the song. How involved were you in developing the concept?
I was very involved in developing the overall concept. I knew from the beginning that I wanted the video to tell a story of personal growth – following my character from uncertainty and self-doubt toward positive moments, confidence, and a stronger sense of self-worth.
The moments with my friends were especially important to me. They represent all the reasons we already have around us to be grateful for, even when we are going through difficult times. Gratitude plays a huge role in how we experience happiness, and I wanted that to be visible in the video.
It was also important to me that there is no ex-partner shown in the video. The focus is on self-development and finding your way back to yourself, not on blaming or hating another person. Once the main idea was established, the detailed concept and visual execution were developed together with the team.
Was there a favorite moment or memorable experience from filming the video?
The entire video was filmed over two days, and honestly, the whole experience was incredibly special to me. All of my friends were there and supported me throughout the shoot. Seeing so many people I care about showing up for me made me realize once again how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life. It was a really special feeling to see how much I mean to my friends.
And there was definitely one funny moment I’ll never forget: during the toothbrush scene, I somehow managed to spit toothpaste foam absolutely everywhere. We all had a good laugh about that!
Do you think visuals are just as important as the music itself when telling a story?
Absolutely. I think we experience the world through our senses, and the more senses we engage, the more intense an experience can become. That’s why the visuals were very important to me.
There is also a personal development reflected in the difference between the song and the video. I wrote the song at a time when I was still much closer to the breakup and the person I had been with, so that naturally comes through more strongly in the lyrics. By the time we developed the concept for the music video, I had already taken another step forward. I was much more focused on the present, on my own happiness, and on the people around me.
The lyrics are intentionally a little exaggerated in places, but I never wanted the song or the video to put the other person down or punish them. I’m grateful for the good times we shared and for the lessons that helped me grow. The video gave me the opportunity to make that part of the story much more visible: it’s about self-development, recognizing your own worth, appreciating the people around you, and enjoying the present moment.
Your Journey
Before releasing your own music, you performed in cafés, bars, festivals, and appeared twice on television. How did those experiences prepare you for this milestone?
I think being an artist also means learning how to deal with mistakes. Especially when performing live, you learn that very quickly. In the studio, you can record something over and over again, but live is live. You learn to stay relaxed, keep going, and not let one imperfect moment ruin the whole experience.
That has been especially important for me because I’m a perfectionist. I’m learning to develop a mindset that doesn’t hold me back and to embrace the little imperfections that make us human. Someone once told me, “Nobody wants a perfect person,” and I completely agree. I think people connect with real people who make honest mistakes and keep trying to become a little better every day.
Looking back at your first live performances, what has changed the most about you as an artist?
I think the biggest change is that I care more and more about what I want to communicate through my music and about reaching people who share a similar feeling or experience. In the beginning, I was probably much more focused on getting everything right.
I’m still learning to let go of that. I don’t want to worry about singing every single note perfectly. I want to be present, connect with the audience, tell a story, and have fun on stage. I think the more I let go of perfectionism, the more I can be myself as an artist.
What made this the right time to release your debut single?
I think it was really a process of growing and maturing, both for the song and for me as an artist. From the beginning, I knew I wanted “Realize” to be a good-vibe, high-energy song, so I always imagined releasing it in the summer.
The actual release date also depended on the schedules and possibilities of the people I worked with on the project. At the same time, I was studying and working alongside music, so the whole project ended up taking almost two years from the first idea to the final release.
Looking back, I think that time was actually important. The song grew with me, and I had the chance to develop not only the music but also my own confidence and perspective as an artist. So in a way, it feels like the right time because I’m finally ready to let “Realize” go out into the world.
Was there ever a moment when you questioned whether pursuing music professionally was the right path?
I wouldn’t say that I ever questioned whether music was the right path for me, but I’ve always been careful about how I want music to be part of my life. I’m still studying medicine and I’m now getting close to finishing my degree, so I haven’t made the decision to pursue music exclusively.
Music has always been a passion of mine, and I never wanted to put so much pressure on it that I would eventually lose that passion. I also don’t want financial pressure to force me to make music in a way that doesn’t feel true to me.
So for now, I’m trying to build something alongside my studies and keep releasing my own music. Hopefully, I’ll reach people who connect with what I do and who can help me turn this passion into something I can eventually make a living from – while still being able to make the music I truly want to make.
Balancing Medicine and Music
You’re currently studying medicine while building a music career. How do you balance two very demanding passions?
It honestly works better some weeks than others. I’ve realized that I don’t always have to give everything 100% at the same time. There are periods when I focus almost entirely on one thing and then shift my attention to the next.
For example, my medical exams came just one week after the release of “Realize,” so I spent that week almost completely focused on studying. Once the exams were over, I could shift my energy back toward music.
In everyday life, I still like to keep music around me, even when I’m busy with other things. I might sing to myself, listen to music, or come up with melodies in my head. But when I’m actually writing or working on a project, I try to create dedicated time for it and work very intensely.
I think the most important thing for me is accepting that I can’t do everything at once. I try to prioritize what needs my full attention at a certain moment, meet the deadlines I’ve set for myself, and then give myself permission to focus on the next thing.
Has your experience studying medicine influenced the way you write songs or connect with people?
Studying medicine has taught me that helping people is often about much more than giving them the perfect solution, treatment, or medication. People want to feel seen and heard. They want to know that someone understands what they are going through.
I’m starting to understand my music in a similar way. It’s not about creating the perfect song that everyone likes or that everyone can relate to in exactly the same way. I want to create something that gives people an entry point – something they can interpret in their own way and connect to through their own experiences.
If someone listens to one of my songs and finds something in it that helps them, makes them feel understood, or simply gives them a good moment, then I think the music has already done something meaningful.
Do you find similarities between being a doctor and being a songwriter?
One of the reasons I want to become a doctor is that I get a lot of fulfillment from helping other people. As a doctor, that might mean helping someone recover from an illness or maintain their health. Through music, I can help people process emotions, experiences, or moments in their own lives.
There’s honestly not much I find more rewarding than seeing someone smile and genuinely happy. When I see that I’ve had a positive impact on someone, their happiness creates happiness in me too. It feels like sharing that positive energy for a moment.
The two paths are very different, but at their core, they are connected by the same motivation: I want to use what I can do to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.
Personal Inspiration
You mention that friends and family play an important role in your life. How have they supported your musical journey?
I think most of us know what it feels like to meet someone who doesn’t believe in us. When I was at school, my music teacher didn’t really give me much confidence that I had a talent for music. That experience made me realize how important it is to hold on to the people who do believe in you.
One of those people was my drama teacher, who encouraged me to write my own songs and even went through my English lyrics with me. My best friends have also been incredibly important. They come to my shows, supported me throughout the music video, and even recorded vocal layers for the chorus of “Realize” to make it sound fuller.
My family has always supported me as well. Honestly, I don’t think I would be where I am today without these people. They’ve given me so much energy, motivation, and belief in myself. People like that are truly worth their weight in gold.
Outside of music, what inspires your creativity the most?
Movies inspire me a lot because I’m a very emotional person. I’m the kind of person who can watch a sad scene and actually shed a tear. Sometimes a movie creates such a strong emotion in me that I immediately feel like turning that feeling into a song.
I also find a lot of inspiration in spending time alone. Sometimes I need to step away from distractions, be by myself, and simply see what is going on in my own head. I think those quiet moments are important because they give me the space to notice feelings and ideas that I might otherwise overlook.
Sports are another important part of your life. Does staying active help your creative process?
Absolutely. Two of the hardest feelings for me to deal with are helplessness and frustration. And I’ve found that exercise is one of the best ways for me to release that frustration.
Especially when I get stuck in the mindset that a song has to be perfect, I can easily end up in a loop where I overthink everything and block myself creatively. When that happens, I need to change my environment. I’ll leave the room, go to the gym, work out, and give my mind something completely different to focus on.
Sometimes stepping away from a song is actually what allows me to come back to it with a clearer head and a fresh perspective.
Looking Ahead
Now that “Realize” has introduced listeners to your music, what can fans expect from your future releases?
There are a lot of things I’d like to explore in the future. I’d love to write a song in German at some point, and I’d also really enjoy writing with other artists or doing a feature. There are a few German artists, like Ayliva or Montez, whose music I really like and who I’d love to learn from.
When it comes to my sound, I don’t want to limit myself too much. I want to make whatever feels right for me at the time. I’m a very positive person, so I’m sure there will always be a lot of good-vibes music in my future. But I’m also human, and I experience many different emotions, so there will definitely be more emotional songs and ballads as well.
I’m very curious and experimental by nature. I want to try new things, experience different sounds, and see where the journey takes me. I could even imagine making a pop song with some Reggaeton influence at some point. I don’t want to know exactly where the road ends yet – I’m excited to find out where it takes me.
Are you currently working toward an EP or full-length album?
I already have quite a few songs written, so there is definitely enough material to imagine something bigger in the future. Whether that will eventually become an EP or a full-length album, I’d like to keep that open for now.
The bigger question is really the production and realization. Making music professionally comes with costs, and as a medical student, I’m obviously working with a limited budget. For now, I’m trying to balance financing my everyday life with putting money aside to invest in my music.
So at the moment, I’m taking it step by step. I want to keep releasing music, keep learning, and see where the journey takes me. If the right amount of songs and the right circumstances come together, I’d definitely love to turn them into something bigger.
What would be your dream collaboration with another artist, and why?
There are actually three artists I would absolutely love to collaborate with: Ayliva, Davina Michelle, and Montez.
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