From Jazz Roots to Producing Drum and Bass: The Self-Taught Journey of MJ Noble
When you meet MJ Noble, it’s instantly clear—music isn’t just something she does; it’s something she is. A self-taught music producer, MJ’s journey is one of authenticity, resilience, and a refusal to be boxed in. From early jazz influences to commanding electronic stages, MJ’s story is a testament to what happens when passion meets persistence.
We had an amazing time speaking with her this week, learning more about her musical journey, musical background, and what it means (to MJ) to be fully authentic.
Let’s find out what makes MJ Noble, The DnB Fairy.
A Musical Legacy Runs Deep
MJ’s journey began in childhood, with the integration of competitive dance and jazz influences from her father. She’s always gravitated toward learning by doing—picking up new instruments and skills along the way. Her father, a jazz pianist and drummer, introduced her to the classics early on.
“The first songs I ever learned were jazz standards,” MJ recalls fondly. “My dad would play them on the piano. I’m actually wearing his shirt today—it was his birthday yesterday.”
While singing, dancing, and acting were always on her radar, MJ first fell in love with the flute. At just eight years old, she began studying classical flute, balancing it with her commitment to ballet. Eventually, though, dance took center stage—until she realized it wasn’t her long-term path.
“I went to a specialized high school for dance, but when I stepped away from that world, I rediscovered the flute,” she says. “Since then, I’ve been in all kinds of bands—metal, jazz, collaborative projects… It’s been a lifelong journey.”
The MJ Noble Project: Taking Control of Her Sound
Although MJ had experimented with folk and guitar-based projects in the past, the “MJ Noble” project marked a turning point in her music career. It wasn’t just a name—it was a declaration of artistic independence. Cue, The DnB Fairy.
“I really wanted to make electronic music, but the scene was so male-dominated. Everyone around me was a guy, and while some offered to help produce, the collaborations just didn’t work. They either didn’t get my vision or had other motives.”
So, instead of waiting for someone to understand her sound, she took matters into her own hands. I present, The MJ Noble Project, a self-taught producer, taking control of her sound.
“I finally got Ableton and said, ‘I know music. Why don’t I just do this myself?’ And here we are.”
Leaning on a Musical Foundation
That leap wasn’t as intimidating as it might sound. Producing music and starting from the bottom is not easy, but thanks to her musical background, MJ found the transition into production fairly natural.
“I think having that foundation definitely helped. A lot of people come into production from DJing first, but I already had the artistry. It gave me a leg up.”
Learning production solo wasn’t without its hurdles, though. With no formal training, MJ turned to YouTube and trusted her instincts.
“Ableton’s so intuitive. There’s always more than one way to do something. I just kept exploring and figured out what worked for me.”
Falling for Drum and Bass
So how did someone raised on jazz, rock, and metal end up deep in the world of electronic music—specifically drum and bass? MJ explains her introduction into electronic music and how quickly she fell in love with drum and bass. Her sound found a home in electronic music, and as a self-taught music producer, she embraced drum and bass with passion and creativity.
“I didn’t grow up listening to a lot of electronic music, but looking back, artists like Björk definitely had an impact,” she explains. “Then I discovered Kraftwerk, who were kind of the originators. I saw them live at Coachella when I was really young and was just like, ‘Whoa. What is this?’”
Yet, the defining moment came when a previous partner took her to her first rave.
“There weren’t bass stages yet, just jungle, drum and bass, and some dub stuff. When I got to the DnB stage, it just clicked. I fell in love immediately.”
Breaking Barries as a Woman in Electronic Music
While her sound found a home in the electronic realm, MJ quickly learned that navigating it as a woman came with challenges.
“It was so gate-kept. I didn’t know any women who produced music—only men. And they always wanted to take control. You really had to fight to prove you could do it.”
But MJ persisted, and now, she’s part of a new wave of artists redefining what it means to produce, perform, and own your artistry. She has created something unique and everlasting with The DnB Fairy.
Inspirations: From Bowie to Grimes
When asked about her musical inspirations, MJ names some iconic and eclectic influences.
“Grimes really inspired me to be myself. She was just doing her own thing, and it felt genuine. David Bowie, though, is probably my biggest influence. He was always reinventing himself, always authentic.”
And of course, there’s Björk—an artist MJ deeply resonates with.
“You could put the three of us—me, Björk, Grimes—together, and our music wouldn’t sound the same. But there’s a shared commitment to the authenticity of our art. I just want to be authentic. I don’t really ever sound like anyone. I want someone to hear a track and say, ‘That’s MJ Noble.’”
A Magical Night in Denver
Recently, MJ performed in Denver for the first time—and it was nothing short of magical. Noble speaks on her unforgettable connection she made with the audience while on stage.
“The crowd was incredible. Most of them didn’t know who I was, but they were with me every step of the way. I really felt like I was on this musical journey with the crowd–and that’s just like, what more do you want? That’s like the dream, you know? For people to feel you and you feel them. It’s like this symbiotic dance feeding off the energy. It was really good.”
That night wasn’t without its drama, though. Right before her set, her microphone stopped working.
“I was freaking out. It felt like five minutes passed, but it was only one. The sound guys were sweating bullets. I turned into a surgeon and just said, ‘Get me any mic—now.’”
Despite the technical hiccups, she delivered a powerful performance—even without her usual vocal effects. “You’ve just got to perform your best no matter what. It ended up going really well.”
The venue—a restored Gothic church from 1865—only added to the atmosphere. “Probably the coolest venue I’ve ever played,” she says. “And people in Denver? Just so sweet! Totally different energy from LA.”
Sounds like some MJ Noble DnB Fairy Magic at play.
Watch her recap, here.
What’s Next: An Album and More
With summer on the horizon, MJ’s schedule is heating up. Her new album, Songs From My Castle Tower, fully self-produced and mixed, is set to drop in August. With thirteen songs on the album, MJ is working hard to finish and polish the project.
“Thirteen songs! I know that’s long for electronic music, but I’m just an album girl. I love full-length projects.”
She’s also opening for UK DnB producer Georgie Riot this month and hints at possible festival appearances, though some are still under wraps.
“I’ve had to slow down on shows to finish the album,” she says. “But it was worth it. Now I’m ready.”
And with a move to Long Beach in the works, she’s eyeing a return to Love Long Beach Festival, where she performed last year. “I need to ping them again! It’s such a fun event.”
From jazz standards on her dad’s piano to commanding raves with her signature DnB sound, MJ Noble’s journey is proof that great artists don’t just adapt—they create their own path. With a new album on the horizon and a growing fanbase rallying behind her, MJ’s next chapter is bound to be even more magical.
“Love Me Like The Rain”
MJ gave me a sneak peek into her unreleased gold mine, and shared this one with me. “Love Me Like The Rain” starts with a pulsating bassline, smoothly guiding you to MJ’s ethereal vocals. The lyrics are emotionally captivating, coupled with MJ’s sultry voice and liquid drum and bass production. Noble paints dreamy soundscapes while captivating deep emotions through sound, creating an unforgettable experience for listeners.
We’re so excited for you all to hear this track when it drops. MJ is working on something amazing this summer. Get ready for the release of Songs From My Castle Tower in August 2025!
To be the first to hear her new releases, follow Mj Noble, The DnB Fairy, here.
