Austin’s Noah Faulkner, known on stage as Pedal Steel Noah, has garnered a global fanbase by harnessing the Gen-Z power of social media to share his novel pedal steel covers of music of all genres from all decades. This keen sense and talent have earned him fans like Jonny Marr, members of Duran Duran, Frank Black, Neko Case and more. He’s opened for Modest Mouse and the Polyphonic Spree in addition to his own band’s full tours. And he’s caught the attention of the New York Times, who profiled Faulkner last August, the same month the 17-year-old virtuoso made his debut at the Grand Olde Opry. Yes, 17-years-old.
One of my favorite covers of Noah’s is his take on the Tears for Fears classic “Head Over Heels.” The pedal steel primordially steps in for the cascading keys, immediately becoming fit for a twirl around the dance hall. If you never thought Tears for Fears could make you want to listen to George Strait, prepare to stand corrected.
Pedal Steel Noah joins Elijah Delgado, Jo Alice, Kate Heron, Pocket Sounds, and a special headlining guest for Austin Loves Y’all: a benefit show for Central Texas Flood Recovery at Scholz Garten this Sunday starting at noon.