Noreena

Story by Khalil Hines

To label a woman with this many talents and interests as just a singer would almost be disrespectful. Artist Noreena McCleave is a storyteller, with a background in singing and songwriting, dance, as well as video production to go with her musical abilities. 

“[Storytelling] I think that that's what ties everything that I'm interested in together. The aspect of storytelling whether it's music, producing, dancing, making a video, it is all about communicating something, connecting with somebody else, connecting with other people, helping other people connect with each other,” she remarked.

The senior from Portland, Oregon has about as diverse a background as anyone. Noreena’s mother is a first generation Swedish citizen, with both of her parents from Ghana and Russia. Noreena’s father comes from the United States, but has a Native, Irish, and West African background. It was his musical interests that sparked her passion for music. He himself is a multi-instrumentalist, playing everything from guitar to drums to the trombone and violin. With these instruments at home, Noreena had the ability to touch and play as a child growing up. She started with drums, but at around 11-12 years old, the piano began to fascinate her and she taught herself through YouTube covers and playing her favorite songs by artists such as Bruno Mars and John Legend. 

“Learning the piano has helped me a lot in understanding how music works and what chord [structures] go together. Being able to use a mini keyboard…being able to not rely on loops or samples, but actually make the music myself, that's been really helpful,” Noreena said.

Growing up, everything was played in the house. From Earth, Wind & Fire and the Temptations, to 50 Cent, and other artists that have influenced sound over the past 40 years. That past has inspired her own sound, and her first single “Beggar Boy” featuring ZionZein, exemplifies that well. The three and a half minute track fuses a neo-2000s pop R&B sound that is fun as hell, like, the song knocks. Noreena produced “Beggar Boy” herself while in Eugene with thoughts of selling the beat. But, she liked it so much she kept it for herself, and with the help of musician Fredderico in Sweden, finished and released the track in 2021. 

So, what’s next for the busy bee? Well, the senior will be wrapping up her degree in Business administration with a concentration in finance and a music minor this spring. But, video production is also calling her name. She and her boyfriend started Anero Production in 2021 as a way to brand themselves. “Over the past year, we have been making video content, music videos, behind the scenes videos, personal promotion videos, we really wanted to give ourselves a little bit more of a name. That developed this [past] summer, and the hope is as we're continuing to build a portfolio that we can officially make it a legal company.” The two work side by side, with Adam controlling the camera and shooting, and Noreena creating and communicating the story. 

As with any young artist, Noreena is still figuring out and learning how and where she wants to market herself. Currently, she is expanding her musical creation through collaboration and production with other artists, recently producing for fellow UO musician Rari Blck, as well as working on some singles to be released in the upcoming future before she graduates this spring. 

Noreena can be found on Instagram, YouTube, and of course on all streaming platforms.