Noeline Hofmann’s Soulful Country Warms Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

The Kentucky afternoon glowed on June 1, 2025, when Noeline Hofmann took the Burl Stage at Railbird Festival. Her 2:45 p.m. set brought raw, Alberta-born country to Lexington’s Red Mile, stirring the crowd’s hearts. Consequently, fans, sipping bourbon and finding shade, leaned in for her smoky voice. For 45 minutes, this rising star spun tales of open roads, adding grit to Day 2.

Her performance was a mix of haunting melodies and honest lyrics. For instance, she opened with “Purple Gas,” its steady strum pulling listeners close. Meanwhile, Hofmann’s vocals carried a deep, weathered twang, like a prairie wind. Her band—small but tight—kept the sound warm, with Jake Thompson’s guitar adding bite. Moreover, “Lightning in July” had fans swaying, its emotional weight sparking cheers. By the end, with “August,” the crowd clapped along, hooked on her soul.

From Alberta Plains to Nashville Lights

Noeline Hofmann, born around 1997 in Fort McMurray, Alberta (exact date unavailable), grew up in Canada’s oil country. Music grabbed her early; at 10, she picked up guitar, inspired by her mom’s Emmylou Harris records. Consequently, she started writing songs, drawn to country’s storytelling. By her teens, she was playing local bars, honing a sound rooted in Alberta’s vast landscapes.

Hofmann moved to Nashville in 2021, chasing a music dream. Her 2023 debut single, “Purple Gas,” caught attention, especially after Zach Bryan’s endorsement. For example, the track hit country playlists, racking up millions of streams. Her 2024 EP, Wildfire Eyes, solidified her rise, with “Lightning in July” gaining traction. Now based in Nashville, she blends traditional country with folk, often compared to Nikki Lane for her gritty charm.

Bands and Bandmates

Hofmann performs under her own name, backed by a rotating touring band, with no other major band affiliations noted. Her current lineup includes:

• Noeline Hofmann – vocals, guitar
• Jake Thompson – guitar
• Matt Carter – bass
• Evan Miller – drums

She’s shared stages with Charles Wesley Godwin and collaborated with Zach Bryan on a 2024 duet, “Hail Mary.” Meanwhile, her personal life stays private, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. For instance, Hofmann’s interviews focus on her Canadian roots and songwriting, avoiding gossip. Her connection with Bryan is professional, fueling her rise without drama.

Television, Film, and Awards

Hofmann’s media presence is modest, fitting her newness. She performed on a 2024 CMT Next Women of Country showcase, singing “Purple Gas.” Additionally, her song “August” was featured in a 2024 episode of Walker, boosting streams. For awards, she hasn’t won major ones yet, but she was nominated for the 2025 Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Artist. Moreover, she won the 2023 Alberta Music Awards for Emerging Artist, a nod to her roots. Hall of fame talks are distant, but her buzz grows fast.

Biggest Songs

Hofmann’s music thrives on streaming platforms and festival stages, with a few tracks breaking out:

• “Purple Gas” – Written by Noeline Hofmann and Zach Bryan, this 2023 single has millions of streams.
• “Lightning in July” – Penned by Hofmann, this 2024 track from Wildfire Eyes is a fan favorite.
• “August” – Written by Hofmann and Ben Chapman, this 2024 song resonates with live crowds.

Controversies

Hofmann has dodged major drama, keeping her image clean. However, in 2024, some fans sparked online chatter when she canceled a small Alberta gig to open for Zach Bryan. Locals felt snubbed, but she apologized, citing scheduling conflicts, and rescheduled. Consequently, the issue faded quickly, with most supporters unfazed. Otherwise, her focus on music and quiet life keep her out of tabloids, letting her songs shine.

The Railbird Roadhouse

At Railbird, Hofmann turned the Burl Stage into a cozy prairie bar. Her set felt like a heartfelt road story. For instance, “Purple Gas” opened with her smoky vocals, pulling fans to the stage’s edge. Meanwhile, her banter—about Alberta winters and Nashville dives—drew laughs from the crowd. Thompson’s guitar in “Lightning in July” added a sharp twang, sparking sways.

The stage setup was simple—acoustic guitar, bass, and light drums—but it fit her vibe. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festivalgoers, leaned in, snapping photos. During “August,” Hofmann’s voice carried a quiet ache, earning soft cheers. Moreover, her cover of Gillian Welch’s “Look at Miss Ohio” was a surprise gem, its soulful spin connecting with folk fans.

Yet, the set had a small hiccup. A brief mic cutout during “Purple Gas” caused a pause, but Hofmann’s quick joke kept the mood light. Additionally, the 2:45 p.m. slot meant some fans were still grabbing food, missing the start. Nevertheless, those present were hooked, humming along by the end. The Burl Stage buzzed with warmth, fans chatting about her raw talent.

Hofmann’s performance was a Day 2 highlight, blending country soul with festival grit. For example, her story about writing “Purple Gas” with Zach Bryan felt personal, resonating with the crowd. Meanwhile, her music carried a timeless edge, appealing to young and old. Consequently, she proved she’s a rising force, holding her own among bigger acts. Her set was a nod to Railbird’s love for fresh voices.

As she left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of her voice and hunting for merch. Her performance showed why Railbird champions new talent. Hofmann brought heart, twang, and a touch of Alberta wild, making the Burl Stage her own. As a result, her music echoed across the infield, a soulful spark for Day 2. The Kentucky afternoon seemed to hum with her grit as her notes faded.

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