Unveiling Magnolia Boulevard: The Appalachian Soul-Rock Band Guided by Paul Reed Smith
“Recently,someone referred to our music as ‘Appalachian soul,’ and I absolutely love that description,” shares Maggie Noëlle,the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Magnolia Boulevard,a rising quintet from Kentucky known for their captivating fusion of southern rock,folk,and soulful melodies.
A Surprising Mentor: Paul Reed smith
The band has an unexpected ally in their journey-Paul Reed Smith, the visionary behind PRS guitars, has played a pivotal role in their development. “We performed at a local guitar shop in Lexington called Willcutt Guitars for their 50th anniversary party,” Noëlle reminisces. “It’s a small shop, but they are one of the largest PRS dealers around.”
“Paul was in attendance and instantly connected with our sound. A few weeks later, he invited us to perform at an Experience PRS showcase at their factory in Maryland. That was a monumental moment for us!”
Support Beyond the Stage
Understanding the meaning of the event, Paul offered some words of encouragement to Noëlle. “Just before we took the stage, he said, ‘Maggie, I don’t want to put pressure on you, but there are 4,000 people out there, plus a global stream.’ Hearing that made me both excited and nervous,” she recalls with a smile.
this prospect was more than just a performance; Paul took the band under his wing, allowing them to record in his home studio at no cost, assisting with the mixing of their previous EP, and introducing them to key industry contacts.
“He truly believed in our sound and helped us navigate the business side of music,” Noëlle explains. “He connected us with our frist manager and booking agent, and he’s become a great friend to us.”
As part of their collaboration, the band received PRS guitars, with Noëlle now playing John Mayer’s SE Silver Sky model.
“This is the first band where I’ve played electric music. I’m still learning about the technical aspects, but I’ve discovered what I enjoy in terms of tone,” she explains. “I used my Vela for a while, but when I got the Silver Sky, it transformed my playing experience. The pickups are fantastic, and it’s incredibly easy to handle.”
austin, who plays two PRS mccarty models, admits he wasn’t very familiar with the brand untill he tried one. “I got this one just before our last tour,” he says, showcasing a beautiful sunburst model. “It’s essentially a Les Paul setup with a PRS body. I hadn’t played many PRS guitars until Maggie introduced me to hers, and it fully changed my outlook on factory guitars.”
along with their PRS guitars, Paul gifted Maggie a vibrant paisley-print amplifier, which has become her favorite on stage. ”They kept sending me Sonzera amps, but they kept failing on me for some reason,” she laughs. “Then one day, I found a package at my door-a 50-watt combo! It’s heavy but I absolutely love it!”
This amp, inspired by the now-retired PRS HXDA, features 50 watts of power, built-in reverb, and a funky paisley design. Maggie describes its sound as “incredibly warm and powerful.” Coming from an acoustic background, she previously struggled with gain, but her new amp has made that less of a concern.
“I’ve had issues with gain in the past while playing electric music. I enjoy the volume and warmth, but I don’t like excessive gain. Thankfully, this amp is loud, warm, and perfect for my style,” she shares.
“People in Kentucky are a lot less concerned about fame than those in Nashville,”
Ryan Allen
Magnolia Boulevard embraces their influences while believing that their authentic Kentucky roots truly distinguish them. When discussing the contrast between their Americana style and that of Nashville, Maggie emphasizes, “it’s all about authenticity.”
Ryan adds, “In Kentucky, we focus less on popularity compared to Nashville. We’re simply creating music that resonates with us, without trying to conform to any specific genre. The music we enjoy comes from our friends’ bands,not necessarily the mainstream acts.”
