Noah Tanamal X Life Cipher: beats, visuals, and bass

“I actually think Heerlen is a pretty nice place; there’s not much wrong with it,” Noah responds when asked if he could see himself living here for the rest of his life. It’s refreshing to hear, especially since big cities often lure young creatives away. This is precisely one of the reasons why Life Cipher was established: to nurture local talent and help them excel. But Noah has found his place here.

Cameraman and Journalist

After studying Video Specialist at Vista College, his internship at RTV Parkstad immediately offered him a job. “I now work there four days a week, leaving the rest of my time for my own business, which includes DJing and performing as a bassist and percussionist,” he explains. At RTV Parkstad, he often works as a cameraman and editor, and he occasionally takes on the role of journalist.

Although most of his week is dedicated to video work, Noah wouldn’t mind spending more time on music. “I grew up with music. My parents play in their own band, and from a young age, I was taken to parties and performances. It was always a good time. I would sleep next to the speakers—it didn’t bother me at all. I started playing bass when I was twelve. I actually wanted to play the tuba, but my dad thought the bass guitar suited me better,” he laughs. “So, I gave it a try. I learned everything by ear—I still can’t read music. But that’s never really been a problem.” And that’s evident, as he’s about to become a permanent member of his parents’ band as a percussionist.

Growing Together with Life Cipher

The Life Cipher program was created by Kool Cult and SCHUNCK Museum to support talents like Noah in their professional journey. “I was invited because of my ambitions as a videographer, but what appealed to me most was the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives.” Noah doesn’t have a fixed learning goal. Life Cipher mainly helps him map out his career path and expand his network. Despite social media, he believes networking still works best in the ‘real world.’ “We regularly have events where we meet inspiring creators, like Mario Bee. That’s really cool. Recently, I met with a producer for a project, and it turned out he was also a guitarist. Now we’re going to jam together. Those kinds of serendipitous encounters are priceless.”

Noah dreams of starting a reggae band, but that proves to be a challenge in the region. “Of all genres, reggae moves me the most. I remember stocking shelves at Albert Heijn when suddenly a live album by Bob Marley came on. I had to know what I was hearing. Everything sounds better live—even in the supermarket,” he laughs. So far, he hasn’t had much luck finding musicians who align with his vision, and he wonders whether that’s due to his network or if Heerlen is simply lacking in that area. It’s a great challenge to tackle within the Life Cipher program. “I’ve noticed that the band scene here is very rock-oriented, but that’s not the genre I want to pursue. I gave it a try, but it wasn’t for me.”

Just Go for It

With Life Cipher, Noah continues to develop himself, both creatively and entrepreneurially. “I get along well with the other participants; I really click with Marciano and Miko. Soon, I’ll be learning how to DJ with vinyl from Luc and Marciano. We’ve got a complete DJ set between us; now we just need to get started with it.” As a DJ, he would love to learn the craft from Jazzy Jeff. “I saw him live, and it was mind-blowing. He doesn’t play the standard hits but chooses the lesser-known tracks instead.”

When it comes to video work, Noah is content with where he is now. Still, he’d like to further develop his skills in making short films, although he doesn’t have a specific idol who inspires him. It’s a down-to-earth answer that suits him perfectly. Even when asked about the highlight of his creative career, he doesn’t have a specific moment to share. “I really don’t know. Put me in a basement with a DJ deck and two people in the audience, and I’ll still turn it into a party. I’m not that picky,” he says with a laugh. His dreams for the future are equally modest: to one day perform at a festival. It’s a goal well within reach now that he’s increasingly playing with his parents’ band.

Trying, Learning, and Moving Forward

“The Life Cipher project is incredibly valuable,” says Noah, “because there’s definitely talent in Heerlen, but you have to draw it out. It needs to be seen, developed, and then it can grow. That’s why it’s important to have more and more places where young people can meet each other. Fortunately, things are moving in the right direction.” Noah isn’t standing still on the facilitating side either. “My parents own a gym in Brunssum, and the attic space isn’t being used. I want to turn it into a rehearsal room, so I—and others—have a place to practice.”

This perfectly aligns with who Noah is. “Just do it,” is something he often says. “Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve tried something.”

Photography: Miko Brepols