Marlon Pitter
Connector Editor

Noelle Leblanc, vocalist and guitarist of the Organ Beats, has toured around the world in her previous band, Damone. As an up-and-coming band, Damone signed to Island Records and released the major-label hit album, “Out Here All Night,” in 2006.

Seemingly on the cusp of mainstream success, however, Leblanc walked away from Damone and the fame in 2008 to do her own thing in her new band, the Organ Beats.

Q: When did you first know that being a rock star was your thing?

A: I’m not really sure that being a rock star was ever really a goal of mine. I was taken under the wings of a studio engineer when I was younger. He had me record some music with him that he was pushing to record labels. Touring happened quickly after that and a lot of people had faith in me. Damone got really popular, but I didn’t do well with the fame. I left the band in ’08 and now playing music [with the Organ Beats] is more of my hobby.

Q: Where would you be right now if you couldn’t play music?

A: I think I’d be doing something artistic, like painting or poetry or something, but careers in art are really hard to sustain. I’m also a huge animal lover, but I guess I’d just be working a regular job.

Q: What was the local scene like in and around Waltham during the start of your career? Do you still see those people around/hear from them?

A: The Waltham scene had a lot of young bands trying to get started. We stuck out a little more with our 80s pop sound. Boston was really the scene, though, as it still is for many. Frankie Pino (vocals, Waltham, USA!USA!USA!) was a local hometown hero in Waltham and a huge influence on me. His brother, Dave, was a former guitarist of Damone. We also recorded some music together.

Q: Your previous band, Damone, was primed for (mainstream) success after the release of “Out Here All Night.” Why do you think things didn’t go your way?

A: Well, we did a lot of touring from ’03 to ’05, and everything was going really well. The labels loved our style, but unfortunately Damone wasn’t a sure hit with the fans. We didn’t put up the sales numbers they were looking for and we were eventually dropped. It was clearly the end of the “rock band” era. We released [Roll the Dice] on our own, but we realized that our time as band was done shortly after that.

Q: Do you still talk to Mike and Vazquez often?

A: I still talk to Mike a lot. I try to collaborate with him and get some projects going. As for Vazquez, I still try to talk and hang out with him, too. It’s nice to hear that he’s getting married soon.

Q: What can you say has contributed to the change from your rock ‘n’ roll style with Damone to a more alternative-sounding style with the Organ Beats?

A: I think the change came as a result of who I am. I didn’t want to do any more glam-sounding stuff. I just wanted my music to sound natural and now it sounds more indie-like. I don’t play music for any personal gain other than self-satisfaction and having a good time. I feel like I can do more of that now and stay away from the business side of things.

Q: What does being in this new band mean for you, personally and in your music career?

A: It’s like therapy for me. I love making music, recording and just hanging out. I might push this band a little bit and see where we can go, but I’m not looking to go too professional with it. I’m just having fun playing in a band with my brother on drums and two of my good friends on guitar and bass. It’s really about having a productive good time.

Q: Do you get a lot of people who still love your work with Damone? How does that make you feel?

A: I still get a lot of people who tell me that. A lot of people find the Organ Beats by looking for Damone. They tell me that my songs with Damone helped them through tough times. Overall, it’s just a wonderful feeling.

Q: Where do you see yourself and this band in five years?
A: Maybe we can get a record deal and start touring. I’m not really looking for anything big, maybe just an underground following and picking up a little bit of money. I don’t really have any set expectations, though.

Q: Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year?

A: I did say I was going to quit drinking. (sarcastically): That worked out really well.

Q: What should fans of the Organ Beats look forward to in 2014?
A: This year, fans should look forward to an awesome new record. We’re looking to get more diverse and get back to our roots, a more 90s grunge sound, something like Joy for Minimal. Dinosuar Jr. is another big influence on me as well. Most importantly, with us, you should expect real art on the rise this year.