Telling stories is as natural as breathing. Life is full of them.

I started writing and performing in the early 70's, when the songwriter ruled the airwaves. Music started as an escape as someone who was always the new kid, but it became a vehicle for connecting with people in the end. I write to connect with people through shared experiences, aspirations and disappointments. My concerts are less about me and more about the conversation I'd live to have with you, the audience.

I go by Durand instead of Noel because of a story. I've moved more than twenty times. There are lots of stories behind that. I've lived around the world (France, Germany, Belgium, Bangladesh, and of course my beloved Ireland). And now I'm in the south, living my story here.

I feel like I've lived a dozen lives in half a century hearing other people's stories while working through grad school as an illustrator, mentoring students, running a resort in the Alps, touring as a musician in Europe for years, and making a living helping non-profits leverage creative media for good.

The influence of other people's lives and the stories they are creating seep into the lyrics and melodies of my music and change who I am.

That's my story. What's yours?