The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

Noah Thompson releases "What You’re Made Of"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/09/2025

(NASHVILLE, TN) -- Noah Thompson's newest single "What You’re Made Of," penned by Thompson, Scott Stepakoff and Blake Chaffin, delivers a powerful message of resilience and perseverance that is universally relatable and evident in its early support by fans and industry alike.  The upbeat anthem, produced by Eric Arjes, features Thompson’s signature mix of soulful authenticity and country charm.

"All of the songs I’ve released over time have been really important parts of my life, reflecting how I felt at each particular moment, including this one," says Thompson. "In all seriousness, I think I needed to write these songs for myself. I wasn’t thinking about who could understand or relate to them, I just knew I needed to hear them. That’s all I knew."

People may be familiar with Thompson as the winner of American Idol Season 20 (2022), his hit song “One Day Tonight” and countless accolades surrounding those, but the version of Thompson people have seen and heard is incomplete.  Thompson, who has garnered over 100 million streams across platforms, has become comfortable with showing all the cards in his hand and he’s determined to introduce everyone to who he was, who he is and who he is becoming.

These days, Thompson has made a lot of changes in his life, personal and professional.  Personally, he’s Dad to an almost 4-year-old son named Walker who is the catalyst for every decision he makes.  Professionally, he has taken complete control of his musical career and with two hands on the wheel has started to steer it in a much more honest and vulnerable direction.

As a songwriter, Thompson has exploded from not knowing how to write a song just two years ago to not only writing his own songs, he wrote the Luke Combs song “Front Door Famous” that appears on Luke’s 2024 album Fathers & Sons.  He has also found a voice he never knew he had and as a result, his sound has become that much more authentic.  Case in point is his new single “Upbringing,” a verbal, hauntingly honest autobiographical account of Thompson’s life, the tribute to a late friend song “Demons In My Whiskey,” the well-written relatable story of the daily struggle in “American Dream,” the hopeful and encouraging “Here Lately,” and his newest single “What You’re Made Of.” These songs are a big statement both musically as well as personally.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Fully intent on singing songs and cultivating an audience that can relate to his stories, it’s a rebirth.  Now a new man with a new beginning and fully in control of his creative path, Thompson is excited about his future.

Upcoming Shows: 

3/9 - Pittsburgh, PA 

3/12 - Raleigh, NC 

3/13 - Wilmington, DE 

3/16 - Middle River, MD (with Mobilize Recovery ) 

3/17 - Richmond, VA (with Mobilize Recovery) 

3/18 - Richmond, VA (with Mobilize Recovery) 

3/19 - Marlboro, NJ (with Mobilize Recovery) 

3/20 - New York City, NY with Country Swag 

3/21 - Somerset, NJ 

3/27 - Branson, MO 

3/29 - Omaha, NE 

4/10 - Memphis, TN 

4/12 - Dayton, OH 

For more information, visit www.noahthompsonmusic.com/shows.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Big Black Car" by Part Time Baby

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Big Black Car" from "My Island," the third album from Jersey rocker Part Time Baby, aka singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Goldstein.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 10/29/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from October 27 to November 2, 2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "If the World Is Ending" by Renee Maskin





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(PRINCETON, NJ) — The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor on Friday, November 20, 2026 in an evening of upbeat and bubbling song filled with enthusiasm and love. The concert takes place at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. Showtime is 8:00pm. A livestream option is available as well.


State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead




The Cutting Room hosts Tripi: Close to Fire - A Grief Support Benefit Concert on Friday




Founder of The Jersey Pops Orchestra releases Christmas Album




Roy's Hall to Host Peter Karp Record Release Show on November 6th






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Willie Nile to perform special "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Beloved singer/songwriter/rocker Willie Nile will perform a special solo "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Local favorite Robinson Treacher will open the show. The show marks the kickoff of the third season of Split Level Concerts at the Arts Center. The concert series highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.


Arts Council of Bradley Beach Presents "Sea & Sky Songwriters Acoustic Afternoon" at Erratic Fermentations Brewery




Shemekia Copeland to Perform Two Nights at Lizzie Rose Music Room




"Everything Fab Four" Fest 2026 to feature Ken Burns, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, The Cyrkle & many more






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates