Austin, Texas, widely celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World, is renowned for its dynamic music scene, hosting internationally acclaimed festivals and nurturing local talents. Among these emerging stars is nolo, an alternative rock band deeply connected to Austin’s sober community and increasingly recognized for its impactful music and heartfelt performances.
Built Around Music
Formed in 2018, nolo comprises four musicians who found one another through their shared journeys of addiction recovery at Recovery Unplugged, an innovative treatment facility in Austin that places music at the forefront of the rehabilitation process. The band members, originally from various states and backgrounds, bonded through group music therapy sessions during treatment. Their collaboration quickly evolved into a profound friendship and a shared commitment to sobriety and musical creativity.
Recovery Unplugged takes a unique approach to recovery. Founded on the belief that music can uniquely address emotional barriers to recovery, the program integrates music deeply into its therapeutic processes. Patients participate in songwriting workshops, music appreciation sessions, and live performances that provide therapeutic value beyond conventional talk therapy. At Recovery Unplugged, music is more than just a supplementary treatment; it is the core around which all therapeutic activities revolve.
Staying True to Their Roots
Since their formation, nolo has experienced significant milestones. Last summer, they completed their first national tour, opening for fellow Texas-based band, the Unlikely Candidates. This tour coincided with the release of their first full-length album, Versions, further establishing their growing reputation both within and beyond the Austin music scene. Their performances at high-profile events like South by Southwest have continued to solidify their presence as one of the city’s notable up-and-coming acts.
Despite their rising popularity and busy schedules, nolo remains grounded in its origins, actively supporting and inspiring the local sober community. One key way they do this is through their role as the house band for Sober Sessions, a monthly open-mic jam session held at Recovery Unplugged’s Austin location. Sober Sessions has become an essential platform for Austin’s recovery community.
Sober Sessions, Everyone’s Invited
This unique integration of music and recovery illustrates how creativity can become a powerful tool in overcoming addiction, offering hope and solidarity within a supportive community. Through their music and ongoing involvement with Sober Sessions, nolo embodies the spirit of Austin — creative, resilient, and inclusive — while continuing to make meaningful contributions to the lives of many navigating sobriety.
At Sober Sessions, individuals at all stages of their recovery journey gather to share their stories, talents, and support through music, poetry, and comedy. Audience members frequently request songs, challenging nolo to showcase their remarkable improvisational skills and deep musical versatility. This engagement not only entertains but fosters a nurturing atmosphere where participants reconnect with music or experience it afresh, free from the influence of substances.
Safe, Creative Outlets
Recovery Unplugged’s approach to treatment leverages the emotional resonance and expressive power of music, creating pathways to recovery that traditional therapeutic methods sometimes struggle to achieve. The facility itself is designed to feel more like a creative haven than a clinical environment, with music studios, comfortable rehearsal spaces, and performance venues. Patients often describe the setting as inspiring and nurturing, facilitating deeper self-expression and emotional breakthroughs critical to sustainable recovery.
The music-driven model at Recovery Unplugged is supported by research validating music therapy’s ability to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress — all common barriers to successful long-term recovery. Therapists at Recovery Unplugged tailor each music therapy session to the individual needs of their patients, addressing specific emotional triggers and promoting positive coping strategies that support lifelong sobriety.
When Healing Becomes A Lifelong Practice
Their support extends far beyond initial treatment, fostering an active alumni community that encourages ongoing engagement through events, peer support, and musical collaborations. The lasting bonds formed in treatment often become the foundation for long-term recovery, with music providing a consistent, comforting presence.
As they work on their second album, nolo continues to stay close to the community that shaped them. Their involvement with Recovery Unplugged and the local sober scene speaks to a deeper purpose behind music as a profound instrument for healing. What began as a part of their recovery has grown into a platform for connection and support. In blending their creative work with ongoing outreach, nolo is challenging assumptions about addiction and artistry — showing that for some, sobriety isn’t a setback. It’s the moment the music finally hits the deeper note.
