Welcome back friends to another Beneath the Surface session. This time we’re getting into the festive spirit with our very own Miss Christmas. Susan G has released her brand new yuletide covers EP, appropriately named ‘Christmas with Susan G’ and we sit down with her to chat all about her music journey to date and what she has in store for the future. So grab a hot choc or a mulled wine, get cosy and let’s bring in some of that Christmas cheer.
What would you say first sparked your interest in music/who inspired you to make music?
I remember the exact moment so clearly, staring at Whitney Houston’s album cover in the 2nd grade and thinking I had never heard a more amazing voice in my life. I was chosen to sing the lead for “the Greatest Love of All” at our elementary choir concert and that moment, holding the mic and looking at the crowd, I knew this was what I was meant to do. It felt like coming home. I learned to sing by listening to Whitney.
How would you describe the music you are currently creating?
It’s a combo between old soul vocals (that’s where my heart is) and modern electronic instrumentation, and a beat. Give me anything with 808’s and some snaps with reverb and I’m happy!
What does your creative process look like?
It used to look like late nights and a few glasses of whiskey, now it’s ideas that come to me in the shower or on a run, and I save them in voice memos in between work meetings and kid’s basketball games. It’s still in there, but I have to be intentional and carve out time to be creative now with the stage of life I’m in. As tough as that can be, it’s always worth it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with? (let’s send it out to the universe and make it happen!)
H.E.R – hands down, she’s the artist that I’ve been most inspired by the last few years.
What is the one message you would like to send out to your fans?
That I’ve got more music coming, and that I love to hear from them. What songs they like, what covers they want me to do on socials, I forget sometimes the value in putting your art out there and any encouragement or comments about how it enhanced someone’s life in some way, reminds me that that’s how I love to connect with people.
What’s your top tip to rejuvenate your creativity/get over a writer’s block?
Go experience something. Shake things up. Go on a run, get a tattoo, book a last-minute trip. Spontaneity is harder to accomplish these days but it’s always helpful for me to shake up the ordinary and get some creative juices flowing.
What’s next for you, what do we have to look forward to/ what are you currently working on?
I’m going to focus in on recording my favorite originals I’ve played live over the past few years but haven’t released. I want to pursue writing and music that is extremely honest but still fun to listen to. I’m looking forward to experimenting with new styles of production and writing to find my unique voice that reflects who I am.