Suzie So Blue: From childhood cornet to a cornucopia of instruments and creativity

No two interviews are the same and if I haven’t interviewed an artist before I never know quite what to expect, even though I do my research. There was absolutely no evidence in my research on Melbourne artist Suzie So Blue – who has new singles ‘Bend’ and ‘Fall in Love’ – that indicated quite what an amazing life in music she’s had since her childhood. From playing cornet in polka and Czech folk bands with her father and sister to flute in high school (because it was more portable) to stringed instruments in bossa nova bands in Canberra (because you can’t sing and play flute at the same time) to the world she inhabits now in Melbourne, she lives and breathes music. Suzie’s creative life doesn’t begin and end with music, though: she’s also a well-established fashion designer with her label SZN. This part of her story did not emerge until towards the end of our conversation, which took in a range of subjects including taking up space and claiming the right to perform, to her first forays into songwriting. Recently Suzie released two singles at once. ‘Bend’ was inspired by a conversation she had with a Japanese friend while on a trip to Japan, where they discussed the manipulation of nature and the idea of bending like a tree in the wind. This resonated with Suzie's own journey as an artist, navigating the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing a creative path. The other single, ‘Fall in Love’, was written with a friend and drew on their shared experiences and conversations about past relationships.  Suzie’s musical influences are vast, as her background suggests, from the blues and country she grew up listening to, to the reggae, funk, and soul that have shaped her soulful vocals and playing style.  It was also clear from our chat that Suzie loves playing live, and she gigs regularly around Melbourne. Her next show is Spring Acoustica at Wesley Anne in Northcote, Vic., on 24 November. Tickets available here. I could have asked Suzie many more questions as it felt almost like I was only at the tip of her creative iceberg, but hopefully there will be more songs soon, and perhaps the chance to chat again with this inspiring artist.  Listen to Suzie So Blue on Apple Music Listen to Suzie So Blue on Spotify Follow Sunburnt Country Music on Instagram Follow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook  Sunburnt Country Music website  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.