Susy K is a Scottish singer-songwriter with a fantastically soulful sound, as displayed in her recent release, Workin’. She’s been singing ever since she was a child, brought up by operatic parents – showing just how strong Susy’s musical heritage is! If you’d like to find out more about this musician, you should read the interview below.
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Workin’. What can you tell us about the track?
Workin’ is the final single I released from my EP Hear It From Her’ out on Friday March 17th. I wrote it at a time where I was spending a lot of energy trying to get attention from people who didn’t deserve it, quite frankly! Friends, love interests… I was doing all the work. Now, that is far and away from my approach. Once I started to focus on developing my self-esteem and self-worth (key themes throughout the EP), I stopped chasing those people and began to find others that deserved my time and appreciated me for exactly who I am, not what I thought people wanted. Aside from that, it’s just a funky little soul tune that you can get down to!
How has the reception to Workin’ been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The response has been wonderful – more than I expected if I’m honest. It was featured on BBC 1Xtra, BBC Scotland and other stations, and the comments on the vocals, production and vibe were so good to hear. The biggest compliment has been on the final vocals I sing… it really packs a punch, and folk are really feeling it. You can check Workin’ (and my other songs) out on all streaming platforms, as well as purchasing it on Bandcamp and Amazon.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I go through different phases musically – the last 2-3 years has all been about recording and releasing music, both as a solo artist and with my electronic soul duo Velas7, which I’ve done as a completely independent artist. Now, I want to focus my musical energy on creating and developing new work and continuing to perform my current work live, so once the EP is released, that will be my last release for some time. Watch this space, I’ll be back with new music before you know it…
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
My EP Hear It From Her is out on Friday March 17th! You can buy it on Bandcamp and Amazon, as well as stream it on all streaming platforms – run it up folks!
Your music has a funky, soul sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
As an artist, I am clearly influenced by some of the great soul singers and musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and Prince. I’m also heavily influenced by 90s r&b and acid jazz, including artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, SWV, Brandy, Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies and more. Most recently, my favourites to listen to that influence my own music are Moonchild, Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, Durand Bernarr, James Vickery, Jarrod Lawson, Blue Lab Beats, Ego Ella May, Allen Stone, Sam Wills, Mac Ayres, Elmiene… I could go on all day!
You’re also a vocal coach. How do you fit everything in?
At times, with difficulty! I’ve managed to get a bit more balance in recent years, but at times it can feel like you are just working 24/7 – all my self-employed folks will get it. Generally speaking, I manage to do my coaching during the day/early evening during the week, then focus on music in the evening and weekends – gigging, creating, recording, planning release schedules, developing marketing plans and content creation… there’s always something to be done. To be honest, that’s what I tend to enjoy about it – no two days are the same.
Do you have anything else exciting lined up for this year?
I’ll be ramping up the live performances to share my latest body of work as much as possible, both in Scotland and London (where my professional music career began). I keep everyone up to date on my socials, so be sure to follow me @susykmusic or head to my website www.susykmusic.com for more.
You’re from Scotland. How is the music scene faring at the moment?
Overall, very well. It was obviously extremely challenging during the pandemic, and some venues sadly had to close. However, there’s been a noticeable difference in the last 6 months – there is much more live music, and you can often sense how much folk appreciate live music now it’s finally returned.
Any last words for the fans?
I’d love to think of something deeply profound, but really I’m just so appreciative for all the support and love – cheers everyone!