Interview with Suzanne's Band

Americana, Country-Blues combination Suzanne's Band is the official vehicle driven by Texas based singer/songwriter Mia Suzanne Walker. Suzanne’s career highlights include her recent acceptance into the Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and her rapid development as an established You Tube artist. Suzanne’s live shows are a blend of music covering the last seven decades, and are usually a mix of classic rock, pop and country. Booking is available as a solo, duo, trio or full band act. Suzanne’s original songs are also woven into the set list. The non-genre specific approach to Suzanne’s songwriting creates an entirely different basis to build on along with introspective ideals and the importance of self-worth laced into the lyrics. If you're looking for a deeper connection to life through music, Suzanne's Band is it!

The most recent album Ice and Fire dropped earlier this year. All social media, YouTube, website, latest album link, etc. can be found in one easy link at https://flow.page/suzannesband

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

• I’ve always been singing in groups ever since I was a child continuing into adulthood. In 2016 a friend suggested I join the adult band at School of Rock along with learning to play guitar. This triggered a massive growth of songwriting and creating my own band, company and brand. I can’t imagine doing anything else but music.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• I try to do things that get me outside like walking, biking, etc. or spending time with family/friends. I think driving in my car seems to be a better conduit for creativity. I think of more songs driving or walking than anywhere else.

How long has music been your career? 

• 2017 Suzanne’s Band was formed

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

• Based out of the west Houston, Katy area, influences of the area definitely put a country feel to a lot of my originals.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

• Anything where I’ve got the whole band with me is always fun because I love how full the sound is and it gives me more freedom to play whatever I want. The worst shows are usually atmosphere related like being outdoors when it’s 100 degrees; so windy your equipment keeps blowing over, so smoky (in a bar) it’s hard to sing, etc.

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• One of my favorite places to play at are coffee shops because of the intimate vibe. I think I would do really well in wine bars too so would love to get more of those gigs

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Dennis DeYoung, Paul McCartney, Colbie Callait

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?

• Bone up on the business side. Build relationships with others in the business community in your area. Realize it’s a marathon not a sprint and pace yourself more.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

• It’s going to cost more than you think in time, money, energy and resources so get ready.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

• Oh man, that’s like asking if I have a favorite kid, so no they are all special in their own way.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

• Down In Mexico and now Ice and Fire are crowd favorites. I think their Latin danceable vibes are what resonates with everyone. Personally, I like playing my piano based songs like Reach You or Something Else because I’m more comfortable on that instrument.

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

• There is no specific process. I could be doing anything from driving to taking a shower but suddenly a song or rhythm will just pop into my head. I also have a music loft where I do a lot of songwriting work. Up there I either start with words and then work out chords or vice versa. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• I like empowering, positive, “you can do it” types of messages the best.

Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?

• No, the only collaboration I’ve done was on my song Indio and Night Blues. In both cases, the opening riff was provided and I was just supposed to do everything else. Pretty cut and dried so no issues.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up? 

• The album Ice and Fire is up for a Grammy. First round voting results are Tuesday November 15. The next release planned is for next Spring and will be a Spanish version of the single Ice and Fire.