Interview with Suanna Lynn

How long have you been involved in music, and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?

I have been a fan of music since I was young, and started writing my first lyrics when I was 8 years old. I got my first guitar for Christmas when I was 9, and since then I have been creating music. I found myself different from my friends when it came to music, I would hear a song and think, “how would I have written that?” Then I would go write it. I would be elated from seeing live shows or break down my favorite parts of a song in a way that I knew was different from others who were simply a fan of the song - where I was a fan of the music. Once I moved to Nashville, I found myself being able to network with ease and it gave me the courage to pursue this full-time. I have found that where your passion meets open doors you are in the right place and you should keep walking through them. 

Do you have any routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

When sitting down to write, it’s incredibly important to have your hook first, then build around it. So I work that out until I have what I want it to be and build around it. I also think it’s important that your audience knows you are in the chorus and are building to the hook. If someone doesn’t know you’ve moved from the verse to the chorus, you need to think through your dynamic, rhythm, chord progression etc. and make a change so there is more of a shift for the listener. 

Can you discuss a piece of music you're particularly proud of and the story behind it?

When you write a song that makes audiences cheer during the hook you know you’ve created magic! For me, that song is “Go to Hell.” This is a song I co-wrote with Zach Stone (an incredible artist if you don’t know him!). He came to the write and said he had always wanted to write a song called “Go to Hell” where you think it’s about one thing, but it surprises you with a completely different spin! I thought for a second, and immediately the first few lines of the chorus came to me and I sang them and then said, “you mean like that?” He said “yes!” and we quickly wrote what has become a fan favorite at live shows. I plan to release this someday. 

Can you share any memorable or standout moments from your live performances?

My favorite part of being an artist and musician is when a piece you wrote and performed made someone feel like they aren’t alone and can share that experience with you. One time after a writers round, someone from the crowd came up to me and said “Oh my gosh, it felt like you were singing my diary! I felt like I knew the words to your song even though I’ve never heard it before!” That was just so cool that she felt that connected to the song after hearing it one time. Funny enough, it’s the next single I’m releasing called “Call Me Right” which is an anthem for anyone who has been gaslit. 

How do you balance the creative aspects of music with the business side of the industry?

It’s all about balance. It’s important to remember that you aren’t just writing for you, but what will resonate with audiences and therefore many different kinds of people. So sometimes you have to write a melody in a way that doesn’t seem as personal but you know will be catchy and land. Likewise, some lyrics may not seem as personal, but they make the song be more vague and relatable so you have to go that route. However, sometimes a song is just too personal, so don’t compromise! It’s okay to have a few songs in your discography that are really just for you - those songs can land too. But if they don’t, that’s okay. 

Can you share any upcoming projects or releases you're excited about?

On March 22, I will be releasing my single “Call Me Right.” I am so excited about this song because I think it will land very well among so many women. Think of it as the anthem for any woman who has been told she’s crazy and gaslit, and then had the incredible satisfaction of finding out she was right. This bold, upbeat tune will be one any woman can sing along to from something in her past. 

How do you define success as a musician, and do you feel you've achieved it?

You HAVE to celebrate every single win to keep going. If your definition of success is selling out venues, or getting a number 1 single, you will feel discouraged a lot. While it’s so important to have those goals as a part of your vision, you need to have success that are within your control. Maybe your definition of success in your current season is to write a certain amount of songs, or to participate in a certain amount of shows, or to release a certain amount of songs. Then when you do each of those things - celebrate publicly and let your loved ones and fans celebrate with you! Those moments will keep you focused on the larger goals that are out your control. 

What is your favorite part about working with Dani Felt? 

Where to begin?! Dani is an incredible voice of encouragement. Not only does she know what she is doing from an industry perspective, she also is that voice of encouragement you need to keep focused on your dreams and to stay accountable to your goals. She also walks the walk, you can tell she knows what she is doing from marketing to writing and it’s fun to see her also strive for achievements along those of us she is consulting, guiding, and supporting.

Latest single: https://ditto.fm/a-little-fire 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/suannalynnmusic 

Website: https://suannalynnmusic.com/