Meet Susannah B | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susannah B and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susannah B, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One favorite quote is “I know who I am, I know what I am, I know how I serve.” I heard it years ago from a spiritual teacher named Paul Selig, and it has helped me overcome a lot of nervousness I’ve had when trying new things, because it gives me a sense of purpose and connectedness. I’m not a member of any specific religion, but I am a person who has grown my own spiritual faith over the years. I also like a quote I first heard from another teacher of mine, Michael Bernard Beckwith: “You cannot have what you are not willing to become in consciousness.” That has been something I have put into practice for years and I’ve seen miracles occur as a result.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Recently, my music was described as “comforting and groovy” with “velvety vocals’ ‘. That made me happy because I love music with a groove, and I want mine to make you feel good. I think a lot about writing songs that people will sing along to – and then that leads me to choose messages I want to be affirming (in song) that would also be good for other people, too. I often consciously write songs that “look on the bright side” because that’s how I approach my own life. I’ve also worked as a songleader – leading groups in acapella song, teaching by ear, using call-and-response as the teaching method. I’m passionate about the healing power of singing and how group singing can be used to increase wellness and a sense of community.

Because I grew up as the daughter of a successful songwriter, I actually avoided music for over a decade after college, until it just became an urge inside me that I couldn’t ignore. So I’m kind of a late bloomer, and now I’m in my 50’s, putting out my own music. I guess I’m most proud of writing songs and singing consistently for the past 25 years, even when I was a mom doing school drop-off and pickup, chauffeuring my kids all over the place, making all the meals and snacks and laundry. I’ve been expressing myself creatively all these years, even when absolutely no one was asking me to do it and no one cared if I did or didn’t. It’s been my soul’s desire and I’ve been loyal to it. I’m really glad I can say that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First thing I’d do is take them on a foodie tour – L.A. has so many authentic cuisines from all over the world – it definitely rivals New York. We’d get some Persian food in Glendale at Carousel or Shiraz, authentic sushi in Little Tokyo at Sushi Gen. I love Proof Bakery in Atwater and Little Flower Candy Co. in Pasadena for homemade pastries. Sqirl in East Hollywood has a sorrel pesto rice bowl that I crave. Thai food in East Hollywood. And Grand Central Market downtown which has tons of different food stalls, all really great. And of course we’d get tacos – which are L.A.’s signature food – from almost anywhere. I always have a running list of new restaurants I want to try. The art scene in L.A. is super-cool, so we’d go to the Broad Museum, MOCA, and LACMA to see art, and then visit some of my favorite galleries – David Kordansky, Nino Mier, and Blum & Poe. Then a classical concert at Disney Hall to watch Dudamel conduct, and a picnic dinner and outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which is my #1 favorite place in L.A.

As someone who was born and raised in Manhattan, what I fell in love with most about Los Angeles is the natural beauty – the mountains, beaches, and desert. When friends visit, we go hiking up in the hills of Griffith Park, where we get a fantastic view of downtown and the sparkling ocean in the distance. We also drive down south to Laguna Beach, where the beaches, coves, and rock formations are as stunning as the Italian Riviera.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Right now, the person I am giving the most credit to is my bandmate and collaborator, keyboardist Michael Farrell. Not only is he the greatest guy to work with, but he’s also connected me with this group of guys who’ve all toured together with Alanis Morissette and who are now working with me in the studio. Mike also introduced me to a terrific engineer who’s making my voice sound better than ever before. The vibe between us is so fun and easy – it’s a dream come true. Mike and I also just started writing songs together, he’s my co-producer in the studio – I feel really supported by him. I trust his taste and his feedback – I just love the guy.

Website: https://www.susannahb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannahbmusic/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/susannahbsings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannahbmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKrqWacc73epsQSY862jZA

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CMiWstVqqDU4DAEmPpZVY?si=nuVWJA41QPOm3oWaN_hl2A