The Dynamic Energy of SUSU: Behind the Scenes with Liza Colby and Kia Warren
The story of SUSU’s inception is one of fate, mutual admiration, and a bit of New York City magic. Liza Colby’s psychedelic sensibilities met Kia Warren’s bluesy indie rock aesthetic, and the result was nothing short of electrifying. Both women have traversed a wide range of musical genres, including classic and heavy rock, and when they crossed paths, it was clear that something special was on the horizon.
“Our backgrounds span various genres, including rock and roll in all its forms,” Kia begins. “New York City has a very small community of Black women in rock and roll, so it felt inevitable that we would meet. Our connection was expedited through a mutual friend, Flannery, who raved about how much we’d love each other. And she was right.”
Liza adds, “When we started making music and performing together, we knew we were onto something. It was like the universe aligned, putting us in each other’s paths. We quickly developed a deep affection and admiration for each other as contemporaries in the NYC scene.”
The magic moment that sealed their collaboration happened at a club called Berlin, where Liza had a residency. After a chance encounter where Kia’s band filled in for a last-minute cancellation, they realized they had undeniable chemistry. They wrote their first song together in just 40 minutes—a song that ended up on their debut album.
“We were like, ‘Okay, we’re onto something,’” Liza recalls. “That was the beginning of what would become SUSU.”
SUSU and J Graves will perform at the Sebastiana Theatre in Sonoma on Saturday, September 7. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.
For tickets and more info: https://www.sebastianitheatre.com/music/2024/5/20/susuTribal Sensuality and Explosive Energy: The SUSU Sound
SUSU’s music is often described as having “tribal sensuality” and “explosive sexual energy.” These are not just buzzwords; they are an intrinsic part of who Liza and Kia are on and off stage.
“It’s not something we channel; it’s just who we are,” Kia explains. “When we step on stage, we become portals for these elements. Rock and roll allows you to be grounded, in touch with your sexuality, funny, mean, or cold—everything plays.”
The duo’s approach to music and performance is rooted in openness and mutual support. Liza, “We’re intentional about incorporating the legacy of Black women in rock and roll into our work.”
Their performances are more than shows; they are spiritual experiences deeply connected to the roots of rock and roll. “The roots of rock and roll started in the Mississippi Delta, with Black people making guitars and being resourceful,” Kia says. “Liza and I meditate on this legacy, listen to the music, and put all that into our work. We do the work, and then we set it and forget it. It’s all in the stew, and when it’s ready, it’s like gumbo.”
Call Susie by SUSU
Meet Susie: The Imaginary Manager and Namesake of Their Album
SUSU’s latest album, Call Susie, has a unique backstory. Susie isn’t just an album title; she’s the band’s imaginary manager, born out of necessity and humor.
“Before we had Jocelyn, our real manager, Susie was our go-to fictional figure to blame for all the things that went wrong,” Liza explains, laughing. “She was our scapegoat, especially when we were overwhelmed with the demands of the industry.”
The album cover, designed by Sarah Casey, features a retro rotary dial phone, a nod to the frustration of trying to get through to someone who never actually helps. “It’s like when people are always telling you what you should do as an artist, and you’re like, ‘Oh my god, come on,’” Kia adds. “That’s where Susiecomes from.”
The Soundtrack of Their Journey: “Psychedelic Gangster” and “Turnt”
Two standout tracks from the album Call Susie are “Psychedelic Gangster” and “Turnt.” “Psychedelic Gangster” was a song that Liza had written long before SUSU was born, but it found new life in the band’s repertoire.
“It was one of those songs that just fit perfectly into what Kia and I were doing,” Liza says. “It’s a mix of our past influences and our current creative chemistry.”
“Turnt,” on the other hand, is a more recent creation with deep roots in Kia’s blues-based style. “It’s an homage to what I was doing with Revel Dimes, exploring themes like the lack of rights for women and the societal expectations we place on ourselves,” Kia explains. “The title ‘Turnt’ is a play on the idea of reaching a point of no return—whether it’s too late to turn the ship around or if we’re on a course for something entirely new.”
SUSU in concert
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Strength in Unity
Being Black women in a predominantly white male rock scene presents challenges, but Liza and Kia navigate these waters with grace, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
“The power of us being together has drastically enhanced how we handle the scene,” Kia says. “We’ve adopted a ‘fuck it’ attitude, focusing on what we can control and what’s important to us as artists and humans.”
They are also acutely aware of the impact they could have on future generations of female musicians. “We try to be as generous, open, supportive, and communicative as possible,” Liza adds. “It’s about creating a community where we can all learn from each other.”
The duo emphasizes the importance of working with men who respect their craft and support their growth. “We’ve been lucky to find a community that helps us grow and thrive,” Kia says. “It’s crucial to work with people who lift you up and provide an environment where you feel supported.”
The Art of Collaboration: SUSU’s Songwriting Process
SUSU’s songwriting process is a true collaboration, blending Liza’s production skills with Kia’s lyrical genius. “Kia is a freak of nature when it comes to songwriting,” Liza says with admiration. “She gets song downloads in her sleep!”
Their creative partnership extends beyond music to stage production, costume design, and more. “We have strong points of view, but our work styles complement each other perfectly,” Kia explains. “It’s like being a director—you have a story to tell, and you find the best way to tell it with the resources at hand.”
The result is a body of work that feels cohesive yet diverse, with each song telling a unique story through the SUSU lens.
“We’ve been lucky to find a community that helps us grow and thrive,” Kia says. “It’s crucial to work with people who lift you up and provide an environment where you feel supported.”
What’s Next: A Feature Film and More
While Liza and Kia can’t share too many details yet, SUSU is set to appear in a feature film that they’re incredibly excited about. “It’s fresh off the press—we just wrapped up filming,” Liza teases. “All we can say is that it’s a city movie, and it will be amazing!”
Fans will have to stay tuned to SUSU’s social media channels for updates, but if their past work is any indication, this project will be well worth the wait.
The SUSU Experience: Live Shows That Leave a Mark
SUSU’s live shows are legendary, often described as powerful, spiritual experiences that transform audiences. The band’s preparation is meticulous, but they also embrace spontaneity, allowing each performance to express their energy and connection.
“We over-prepare so that when we’re in the moment, everything is on the table,” Liza says. “Our live shows are a chance for us to be ourselves, let loose, and create a space where the audience can do the same.”
Kia adds, “I hope people walk away from our shows with a little more gumption to be themselves, to figure out what brings true authenticity within them, and just to have a damn good time.”
Conclusion: SUSU’s Legacy in the Making
As we wrap up this conversation, it’s clear that SUSU is not just a band—they are a force of nature, a powerful duo of artists who are here to make their mark on the music world. With their unique blend of rock, soul, and fierce energy, Liza Colby and Kia Warren are redefining what it means to be women in rock, and they’re doing it on their own terms.
SUSU’s journey is just beginning; we can’t wait to see where they go next. Whether through their electrifying performances, their thought-provoking lyrics, or their upcoming film debut, one thing is sure—SUSU is here to stay, and they’re taking the world by storm.
Stay tuned because this is only the beginning.
Thank you for joining us on Backstage Sonoma. I’m Steve Roby, and we’ll see you next time with more stories from the music world.
Playlist: “Psychedlic Gangster” and “Turnt”
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