Susana, what a pleasure to have you with us today! We first want to say many congratulations on your solo album "Closer". Bravo for your achievements this year!
Thank you! I really have to pinch myself sometimes!
You have also graced the latest Markus Schulz artist album Do You Dream with your outstanding song "Unsaid". Were you happy with the outcome? The song was more of a chilled progressive style type of track than what you had done in recent collaborations, was that fun for you to try and work with a different style of song?
Over the years I’ve actually created a pretty diverse musical background, getting a taste of different genres of music. So even though “Unsaid” might have a different sound than most of the trance tracks I’ve done before, it didn’t feel so much like something completely different. What I like about the track is that even though it’s a song with a positive message it still has a bittersweet edge to it.
Markus had mentioned during the preview for the album that he had wanted to work with you, did you also want to work with him prior to the album?
Yes, definitely! Markus has been one of my favorite DJs/producers for years, especially because of his more dark and moody tracks. He also brought “Nothing at All” (with Rex Mundi) into my life because when he heard the instrumental he, as he explained to me later, immediately thought of my voice as a perfect match for it. So when we finally met in person last year at Armin van Buurens wedding we had enough to talk about and discussed how nice it would be for us to work together on a track sometime.
Does anyone in particular influence your artistic/musical talent?
I have always been interested in many different kinds of music, therefore I can’t really name one big influence. I get inspiration from many tracks, partly depending on my state of mind and heart. Nothing moves me more then music does. It’s my daily stimulus.
Do you have your own favorite type of music that you enjoy singing other than EDM?
I really love to sing singer/songwriter stuff. Preferably acoustic with piano, which is, together with the cello, my favorite instrument. And I love to do Spanish language songs. It’s such a beautiful language…
What does your family think of your performance and do they support you?
My family is the best! They are immensely supportive of me pursuing my dreams and are really proud of my career. After I got involved with trance my dad discovered it through me and actually turned out to be a huge fan of trance music! My family will seize every opportunity to support me - either by coming to see me perform, brainstorming with me about creative and business decisions or by being present at video shoots. And this means a lot to me, because they know who I really am and know how to look beyond the artist. They have my best interest at heart and I can always depend on them.
What other producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?
I get inspiration from many genres and tracks and if I had to write them all down I would end up with an endless list but let me name a few from the realm of EDM: Cosmic Gate/Nic Chagall, Arnej, JPL, Above & Beyond, Yuri Kane, Dash Berlin, Airwave/Lolo,… Amongst my favorite vocalists are Aruna, Nadia Ali, Jaren, Jes and Khaz. But this doesn’t even come near to describing the huge pool of inspiration I dive in every now and then…
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Listen to the tracks from: Markus Schulz - Do You Dream Album
Your lyrics always have a great message behind them or seem to tell a story, do you write your lyrics?
I have written a lot of lyrics ever since I was a teenager. I have been in a band for years and would write all the lyrics. However, I got involved with trance music through producers/songwriters Raz Nitzan and Adrian Broekhuyse and they, especially Raz, have written most of the lyrics of the tracks I have done in the past. I don’t really know why I gave up writing myself, maybe because I hadn’t explored EDM before and felt a little insecure about it.
However, over the years I have grown and have become much more aware of who I am as an artist, as a trance vocalist. I really found my spot in electronic dance music and have a clear idea of where my preferences lie within the genre. Hence, when plans for a Susana album originated I immediately knew I wanted to be more involved in the creative process as well and I started to write lyrics again. So the album contains a few co-wrotes - like the first single, “Closer” (ft Omnia and the Blizzard), “Frozen” and “Unwind Me” - and I’ve already been working on new stuff at home which will hopefully one day be turned in to actual songs!
What is the best time for you to work on music, are you a complete night owl, or an early bird who likes to work during the day?
I’m definitely a night owl. I need to be in a certain, emotional, state of mind. I might get an idea during the day but will most of the time work it out at night. That’s why I’ve started to carry a little notebook with me to write stuff in while I’m on the road.
When you are traveling and singing live, do you ever get inspired from the places you visit? What has been your favorite place so far?
Travelling is actually my second passion. Discovering new territories, cultures and people... I love that! I’ve travelled quite a lot even before my singing career really kicked off and travelling through South America has definitely been one of the highlights of my life. It has been in my heart ever since, especially Peru, where I’ve lived for a few months. Of the places I have been for my career I think one of my favorite places is New York. What an amazing and diverse city! I’ve also really enjoyed my visits to Lebanon and Jordan. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite and I suppose it will only get harder because I will be travelling a lot more. There’s a whole planet out there to explore!
When you are composing alone, what type of recording equipment do you use? Is there any programs or gear that you recommend to other aspiring vocalists?
The only thing I use is a BOSS digital portable 4 track recorder which allows me to record ideas for songs and drops for radio. It took me a while before I figured it out though! I almost smashed it against the wall at some point haha. But now we’re on good terms. The actual recording of tracks takes place in the fully equipped studio of Raz and Adrian.
What is one of the fears you have overcome on your journey as an artist, and how would you say you have changed over the years from the beginning up until now?
I have always been confident about the capabilities of my voice, as well as about performing live. What I am still a little insecure about though is songwriting. Not the writing of lyrics but the inventing of melodies, the creation of verses, choruses etc. Even though, as I said before, I have grown a lot over the years, not only as a vocalist but also as an artist, I am still confronted with these insecurities every now and then. For the most part it is because of a lack of experience in that area. Also, I am quite a perfectionist and I guess I’m just scared sometimes to produce anything less than perfect. But at the same time I realize that everyone has their insecurities. I see mine as a challenge and I’m working on overcoming them!
At any rate you are an immense talent and have come so far, is there a message you want to share with your fans or aspiring vocalists that you feel would help them along their own path to success?
Talent and believing in yourself is key! Because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? But I won’t pretend that talent, believing in yourself and working hard is enough to make it. I am aware of the fact that I have been a little lucky to get in touch with the right people as well. But even though you need to have a some luck in getting the right opportunities, it all depends on how you handle those opportunities. You have to seize them and make them a success. And if I can give an extra piece of advice: try to be authentic. Don’t imitate other vocalists. Sure, learn from them but find your own voice and sound!
Markus Schulz Feat. Susana - Unsaid
