Susanna Wolfe takes to the Ironworks Stage as part of The Ironworks Easter Showcase later in the month. It was a great opportunity to catch up with the prolific singer and character.
Not many people (unless they read your website bio) would know that you have supported Metallica, how was that as an experience and where does it stand alongside your biggest musical achievements?
Don’t get me wrong, it was a wonderful experience and I’ve been lucky to have a few of those, but my greatest musical experience was playing my own material in a solo gig and the audience liking my songs. It made me feel justified as a musician.
The support slot came when you were a member of the all female ‘She’s the leader’, do you think there is a specific reason for the limited number of all female bands in the area (I think I can name one)?
OOf don’t get me started! Equality for women has been a long and still on going battle. I’ve always tried to uphold the belief that being a musician should not be gender related, but sadly the Music Industry is run by ageist sexist profit seekers (and breathe). Luckily we have had some brilliant examples of females who have broken the mould, Annie Lennox, Katy Tunstall, Kate |Bush Joan Jet, Chrissie Hynde etc. but even they have had to undergo horrendous scrutiny with regards to their weight and appearance.
When it comes to any form of Rock which is in itself a bastion of testosterone, where lyrical content is often based on “get yer rocks off” Its hard enough to get one woman to stand up and be counted, to put a band together is dam hard!! I think Women have done much better as Solo Artists.
I’m delighted to see any women getting out and doing their own thing and we have some fine female singer songwriters here in the Highlands!
So the all female band was a part of my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to play with some amazing musicians and have learnt from all of them.
I’ve recorded and performed some diverse genres, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Folk, Blues, Rap Hip Hop, Dance, Alternative and more! All of this has contributed to my approach to song writing and singing.
How would you describe your act to someone that has not heard you before?
This is so hard!!!!!!
Well the EP due in the Autumn is called “Whiskey and Smoke” I did a live show for Celtic Radio Glasgow and someone said that’s what my voice sounds like.
I play acoustically and the music is rhythmically driven.
My songs are observations of peoples lives and are full of passion.
err folk/rock/blues???????
or
Have a listen and make your own mind up XXX
Which of your songs do you thing best represents you and why?
Depends on whether its a full moon or not
No seriously
If we’re talking about “Love is a Hunger” Then ” The Traveller”,
All I’m saying is…I have danced on a few tables…..
I am a traveller
I am a wanderer
You can’t hold me
With promises of wealth
You say you know me…
You don’t know me
I don’t even know myself
Chorus
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Down down down
2nd Verse
I am a wise woman
I’ve been a fool
Been many a thing to many a man
I’ve been a healer
I’ve been a whore
And I’ve danced upon the tables of the dammed
Chorus
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Down down down
Mid 8
I will give you rapture
I will grant you Glory
I will show you pleasure
I will let you lust
I will drown you
Then resurrect you
I will turn you love to dust
Chorus
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Look into my eyes and I will steal your soul
I will burn your Bridges down
Down down down
What role does playing the Ironworks Showcase have to you as a musician?
Its an amazing opportunity! I know that I am building my career a second time round and its very hard to get coverage when you are erm an older woman. The Highlands is now my home and the Ironworks is the premier gig. Its actually great that I am being appreciated for my music and so many people have been so supportive. Mega thanks to Steve Robertson and all the guys n gals who have been there for me
Do you have plans to follow up ‘Love is a Hunger’?
I’m releasing an album “Healing Rain” that I actually recorded a few years ago. Weirdly enough it feels that the time is right. Its a very honest album and some of the tracks are live takes It was recorded at Camden Street Studios, Evanton and I produced it myself with Davie Munro.
We’re in the process of recording “Whiskey & Smoke” due out in September.
You can keep track of Susanna via Facebook and read our coverage of the Ironworks’ Showcases.
