SUSAN SANTOS, SONARO

Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Madrid, Susan Santos emerges as a fervent force in the realm of guitar virtuosity. A self-taught maestro, she wields her instrument with the finesse of a seasoned veteran, crafting compositions that pulsate with her distinctive fusion of rhythm and texture.

As a left-handed guitarist, Santos defies convention, infusing her music with a refreshing originality that underscores her status as a true trailblazer in the contemporary music scene. In an exclusive interview for Blues Matters at her home in Madrid, the enigmatic, singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist delves into the making of her latest album Sonaro, offering insight into her unique songwriting process and the eclectic blend of influences that shape her music. With her album poised to captivate audiences worldwide, the artist’s multifaceted approach promises an exhilarating musical journey for fans old and new alike.

Initially we talk about her recent tour in Spain. She describes it as “both tiring yet fulfilling.” Susan expressed gratitude “for being able to do what she loves, there’s no pain when you do what you want.” Despite initial plans for only one show in Madrid, the band ended up performing in other cities due to popular demand, marking a significant departure from when we last spoke during the pandemic, when touring was non-existent! “Audiences responded well to the new songs, which were unfamiliar to them.”

Reflecting on the uniqueness of playing new material live before its official release, she highlights the positive reception from audiences as the “best response they’ve experienced compared to previous albums.

“Playing in Madrid, my hometown, always feels special because it’s where my musical journey began. The energy and support from the audience is overwhelming, and it’s a surreal feeling to see familiar faces in the crowd, I was surprised at the turnout, noting

that playing midweek gigs in Madrid can be unusual due to people having work commitments the next day. However, the experience was memorable and marked a special start to the tour.”

Reflecting on her experiences touring different countries, Susan shares anecdotes about playing in Mexico and France. Recalling her time in Mexico, she describes it as a mix of excitement and caution due to the country’s reputation for violence: “It was a special experience because, for the first time, it was the first country where they speak the same language, Spanish. But on the other hand, it’s a dangerous country.”

A memorable incident during a festival in France was a particular point of interest. “One day in a festival in Ambon in the north of France, we decided to take a walk outside instead of driving to the city. It was a sunny day, but suddenly, it started raining, and we got lost near the highway. We couldn’t communicate with the locals as none of us spoke French.”

We went on to discuss how difficult it is for her to sing in a different language from her own Spanish: “For me, the world language, is THE MUSIC. But there is music that sounds so different if you change the language. I really prefer my music in English.”

Discussing future projects, Susan hints at the possibility of releasing an acoustic or live album: “Even though I initially didn’t consider it, many people have asked about an acoustic album. Maybe, it could be my next album. I want to do a live album with a few new songs, but it’s essential to choose the right venue and ensure the authenticity of the performance,” she adds.

We talk about the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan on her choice in being a musician: “The first time I listened to him, I said, ‘Wow. Who is this guy?’...It was something unique.”

importance of blending classic blues with contemporary elements to appeal to modern listeners and the need for new generations to put their own spin on the genre while still respecting its roots.

Discussing the challenges of navigating the modern music industry, particularly in the age of digital streaming platforms, Susan acknowledges the necessity of being present on these platforms while also emphasising the enduring appeal of physical formats like vinyl and CD:. “I sold out my entire merchandise, including vinyl records, at live shows in the UK last year, it’s a generational thing. People want to connect through our music.” This underscores the significance of connecting with fans beyond just digital platforms, playing live is what she loves doing.

The conversation turns to the making of her latest album. Susan has taken a more direct role in producing compared to previous projects. “I wanted to take full control of the production process, wanting to ensure that the final product reflected our artistic vision authentically. Each song is a chapter in a larger story, creating a short film or short book atmosphere, with diverse styles, likening it to a soundtrack. I am very happy with the album’s sound and production.” Overall, there was a feeling that she felt empowered by the ability to make key decisions throughout the recording process. Detailing the collaborative process on the album, she highlighted the seamless dynamics within the band. “It was so easy because the musicians that played on the album, they are the bass player and the drummer that play with me always and they are great to play with, we put ideas to each other, then the music flows. We spent maybe three, four days recording initially. But we had a little problem with recording the album because when we finished the first part of the album, I returned to my home with one of my guitars and my banjo, and I had a car accident. We finished the mixing and mastering of the tracks last summer.”

As the conversation shifts towards the technical aspects of her music, we discuss the unique sound produced by her baritone guitar:. “I think that the sound is so different because sometimes the baritone guitar is more useful to make only a riff than the normal guitar. But in live performance, I use the baritone guitar by fingerpicking, and I think that the sound is different.”

When asked about the biggest difference between playing the baritone guitar and the Stratocaster, she highlights the lower sound and the mix between guitar and bass elements: “It’s lower sound. It’s more similar, you know, it’s a mix between a guitar and a bass. So, you know, it’s something between those sounds.”

We consider motivation for continuing to play music and Susan expresses the importance of personal evolution and authenticity: “I think that for me, it’s important to do something different between the new album and the other albums. It’s not about the audience or the fans. I need to do something for me because musicians are always the eternal student and need to do something different.”

As the interview ends Susan shares her hopes and fears for the album’s reception, emphasising her excitement and uncertainty about its impact: “I’m really excited about this album, and I think that it’s identified as my best album right at this moment. But you know, the release is on April 5th, and the audience, the new fans, need to say if they like it or not. We will be having the album launch in Finland at The Grand Blues Festival in Lahti.”

With a mixture of anticipation and humility, the artist embraces the unpredictable nature of her musical journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities to connect with audiences worldwide. As she prepares to embark on a new chapter with the album’s release, she remains grounded in her passion for music and unwavering commitment to artistic growth.

Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into her creative process, and approach to navigating the music industry, and her commitment to keeping the blues alive while also exploring new musical territories.

Susan Santos’ new album “Sonora” is released April 5th via www.susansantos.infoTop of Form