HomeInterviewsAn Interview with Susan Surftone

An Interview with Susan Surftone

We spoke with veteran rocker Susan Surftone about her songwriting inspiration, new track ‘Baja,’ and whats to come. Ready the full interview below.

What inspires you to create songs and write songs?
When I was three my mother took me to see Elvis Presley in “Jailhouse Rock.” I guess I thought that looked like a pretty good job just as John Lennon did. I was drawn to rock and roll music fromthen on. At nine I started to take guitar lessons and playing guitar just was a natural part of me. I practiced, listened and learned. When I formed my first bands in NYC in the 1980s I started to write songs. It was fun and people seemed to like them. With positive encouragement from listeners, I kept writing. The Beatles were a major songwriting influence. I’d say they set the template for me. The Ventures were my biggest instrumental influence along with the guitarists in garage bands of the 1960s. The Myddle Class, a garage band that enjoyed regional success in the Northeast where I grew up, was a big influence. Most of my songs start from a guitar riff, chord progression or occasionally a bass line. If it sticks with me and I’m convinced it doesn’t come too close to something I’ve heard before I’ll start to work with it seriously by adding parts until it’s a song.

We enjoyed your most recent single ‘Baja.’ How did the song come about?
My first CD, “Without A Word” was released in 1995 by Gee-Dee Music, a label in Hamburg, Germany. I though I’d commemorate the 25 year anniversary by recording a surf instrumental. It’s been awhile since I returned to the genre. “Baja”, a 1963 song written by Lee Hazelwood, best known for his work with Duane Eddy and Nancy Sinatra, and recorded by The Astronauts, was always a favorite of mine. We played it live on our European tours and recorded it but I was never completely satisfied with the recordings. I wanted to return to “Baja” and give it the treatment it deserves. In the days of Susan and the SurfTones, 1995 to 2011, I didn’t play bass. In 2011 when I became Susan SurfTone I started playing bass as well as guitar on my recordings. “Baja” was very attractive to me as a guitarist and a bassist.

What can you tell us about the newest project you’re working on?
The “Baja” recording led to a very comfortable working relationship with Los Angeles drummer Nick Vincent and producer-engineer Jeff Silverman (Palette Studios, Mt Juliet/Nashville, TN). Nick is a very creative drummer who has the approach and drive that fits perfectly with my current take on surf music. Jeff has the experience and ears to put the pieces together in a way that results in something fresh. After “Baja” we decided to keep going. I have always wanted to revisit some of the original songs I did on the early Susan and the SurfTones recordings. Recording technology is better now, my guitar style has broadened over the years and I’m playing bass now. The new EP will include a brand new original song as well as updated versions of my favorites from the early years. I’m aiming for a November, 2020 release.

What can we expect from it and what do you hope fans take away from it?
I hope it’s a good time for everyone. We all need a good time at this point. I certainly hope those fans who have been with me over the years enjoy the new versions and the new original song, “Cottonwood Beach.” inspired by the Super Blood Moon of September 27, 2015, a tidal bore and a small beach where Lewis and Clark camped for six days on the Columbia River in 1806. I’ve delved into rockabilly, blues and both electric and acoustic indie rock over the years. I don’t think many of my newer fans have heard my surf music from long ago so it will be something new for them.

How has the COVID pandemic effected you as an artist?
It’s kept me at home and I’ve had time to get into the songs I’m recording for the EP which has kept me sane, I think. I’ve learned to record my own guitar and bass tracks with a small set-up in my very small apartment. Jeff is an expert at working remotely from his cutting edge studio near Nashville, TN. Nick’s home studio is only a short walk away but we’ve been working remotely. It’s been a long time since musicians actually have to be in the same room together to record but successfully working remotely is an art that’s being perfected now out of necessity. I hope some day we can get back to having that in-person option.

What can fans do to support you?
Continue to listen to my music. I’ll do my best to keep things interesting.


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