Suzy grew up an artsy kid in a small town full of jocks with the same 80 students in her class from 1st to 12th grade. Her musical education consisted solely of “piano lessons from little old ladies who were taught by other little old ladies.” Needless to say, there weren’t many opportunities for Suzy to rock. Finally, at 21 and recently married, Suzy found herself in Houston, Texas with new musical opportunities. However, discouraged by her family, Suzy stopped pursuing music, and went the conventional 9-5 path, climbing the corporate ladder in PR and Marketing.
Years later, it was her son who encouraged her to find her musical voice. “It wasn’t until my son started singing that I even thought about it. He literally would sing along with the radio before he could talk,” she recounts. Unlike her experience with naysayers in the past, Suzy fostered his passion for music by managing a theater company that put on full scale Broadway musicals with children, many of which her son starred as the lead. Eventually, the support came full circle––inspired by her son’s interest in her voice, Suzy recorded an EP of cover songs for him as a gift. It was through this process that, in her 50s, she had the epiphany that she owed it to herself and the world to take back her life and chase her dream.
“Not pursuing music when I was younger was my biggest regret in life. I’m here to show the world that it’s never too late to change direction and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.”
Now, in her 60s, Suzy continues to push boundaries, defy convention, and inspire fans to do the same. Despite many obstacles, Suzy has self-released two critically acclaimed EPs “The Best Revenge” and “Suzy.” She’s performed at legendary venues, such as The Whisky in Los Angeles and the House of Blues in Las Vegas. She regularly attends the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, sharing the stage with bonafide rock stars such as Cheap Trick, Simon Kirke, Joe Vitale, Paul Stanley, Rob Halford & members of Judas Priest, Steven Adler, Buddy Guy, and Nancy Wilson. Despite her busy lifestyle, Suzy is still actively involved in Cruefest Hollywood, an annual charity concert that raises money for children’s cancer in memory of Vince Neil’s daughter.
In an attempt to differentiate herself from the other Suzy’s and make it easier for her fans to find her, she decided on the band name, Suzy and the Substitutes!
The name came about because aside from her songwriting partner and producer, Norman Matthew, the musicians who play on the recordings aren’t the same ones featured in her videos or who play LIVE on stage with her, so the Substitutes felt like an appropriate fit.
One thing is clear––all are welcome in Team Suzy Music. “Metal music is different because the people who listen to it are the most open minded, non-judgmental, caring people you will ever meet. Most of us are misfits and outcasts so we are very accepting of others and are a real family if you will,” Suzy expresses. For anyone that’s ever felt out of place or wants to reinvent themselves at any age, Suzy welcomes you into the family. Rock on!
