The ethereal voice, genre-bending style, and intensely intimate lyrics of up-and-coming singer-songwriter Suki Summer are well-known. Her latest track, ‘Summer Crush’, which combines a number of genres such as indie pop, dream pop, and bedroom pop, demonstrates Suki’s versatility in navigating through various musical genres while maintaining her distinct and alluring voice.
- “Summer Crush” is such a fun and intimate track. What was the initial spark of inspiration behind the song?
I met a girl last summer and we spent a few days together in Florence. The inspiration for the song came from our time we spent together.
- You’ve mentioned that the song captures the nervous excitement of having a crush. Was there a specific moment or experience that you were drawing from when writing it?
There was one night where I was with this girl and I knew I wanted to make a move and kiss her but I was second guessing myself and I thought that writing a song about that awkward but exciting feeling of having a crush would be a fun idea.
- The production of “Summer Crush” blends indie, dream, and bedroom pop. How would you describe the sound of this song compared to your previous work?
This song is very dreamy and fun. I think it’s a lot more light hearted than some of my previous songs in both the style of music and the content of the lyrics.
- There’s a playful sample of a conversation at the end of the song. How did that momcome ent about, and what was the mood like when you recorded it?
That sample was from a conversation I had the night before I recorded Summer Crush. I was with two friends and we were talking about the song and how dating women is amazing. We were all quite drunk and it was just a funny silly moment that just made it onto the track. I think it fits well with the playfulness of the song.
- You’ve said the writing process was quick for this song. How do you usually approach songwriting? Is there a certain ritual or environment that helps you create?
Songwriting for me is always pretty spontaneous. The process for each song is often very different so I don’t really have a particular way of approaching it. However the process is a very personal one so I do like to be on my own when I’m writing and I often write late at night just in my bedroom.
- Was there a moment during the recording process where you felt like “this is exactly what I wanted”?
Yes! Towards the end of the recording session we took a break and listened to the whole recording with no music just the vocals with all the harmonies unmixed and raw. I loved the sound that we had made with just the vocals alone so that was definitely the moment I knew we had cracked it.
- You’ve been open about your sexuality in your music. How does “Summer Crush” fit into your broader journey of self-expression through music?
I think it’s just in keeping with my honest approach to songwriting. I think all my music expresses different parts of me and I never think too deeply about it. This was just a beautiful experience with another human and I’m lucky to feel safe and open enough to share that in my music.
- The mix of genres in “Summer Crush” feels so seamless. How do you balance your love for different styles while still keeping the music true to yourself?
I think I just try not to limit myself to fitting in one box. I just go with what feels right. It also heavily depends on what I’m writing about as to what kind of style the music needs to be.
- Can fans expect a full album in the near future, or will we see more singles like “Summer Crush”?
For sure! I’m releasing my first EP ‘Lovesick and Sick of Love’ on the 28th of May and in the future I deffo plan on expanding on that and writing a whole album.
- What’s one musical genre or style you haven’t experimented with yet but would love to try in the future?
Jazz, one of my biggest inspirations growing up was Amy Winehouse so I’d love to explore more Jazz influenced music in the future.
- What are you most excited about for the future of your music career? Any big goals you’re working towards?
I’m excited to get back into more live performing. I love connecting with people and sharing music in a live environment. One of my goals would have to be performing at Glastonbury festival, having grown up just down the road from it!
- You’ve gained quite a following with your authentic songwriting. How do you plan to continue evolving as an artist while staying true to who you are?
Just continue to write about real experiences that I hope people can connect with and relate to whilst experimenting with different styles and trying new things.
- When you’re not making music, what are you usually doing to unwind or have fun?
I love travelling and exploring new places. I read a lot, spend time with friends and I love being outside especially in the sun so I tend to walk a lot with my dogs. I also love fashion and jewellery so I tend to spend a lot of my free time frequenting vintage markets.
- If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
There are so many artists I’d love to collab with but I’d have to say Saint Levant. His music is so unique and soulful and I love the way he blends different cultural influences in his music and tells such powerful and important stories with his words.
- What’s the most unexpected or funny thing that’s happened to you during a recording session or while working on a song?
I’m not sure anything that crazy has happened during a recording session or during the writing of my songs. Most unexpected things seem to happen when I’m not writing and it’s these things which inspire ideas for songs. However, most of these stories I wont be sharing for various reasons.
