Written interview with flugelhornist/trumpet player Suzan Veneman Sextet and about of her new album The Art of Letting Go.
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Suzan Veneman: – I started performing at a young age (9 yo). I grew up in a musical family of brass players. My dad played professionally in a military orchestra and is conductor of amateur orchestra’s. When I was old enough to play a brass instrument I picked the flugelhorn and joined the local fanfare. (I did however change to trumpet at age 14, because I wanted a bit more versatility in my musical options.)
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
I live in Amsterdam nowadays. It is a great city for jazz music and many of my friends and colleagues live here. I feel inspired by the vast number of players that live here who, besides being great musicians, also write their own original work. That motivates me to keep going after my own voice and ideas.
What performers have been your inspiration?
Too many to list here, of course. Some of the all-time greats: Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Shorter, Vince Mendoza, John Williams. My peers and musicians alive now that share their life in music. And last but not least (and little closer to home): my (older) brother inspired me to study jazz music, he is a jazz trombonist and composer and made sure I got to the right bands and artist when I was younger. He continues to be a musical inspiration for me!
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
I find it very challenging to be my own booker, manager, do my own PR, making sure I am visible on all the different online platforms, being a bandleader while also playing many gigs as a side musician. I have to manage my time well to keep the focus on the creative process (composing, arranging) and perfecting my craft on the instrument. I feel pressure to grow and build a larger following, but I don’t want to lose track of why I play music in the first place and what message I’m sending out. It is my intention to stay authentic and sincere.
What do you base your success on?
My joy for music, a tool to get closer to the essence of life. To share in this joy with other musicians, audiences and listeners. To be touched by music and to touch others with what I love to do.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians?
It is always wonderful to meet other musicians and experience their creative process. I continue to feel inspired by people who give their life/love to music and strive for greatness. We can’t do it alone, so the feeling to play with people who want to make (you) the music sound great is truly humbling. One other thing I love about being a part of someone else’s group/ensemble is to see and dive into someone’s musical world. It is my job as a side musician to nurture that, and add my own musical touch to it.
How does it influence your creative process?
Seeing and experiencing how other people write, play and express their music opens my ears and mind to other ways of playing, composing and improvisation. It challenges me to see where my weaknesses lie, to study more, and become versatile in many genres. It helps me to get out of my own comfort zone.
What was your latest musical release?
I just released my latest (and 3rd album) “The Art of Letting Go”
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Suzan Veneman Sextet – The Art of Letting Go and what inspired its creation?
This album is about diving deep into my own (subcontious) Self to find what is truly ‘me’. It is about the journey home, through darkness into light; letting go of all that no longer serves me on my road to growth and (inner) freedom. I found inspiration to write music about the recovery from a dark chapter in my life. To take the experiences and emotions and transform them into musical compositions. Each song covers an element of that story and the process of letting go. I hope that it touches the listener and that it can serve as an invitation to look inside and see what’s there (in the shadows).
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
Although the process and inspiration to write the album came naturally, I do see how this album helped me grow as an artist and express myself more deeply. I believe that making a record is a great way to grow as an artist, but also to leave something behind – a fragment in time that is part of something larger. It is my wish to continue making records and maybe also venture into other territories besides jazz.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
It usually starts with an emotion or feeling. I sit at the piano and search for the right harmony and melody that captures this feeling. Sometimes the feeling changes as the music develops or the other way around – it is a pretty fluid process. I usually wait with the title until the very end (sometimes it can take weeks to find the right words to the song).
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
Being a jazz musician (mostly), I focus more on authenticity and creative freedom. I think jazz music is such a great art form – where the artist can express freely and get very personal. It is unconventional and can be weird and provocative. I believe power in music comes from staying close to your intention and honest expression. I want to feel deeply and I want the same for my audience. If that sells – great, if not – that’s okay too.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Quite a big one, to be honest. If I want to promote my music so that it is played worldwide I have to use the platforms available. It can be nice to get feedback from listeners from all over and I am grateful for it. Social media is a nice tool to share the process of music making and personal development and open up conversations on these topics! However, I do connect best with my audience during a live performance. 🙂
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
I can’t name one specific event, I am afraid. But what I can say is that this last year or so, playing live music has been a practice for me to let go of my thoughts and beliefs around performing (both the attachment to positive ones and, of course the negative). It has become my practice to watch my inner (negative) dialoge and stay in the discomfort, like holding a child. Then I let go of whatever emotion or energy wants to come out and release (in that moment or in a safe space). With this process I try to ‘dive in’ to the music and serve it, thus letting go of my ‘persona’. It becomes significantly easier to play music and to enjoy it!
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
The era of streaming platforms has made it harder for independent artists to build revenue and get a fair price for their music. It is a smart business model for the company, and fits perfectly in a world where the aim is to (only) make more money. I try to balance that by finding other “thrills” in life that fulfill me and do provide a more sustainable source of income.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
This is one of the many ‘responsibilities’ an artist has. I try to engage with my fans after concerts, to be present when talking to them and to be myself in my announcements and musical presentation. I try to make the audience feel welcome and be aware that we create the experience together. I share with them what I want to say, coming from a place of love and clarity.
When there is no dialoge (for example with posting online on the socials), I want to make sure the message is true and clear, and spoken from my own experience. I have to keep in mind that I can’t know what goes on in someone else’s mind, so I try to let go of expectations. This helps me to share more freely. Anybody (that resonates with that) is welcome to listen and share!
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and find info about me and upcoming shows, etc. on my website at www.suzanvenemanmusic.com.
I want to thank you for reading the interview and look forward to sharing (my) music with you. Please feel welcome to reach out if you want to share something with me! Thanks.
By Olivia Peevas
