Suzanne Santo: From Darling West to Solo Artist on JRE

Ever wondered what it’s like to ditch the duo and go solo? In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe sits down with Suzanne Santo, formerly half of the Americana band Darling West, to talk about her musical journey, life on the road, and the challenges of reinventing yourself as a solo artist. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of music, creativity, and personal growth with a raw and honest conversation.

TL;DR

Suzanne discusses the decision to step away from Darling West and pursue her solo career.
She shares insights into the creative process behind her new music and finding her own voice.
The conversation touches on the realities of touring and the sacrifices musicians make for their art.
Suzanne reflects on her influences and favorite musical artists.
Joe and Suzanne talk about dealing with stage fright and performance anxiety.

Key Topics Covered

The Journey to Solo Artistry

Suzanne opens up about the pivotal moment she realized she needed to pursue a solo path. She describes a sense of creative stagnation within Darling West, and a burning desire to explore new musical territories that didn’t quite fit the band’s established sound. It wasn’t an easy decision, as Darling West had achieved significant success, but Suzanne knew she had to follow her artistic instincts. What I found particularly interesting was her emphasis on the necessity of being true to oneself, even when it means taking a huge leap of faith.

The transition to solo work wasn’t without its challenges. Suzanne talks about the initial fear and uncertainty of stepping into the spotlight alone, without the support of her bandmate. But she also found a newfound freedom to experiment with her music and express herself in a more authentic way. She goes into detail about having to learn all the different parts of the music business now that she doesn’t have a partner.

“I think the hardest thing about being in a band is that it’s hard to grow and change because you have to consider other people’s opinions.” – Suzanne Santo

Creative Process and Musical Influences

Suzanne dives into her creative process, describing how she finds inspiration in everything from personal experiences to the world around her. She emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and not being afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles. Her musical influences are eclectic, ranging from classic rock and blues to contemporary indie artists. She cites artists like Tom Waits and PJ Harvey as key inspirations, praising their raw honesty and unique approach to songwriting.

The conversation also touches upon the technical aspects of music production, with Suzanne sharing insights into her recording process and her collaboration with various producers. She discusses how different producers can bring out different aspects of her artistry, helping her to refine her sound and create the music she envisions. She shares some tips she learned when writing music in a cabin for a few months.

“I think you just have to be honest with yourself, or else it’s not gonna translate.” – Suzanne Santo

The Realities of Touring

Suzanne and Joe discuss the often-grueling realities of touring as a musician. Suzanne shares stories of long drives, cramped venues, and the constant struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road. She talks about the challenges of being away from family and friends for extended periods, and the sacrifices musicians make to pursue their passion. One thing that really stood out was her description of life on the road as “glamorous in hindsight.”

Despite the hardships, Suzanne also emphasizes the rewards of touring, such as connecting with fans and experiencing different cultures. She describes the feeling of playing live music as “cathartic” and “transformative,” and notes how it makes all the challenges worthwhile. She and Joe discuss the importance of gratitude when facing tough circumstances on the road.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Suzanne recounts a hilarious story about a particularly disastrous gig in a small town where the sound system malfunctioned, the audience was unresponsive, and the band’s van broke down on the way home. Despite the chaos, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of humor and finding the silver lining in every situation. She also shares some stories about the “interesting” people you meet in dive bars and music venues.

She also shares some stories from her childhood in Ohio, and how that shaped her into who she is today. She talks about how she always felt like an outsider growing up, and how that feeling ultimately fueled her creativity and her desire to express herself through music.

Actionable Insights & Takeaways

**Embrace Change:** Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and pursue new paths, even if it means leaving something familiar behind.
**Find Your Voice:** Explore different creative outlets and experiment with various sounds and styles until you discover what resonates with you.
**Be Resilient:** The road to success is rarely smooth. Be prepared to face challenges and setbacks, and learn from your experiences.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of a talented musician. Suzanne’s honesty and vulnerability are refreshing, and her insights into the creative process, the realities of touring, and the challenges of personal growth are both inspiring and relatable. This episode would be particularly interesting for aspiring musicians, fans of Americana music, and anyone who’s contemplating a major life change.