We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Suzanne Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mia Suzanne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I initially was just a songwriter looking at selling my songs. When I looked into the process and ownership modules of what that entailed, it was a better idea to make it a business especially since I wanted to play/sing them myself and not just hand them off to someone else to interpret.
Alright, so let’s move on to what keeps you busy professionally?
My music genre is Americana/Country/Blues. The non-genre approach to my song-writing is what sets me apart from others as well as the over 50+ aspects to the lyrics. Professionally there were two areas of strength that gave me the experiences I needed to be where I’m at today. From a business sense, I had over 20 years of Office Management experience and also managed an HOA for a subdivision. Musically, I’ve performed in various choirs, ensembles, etc. in all aspects. I was a worship pastor for awhile and also taught children’s music classes. In 2016 I was encouraged by a friend to start learning to play an instrument and in just one short year, had learned to play guitar, relearned piano and started songwriting leading to the development of the business. Age is definitely a challenge, along with being a female in a male dominated field. Trying to release my first full album right when the Pandemic hit was a huge challenge. I’ve learned to be resilient and keep going no matter now many negative vibes are thrown my way. My brand picture has a lightning bolt in it for two reasons. First, being from Texas we have a lot of storms which bring lots of lightning. Second, my mind tends to work like lightning: one brilliant flash then it’s gone. I’ve learned to write down my songs when I think about them before they are gone forever. The colors purple and green represent a story. When I was in high school my best friend Sue wrote me letters in purple ink and I wrote her back in green….. our favorite colors. I wanted to always remember that youthful energy of a life still ahead to live.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hah! I love mini golf so wherever we can find an open course is always a must see. I love ice cream! Baskin Robbins, Marble Slab would be givens. Live music and hopefully a gig I was performing at would be on the list. Being in Texas, BBQ, steaks and Tex-Mex are some great restaurant spots. We would probably look at old pics and do some reminiscing.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutouts to Danny Jones, producer of first 3 projects, that introduced me to the joy of the recording process. John In Houston, my “wind in my sails” promoter, for encouraging and motivating me and my business. All my friends and the gang at School of Rock-Cinco for helping in any way they could with promoting, purchasing products and participating in the performance and/or recording process. My friends and family who have supported me and the band in every way possible. Many thanks to all my business associates from merch production, website support, distribution, photography, videography and so much more that make this music machine roll along smoothly. Thanks to recording engineer Michael Mikulka, mixing engineer James Hoover and mastering engineer who made our latest production Ice and Fire a resounding success. Warm squishy hugs and thanks to Hanh Nguyen at The Perfect Latte for giving our band a platform to play off of every month along with small business support throughout each year.
Website: https://www.suzannesband.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannesband
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/suzannesband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannesbandmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2h8WyLZ_6rNfnrzm4d7FKg
Original article: https://shoutouthtx.com/meet-mia-suzanne-walker-suzannes-band/
