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  • Peace is in my soul

  • Peace is in my soul

  • Peace is in my soul

INDIE MUSIC NEWS REPORTER: Suzanne’s Band – Ice and Fire (Remix)

Music is the consummate dynamo powering the emotional centers of our brains. It is forever fascinating how a song (and its meaning) can be interpreted in numerous ways by both the listener and the creator. It is equally fascinating when the interpretation at the audience’s end is more uniform. Latin Pop is one of those genres with a spellbinding ability to transcend language, age, and cultural barriers to reach our emotions. It sets itself apart by driving the listener onward with positive conviction. Of course, it is truly effective in the hands of a gifted practitioner. And Texas-based singer-songwriter Mia Suzanne Walker is, beyond a doubt, one of the gifted, as evidenced through her fiery Latin pop interpretation of her own single, titled ‘Ice and Fire.’

Written in the key of A minor, Ice and Fire is a hypnotically energetic number rendered with a dynamic range and arrangement that stays true to its name. Lyrically themed upon the immense passion between two individuals who are polar opposites, the very first notes struck by the acoustic guitar are evocative of the calm before the storm. In this story a warm soul is able to melt a cold heart as the two drown in a pool of desire. Indeed, the arrangement has been written with remarkable creativity endowed with the power to make the audience sit up and take notice. The ‘Icy’ parts are well-represented with a youthful-pop-like understated groove and an ever-reliable bass. The bass navigates the arrangement towards its eventual burst at the ‘Fire’ parts, which are well fueled by a brass ensemble (courtesy Geraldo Francisco). The drum follows the traditional two verse-1 bridge-1 chorus form keeping the song’s rhythm glued.

From verse to the chorus through the bridge, it is Walker whose versatile vocals seamlessly blend into the instrumentation. She spearheads the song with flawless transitions from the initial icy parts to the fiery bursts of the chorus. The song is not devoid of technical virtuosity either, as demonstrated by the aforementioned dynamic range in terms of the arrangement and performance of the instrumental parts (notably the brass section spearheaded by Francisco, who is Marc Anthony’s trumpet player).

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Walker’s vocal timber is at once glassy and raspy, befitting the genre beautifully. The lyrics are powerfully and creatively metaphoric and yet instantly decipherable, such as “We’re like ice and fire, drowning in a pool of desire, only one survivor…” The melodic topline is at once memorable, thanks in no small measure to the chord sequences and the bridge part which would have made Ricky Martin proud.

Just about every single aspect of this number has been crafted with sheer panache, endearing itself to the listener with its adlibs and contrapuntal interjections, both vocal and instrumental, empowering the lyrics with a flame that is likely to last in the listener’s mind long after the first listen. At a duration of three minutes and fifteen seconds, Ice and Fire is one wave-making number. It possesses effortless appeal and charm over audiences regardless of culture, age, or language, rendered by Suzanne’s Band in a manner that makes it a stellar addition to the Latin Pop genre.

About Suzanne’s Band

Americana (Country-Blues-Pop) combination Suzanne’s Band is the official vehicle driven by Texas-based singer/songwriter Mia Suzanne Walker. Suzanne’s career highlights include her recent acceptance into the Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and her rapid development as an established YouTube artist. Suzanne’s live shows are a blend of music covering the last seven decades and are usually a mix of classic rock, pop, rock, and country, along with Suzanne’s original songs woven into the setlist. Booking is available as a solo, duo, trio, or full band act. The non-genre-specific approach to Suzanne’s songwriting creates an entirely different basis to build on, along with introspective ideals and the importance of self-worth laced into the lyrics. If you’re looking for a deeper connection to life through music, Suzanne’s Band is it!

CANVAS REBEL: Meet Mia Suzanne Walker

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mia Suzanne Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mia Suzanne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?

The best boss I ever had was a man named Joe Aldrich. I had just come out of a previous set of job environments that had left me rattled and susceptible to fear of constant failure and inability to perform well. Being hired by the new company and working under Joe was a mind opening experience. He was the wind in my sails. Every new thing I learned he encouraged me and raises were a regular occurrence as compared with a lot of companies today that just do a cost of living increase which barely covers the increase in healthcare coverage much less anything else. If I made a mistake, he showed me how easy it was to fix it and not to worry about it. The atmosphere at that company was so encouraging and easy going it was like working from home.

Mia Suzanne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After raising four children and retiring from the corporate world, I knew I wanted to do something with music but wasn’t sure what it was going to be. A friend of mine suggested joining the adult band at School of Rock and learning to play guitar. That was quite a trick for an “old dog” to learn at 51 years old. Within a year, I was inspired to start writing songs and found myself going to the keyboard (only had lessons a few years as a child) to write there as well using the guitar chords to help. I also started the business Suzanne’s Band (also a Veteran-owned business) so I could begin to record these original songs. Within two years I had released an EP, a holiday song and an album. A year after that I was releasing another holiday song and another album along with being nominated into the Grammy organization. Suzanne’s Band is divided into two aspects. Live performances are solo, duo, trio or full band shows and can be anything from covers of the Beatles to Harry Styles and everything in between in genres of pop, country and rock. Because there is such a variety of decades and genre options, clients can “dial in” a more personalized show experience if needed especially in cases of funerals, weddings, birthday parties, etc. where a more specific decade or style of music is needed. Original songs fall in the Americana category of pop, blues, rock and country and are often included as well. The other aspect of Suzanne’s Band is the production of original material. A selection of studio musicians are used for recording sessions. Songs tend to be non-genre specific and focused more on the importance of self-worth and introspective ideals–songs with heart! I want my lyrics to be understandable and easily heard so that the listener takes them to heart and is encouraged. One of the comments I received from the latest Grammy considered release Ice and Fire, the album, was that the listener wanted to hear more. They wanted the story to continue!

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

I’m the type of person that definitely believes in the “having more than one egg in your basket” philosophy. As a musician and business owner, I knew that there would be down times and some ebb and flow with finances and I needed to look at multiple income streams. As a musician, gigs are the number one way you receive straight income. Unfortunately, there are some months where the weather is not conducive to outdoor gigs especially or venues are struggling like in January right after Christmas when there’s always a down time event. By creating and distributing original music, it creates a situation where regular royalties can be a great source of added income. Having a You Tube channel and getting revenue off ads which appear during music videos is another source. Having merchandise available to sell during shows or online through the website such as t-shirts, mugs, CD’s, etc. is also helpful. When original music is distributed through all the streaming platforms and sites, it provides an opportunity for income through downloads and streams.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Trying to book gigs has been the hardest thing about being a musician. Phone calls result in requests to just email someone. Emails turn into “no response”. Physically cold calling on venues seems to be the best way but can be draining on time, energy, gas budget, etc. More often than not, it is still difficult for women to get gigs over men. 90% of what is booked goes to male fronted bands or male solo acoustic artists. These incidences can be daunting. I keep chipping away at this iceberg though focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel of that one vendor that just might say yes.

Contact Info:

Original article: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-mia-suzanne-walker/

Top40-Charts.com: Texas Americana Artist Mia Suzanne Walker

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Houston Texas is the home of Mia Suzanne Walker who approaches fan growth one fan at a time. One comes to learn that it is the intimacy of bringing original songs to individuals and couples that lights up Suzanne’s stage presence. Suzanne shares, “Who doesn’t like the thrill of performing in a major arena or music festival but it’s tough to beat the one on one performances that listening rooms and coffee shops provide.” Mia should know as her week in and week out schedule is made up of notable coffee shops and listening rooms in Texas.

Many times Mia has invited other well known singer/songwriters to join her on stage for a song or two. Interested? Just call her, who knows? Mia’s music is available on all of today’s popular sites such as Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon and can be heard on terrestrial radio stations around the world. However, it’s the personalized autographed CDs that are handed out at her performances that make Suzanne’s day. “I write my music to share and when someone takes the time out of their day to be with me I am more than a little humbled. On my breaks I am able to talk to many of them and when they ask for a CD I am able to write something between us, something a bit more personal on the cover.”

It is this one on one personal connection that comes naturally to Mia and over time has developed quite the following. Most recently the Americana songwriter released her new “Ice & Fire” album and it has been accepted internationally by radio show hosts worldwide. Mia’s audience now stretches internationally, she just wishes she was sharing her music with them one on one. “Ice and Fire” was recorded in the famed Lucky Run Studio with President Michael Mikulka handling the engineering with Mia producing. Grammy award winner James Hoover was chosen for the mixing and Nick Landis for mastering as the icing on the cake.

The result is one fantastic nine track release. “Ice & Fire” exemplifies roots music at its best as it captures the spirit and tone of Americana, Country, and Blues all within one collection of nine originals. When asked about the future Mia responded with a smile and said that she hopes to be on bigger stages in the near future but she also hopes to always be performing in the smaller more intimate coffee shops and listening rooms too.

You can learn more about Suzanne at: Suzanne’s Band (suzannesband.com)

Reach You ∙ Suzanne’s Band (Official Music Video)

Emotionally charged original song Reach You performed in the historic Galveston League house (currently under restoration), portrays the old threads of a relationship that CAN be restored but will they? Mia Suzanne Walker is joined by Houston cellist Kyle Tryk.

Premiered October 12, 2022

Purchase, Stream, Download, Listen to Reach You on all platforms

Lyrics:

You don’t hear the sound of my voice
You’ve made your mind up you have made your choice
It’s ok we are big girls and boys
But I’m not one of your pretty toys

All I want is you to see my heart
All I want to do is never part
And find a way to reach you

I fall on a rose and bleed upon the thorns
I fall in love and feel there should be more
I need you to look me in the eyes
I need you to tell me you will try please try

All I want is you to see my heart
All I want to do is never part
All I need is you to see my soul
And never go so I can reach you

The closer I get you move out of sight
A silent scream won’t stop the tears I cry
It’s all water underneath the bridge
And you go by hand raised but I can’t take hold of it

All I want is you to see my heart
All I want to do is never part
All I need is you to see my soul
And know I’m gonna reach you

Night Blues ∙ Suzanne’s Band (Official Lyric Video)

The official music video for Night Blues by Suzanne’s Band from the Ice and Fire album.

Premiered May 6, 2022

Purchase, Stream, Download, Listen to Night Blues anywhere music is available.

For more info on Suzanne’s Band go to

Home

For more info on Suzanne’s Band go to https://www.suzannesband.com

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2h8…

Connect with Suzanne’s Band on socials below:

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xiCZ…

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannesband

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannesband…

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannesband

 

Something Else (Official Music Video)

The official music video for Something Else by Suzanne’s Band from the Ice and Fire album.

The frustrations of life are temporary. Let positive vibes and inspiration lead you into better days.

Premiered April 8, 2022

Purchase, Stream, Download, Listen to Something Else anywhere music is available.

For more info on Suzanne’s Band go to https://www.suzannesband.com
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2h8…
Connect with Suzanne’s Band on socials below:
Follow on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xiCZ…
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/suzannesband
Like on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/suzannesband…
Follow on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/suzannesband

Lyrics:
Gotta burning desire to set your dreams on fire
Throw it all in watch the flames go higher
Give up on trying to move ahead
But something else says you’re not done yet something else

Something else says aim higher when lows get too low
Hold on a little tighter don’t let go
Something else says don’t be so hard on yourself
Something else says you’re something else

Been a month of Mondays for so many years
2020 vision’s clouded by these tears
Trying to make a living doing the best you can
Something else says it’s part of the plan

Something else says aim higher when lows get too low
Hold on a little tighter don’t let go
Something else says don’t be so hard on yourself
Something else says you’re something else

Don’t let the fear inside win the war
When you think there’s nothing else worth fighting for
Every day is a gift and has a plan
Gotta find it believe it understand that

Something else says aim higher when lows get too low
Hold on a little tighter don’t let go
Something else says don’t be so hard on yourself
Something else says you’re something else

SHOUTOUT HTX: Meet Mia Suzanne Walker | Suzanne’s Band

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/


MUSIC EXISTENCE: Album Review: Suzanne’s Band “Ice & Fire”

There’s irrefutable artistry on display from the moment Suzanne’s Band’s latest release, the nine-track LP Ice & Fire, begins. Utilizing a stripped-down, classic blues riff fueled by nothing but acoustic guitar and vocals in the opening seconds of album opener “Back To Brown,” there’s clear and concise attention to detail from the band, placed front and center from the jump. The ensemble comes in a few seconds later and further elevates the riff into a bombastic presentation for the rest of the group to play off of, and by the time the song comes to a close, there’s no denying the keen sense for blues and rock ’n’ roll that Suzanne’s Band proudly inhibits.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suzannesbandmusic/

Opening up the floor to more ethereal and emotionally-fueled ballads, “Indio” comes next. A classic tale is told through the interwoven lyrics from Suzanne’s Band’s very own Mia Suzanne Walker, and the chorus is greatly punctuated by beautiful harmonies that mesh perfectly with the instrumental footing that the rest of the band provides. Maintaining an upbeat pace more in line with Ice & Fire’s first track, “Kick It To The Curb” provides a good dose of levity in comparison — a fairly light offering, “Kick It…” focuses wholeheartedly on its fun chorus and catchy versatility. “By The Bayou” finds a tight balance between the aforementioned ballads and lighter fare that has preceded it by giving listeners a narrative-driven piece of lyricism tinged with a bittersweet yearning for days gone by. The tonal stability gives “Bayou” the edge it needs to be a memorable highlight from the album, and the song works in part as the emotional glue necessary to hold the first and second halves of the project together.

Ice & Fire continues full speed ahead with “Night Blues,” a structurally meta dance hit that will unquestionably become a staple at Suzanne’s Band’s live shows, and the eponymous track “Ice and Fire,” which functions as a chillingly cool piece of music fit for Tarantino as it drips with desire in its inspired Southern and Spanish-guitar stylings. “Reach You” pivots into piano ballad territory, which was a bold choice; allowing the album to be carried by guitars and classic rock compositions thus far, “Reach You” could very well have fallen flat. Suzanne’s Band seems well aware of the risks of delving into earnestness and raises expectations for the remaining third of the album by fully landing this piano ballad-shaped plane without so much as a scratch. “Reach You” not only fully works within the scope of Ice & Fire, but it raises the album’s credibility substantially with its tenderness and open-hearted vulnerability.

 

 

As the album comes to a close, “Something Else” doubles down on the ballad motif but keeps things a tad more upbeat; the melancholy underbelly ever permeates, but the uplifting message of overcoming fears and doubts proudly wins out the sulking possibilities another ballad could otherwise pose. Finally, “Can’t Keep Me Down” arrives on the scene in full funky fashion, returning to the party-driven mindset that the album had been missing for a few tracks. The contrast against the slower, softer-spoken songs that precede the album’s finale does wonders for the victory lap that this ninth track takes listeners on. Ice & Fire manages to tell an entire emotional arc within its mere thirty minutes, and by the end of it, listeners are left breathless and hungry for more. Ice & Fire is a resounding success of a release and audiences will assuredly gel with all the album and Suzanne’s Band have to offer.

__________

Original article: https://musicexistence.com/blog/2022/01/28/album-review-suzannes-band-ice-fire/

HOLLYWOOD DIGEST: Suzanne’s Band – Ice & Fire (LP)

There’s something in the water down in Texas. You’ve got Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé in recent years, but for decades American music has been greatly indebted to an endless list of brash Texans giving the rest of the country the ol’ what-for by neglecting to keep them in the same conversation as Tennessee’s music scene. You’ve got icons Selena, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Stevie Ray Vaughan for starters, and with Ice & Fire from Suzanne’s Band, there’s another name to carve into the famed Texas musician halls: Mia Suzanne Walker.

URL: https://suzannesband.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suzannesband/

Ice & Fire functions as Suzanne’s Band’s second album to release within Walker’s solo career, following 2020’s well-received independent full-length release Back To You and “Underneath the Tree,” a single released for Christmas in 2021. Establishing Walker’s songwriting as a crucial component in modern independent music, Ice & Fire manages to not only flex the southern blues and rock genre side of Walker’s portfolio, but it expresses a vital understanding of maintaining an emotional interior with softer moments other artists might choose to neglect or ignore altogether.

It’s not with every album that a musician can pen something that could be taken as the next James Bond theme (see title track “Ice and Fire”) before pivoting into something as emotionally raw and vulnerable as they come (“Reach You”), but Walker can tiptoe the line with the magic act of pulling it off becoming all the more enjoyable to pay attention to as you see the various pieces connect to form the bigger picture.

Album opener “Back To Brown” starts with a bang, setting the stage for fans of the genre with a send-up to the tried and true sounds of country-driven rock and roll, but everything beyond this initial track pushes the album’s boundaries further out. The remarkable act of never feeling stretched thin is the thing worth marveling at, as both the lyrical content and musical compositions feel at home in every change of scenery. Another album standout comes in the form of “By The Bayou,” which uses nostalgia and memory-play to great effect with its bittersweet, poignant lyrics and spot-on melody.

Suzanne’s Band gives listeners a refreshing taste of old and new, providing anyone listening with the chance to kick off their shoes or paint the town red — each song within Ice & Fire provides a soundtrack to a different type of mood and anthem, and fans will find themselves suited to every second of it the more the LP reveals itself to them.

Modern independent music has suffered a massive drought in the rock genre and its offshoots more than anything else in recent years, but it’s projects like Ice & Fire that give hope and stoke the metaphorical fire that will eventually light the way for the mainstream return of the genre. Suzanne’s Band are trailblazers as much as they feel like classic legends of the genre, and I know I’ll be there for the next project with open ears, ready to pay full attention to whatever they have to say.

__________

Original article: https://thehollywooddigest.com/suzannes-band-ice-fire-lp/

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