QR Music Interview - Susie Blue on songs from the heart
"They don't like us, think it's all a choice / And its our fault, and being quiet's a must", sings Susan Donaghy (Susie Blue) on her single 'People Like Us'. Speaking to Susie Blue backstage, shortly after her set supporting Jealous of the Birds at The Belfast Empire, it's clear that the personal is political in music, at least in Northern Ireland.
"The songs I write are from the heart; songs that I want to sing, and about things that I’ve experienced. Because they’re about women and because I’m a woman, they’re political automatically, which is fine by me because until we get equal rights in the North of Ireland, I will continue to sing politically."
Gearing up for the worldwide release of debut album 'Didn't Mean To Care' in October, the Derry musician's setlist included the the album's title track and 'She's A Keeper'; songs about growing up queer, performed unapologetically and, quite frankly, bravely, to a Belfast audience, given the nature of debate surrounding Equal Marriage and its illegality in the North.
"It’s strange to think about. If I’m singing to a group of people I’m unsure of– [that’s when you whip out the Hayley Kiyoko 'Girls Like Girls' cover?] –Literally! Every time [I perform], I think ‘If you don't agree with what I’m saying or singing, you can go ahead and leave. But give your name at the door– ‘cause you're not getting your money back, but we’ll donate it to a charity of your opposite view.’”
Her lyrics come as a welcomed and necessary sigh of relief, a statement of acceptance and refusal to water down her own experiences for the palatability of the mainstream– delivered with crooning, heart-wrenching vocals compared often to The Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan, and Sinead O'Connor.
While many artists shy away from comparisons, Susie Blue embraces them. "When you’re compared to someone so iconic, you can’t complain. My dad’s an avid Irish music listener and I grew up on both of them, so I’ve never been more flattered. It’s a f*cking compliment, always."
It's hard to picture the landscape of the local music scene in the North without the contribution of artists from Derry– SOAK, The Woodburning Savages, ROE; a scene within itself that Donaghy has nothing but praise for. "Cherym!" she exclaims when I ask about emerging Irish musicianship. "They’re unbelievable. I’ve know each of the three women in the band from when they were very young, floating about the Nerve Centre in different bands, and they came together and made a phenomenal group." Also included on the list are ROE, Pillow Queens, and Rosborough. "I only really listen to local music, unless you know, you’re on the Sesh and you get really into Ariana Grande." Yes, we do know.
Susie Blue plays Belfest on June 8th. Current singles available to stream on Spotify.
By Addison Paterson