Music Star Suzanne Grzanna On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Being a musician and recording artist is just one thing an artist does in their career. This is a business and having knowledge of marketing and basic bookkeeping helps you stay organized.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Suzanne Grzanna.
Suzanne Grzanna is an award winning songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist, arranger, producer and music publisher who has released many albums on her label, Diva Records, and has recorded over ninety songs. Her music has been featured in many films and played on radio stations across the globe. Suzanne has performed for many music festivals and private events and loves connecting with fans. She is also a member of the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA, Society of Composers & Lyricists, and Guild of Music Supervisors (Friend).
A performer from a very young age, Suzanne sang and played piano in her family band, playing jazz, rock and dance music. She gained further experience playing in her high school band and singing in her high school choir. While in college she not only performed with the jazz band, but also with the school’s symphonic orchestra and a Christian rock group. She also sang with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for many years, starting at the age of 18. After attending Wisconsin Lutheran College and earning a music degree from Carroll University, she formed her jazz quartet and immediately started a busy performance schedule, and she has not slowed down since.
In early 2023, Suzanne released a dance song under Sax Diva® titled “Running Past the Line” (#2 on iTunes) with Kim Cameron and released her newest jazz vocal album titled “The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album” on September 8, 2023 (#7 in US Pre-Sales and #1 in UK Pre-sales iTunes), which was mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio by Jeff Silverman.
In addition, Suzanne has collaborated with numerous artists and has won many awards, including Hollywood Music and Media Awards, “Best Artist” from Indie Music Channel Awards, UK Songwriting Awards, Hollywood Songwriting Awards, Academia Music Awards, Clouzine Music Awards, and Josie Music Awards, to name a few. Her music has also been featured in several films and television shows.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a small suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My parents Don and Maureen Grzanna are professional musicians and I started piano with my mother at five. At age nine, I started to learn the clarinet in our school band and soon after played the saxophone. In addition to jazz and listening to my parents perform, I enjoyed classical, jazz and pop music of the era. I performed from an early age in our family’s band, playing rock, jazz, and dance music. In high school, I was in band and choir and performed the Revolutionary Etude by Chopin and was part of the Irl Allison Piano Awards. In college, I performed with Carroll University’s band and a Christian Rock group. Starting at age eighteen, I was accepted into the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and sang with them for many years. After graduating with a music degree from Carroll University, I immediately started my jazz quartet. I have not slowed down yet ;)
“I have been fortunate to perform at so many places. Love to play at festivals because it’s fun to be on a large stage, reaching as many people as possible. But I also enjoy performing at more intimate club settings since it is easier to communicate to everyone. Talking to the audience is one of my favorite things to do.”
In the future, I want to continue my musical life and share my love for music to all.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
My parents impacted my life through music. They are both professional musicians and music was performed in our household. I would attend my parent’s concert performances and it inspired me to share my music with others. My mother taught me piano, and I practiced every day. The diligence of their work ethic modeled my later success. Without my parents, I would not be at the point I am right now. I am incredibly grateful.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Several years ago, I was in Santa Barbara with friends exploring new venue options to promote my music. After a long, hectic day of introductions and performances, we were wrapping things up at a local favorite when the owner asked me to play one more song. Even though it was 3 a.m., and I was completely exhausted, I took to the stage and contemplated what to showcase. I became inspired by the solitude of closing time at the club, and on the spot, a new composition, later to be known as Ennui poured magically from my saxophone. It is now one of the favorites on my new album.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early in my gigging career, I was performing at a local dive bar on a hot summer night, and I ordered a cold beer to cleanse my palette. Little did I realize at the time how it would affect me a few minutes later. Let’s just say that belching while belting out the blues does not work so well. The lesson is wine over beer before a performance.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
One of my vocal mentors was Jackie Allen. She taught me scat singing and helped me organize my book for the band. The gig book helped a lot when I worked with fresh players on a performance. Jackie was living in Chicago and now a super star on Blue Note Records. Jackie Allen is amazing!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Just released my new jazz album titled “The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album (2023) available in Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio by Jeff Silverman. I am so excited to recreate my first album. I re-recorded all the tracks with some updated twists to the songs. This album just charted #3 on iTunes in the United States and #4 on iTunes in the United Kingdom, #1 on Amazon Hot New Jazz Releases and #1 Movers and Shakers in Albums.
Suzanne Grzanna — Saxophone and Vocals
Scott Currier — Piano
Hal Miller — Bass
Terry Smirl — Drums
Brian Ford — Drums
Executive Producer: Suzanne Grzanna
The album was Produced, Engineered, mixed in Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio and Mastered by Jeff Silverman of Palette Music-Studio-Productions.
Recorded at DV Studios — Dave Vartanian — Milwaukee, WI
Producer and Sound Engineer at DV Studios: Dave Vartanian
Recorded at Mazziotti Studios
Additional Producer and Sound Engineer — Mason Mazziotti
Additional Engineer: Greg Klaus
New Graphics: Debra Lyn (DLS Graphics)
Graphics from the original Cat’s Meow Album — Jeff Paul, McDill Design, Ltd.
Photographer: Mike Huibregtse
Publisher: Grzanna Jazz Productions LLC (ASCAP)
Publisher: Grzanna Music Publishing (BMI)
Publisher: Don Grzanna Music (ASCAP)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ouq43fONLxjK4T5RKHes9
Another big project that was released with Billboard Charting Dance artist Kim Cameron — Influencer Album. I co-wrote the song “Running Past the Line” charted #2 on iTunes and #1 on Amazon Best Seller Songs. Kim and I also filmed a music video together. It is so much fun putting jazz sax riffs into dance songs. I am honored to be part of this project.
Kim Cameron — Vocalist
Sax Diva (Suzanne Grzanna) — Saxophonist
Kevin Rockhill — Producer
https://open.spotify.com/track/0IbWgYOdGc27hj4DkMwyzO
Another recording released this year was will Billboard #1 Charting Blues Artist Oliver Sean. He composed a song titled “Mama Taught Me” (2022) and I recorded saxophone to this song in Americana Performance and Americana Song. #1 charting song!! I am so excited!
https://open.spotify.com/track/6phzlKEmxJqlbPp6ssKdXG
Dimitri K composed a wonderful album titled “An Immigrant in New York” (2023) and I added my saxophone as well to his compositions in Classical Compendium. This album has a beautiful story about New York City.
https://open.spotify.com/album/54gv9w3ThgDkkUJSQrhqnI
I really enjoyed working with all the amazing artists in these projects. Please take a listen ☺
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
- The industry should reflect the variety and unique talents of artists in their chosen genre, and their perspectives and experiences help to shape and celebrate cultural individuality.
- We must remember that diversity can encompass more than sex and race but also includes various artistic and intellectual expressions, which makes the world more interesting.
- Engaging with a variety of cultures enhances our understanding, and music is a shared human experience that connects us all.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
I stay motivated by having my wonderful family and friend’s support. The music industry is indeed a challenge, and it is hard to stay positive all the time. But I have an inner drive and love towards the music I create and perform. Without music, I would be a different person. When I create music, I become happier and fulfilled. I am a dreamer and having dreams keep you motivated.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Take classes in Business and Marketing.
Being a musician and recording artist is just one thing an artist does in their career. This is a business and having knowledge of marketing and basic bookkeeping helps you stay organized.
2 . Take classes in music engineering.
Being a musician and recording artist is just one thing an artist needs to understand. Hearing the mix of a band, tuning, arrangements, type of equipment, and pro-tools are just some of the things you need to have knowledge to succeed.
3 . Take classes in LAW.
There are many contracts you need to have for performances. Early in my career, I had a verbal agreement for a gig in another city. I had everything arranged, promoted the performance and later found out the person I spoke with at the club quit. No one had any idea I was going to perform.
4 . Always call the club to confirm.
Continuing the story from above, always call the club to confirm and look on their website to make sure you are on the roster for performances.
5 . The music business is not easy.
In college, my dream was to follow in my parent’s footsteps and perform/record. I knew that it is a hard business to sustain but it is one you can continue forever. Longevity is a good word. If you can continue working and learning it will pay off, but it may take time.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
There are a few ways I compose music. First, I love to sit down by the piano and produce ideas. Sometimes the perfect melody just pops into my head.
A second way is driving on a road trip. When I am by myself, I experiment with melodies and lyrics, and it helps me compose a song.
Lastly, I enjoy improvising melodies on my saxophone. You never know when a new melody will be created.
Each song I composed was done in a different way. Some songs could be about someone I know or a place I have experienced. It could also be a feeling I want to express. I love to take a sound and bend it to fit the emotion of a feeling.
To collaborate with others, I need to love their musical style and have a solid relationship with the person. It is so much fun creating music with friends.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
My music is an extension of who I am in the world. I believe in romance, beautiful flowers, and spreading love and joy through music. At the same time, I love to be trendy and have a solid strong voice that takes command. Music is my passion, and I want people to feel it when I perform. I want to make a positive difference in the world with music.
How do you connect with your audience?
I connect with my audience by being present at my performances. I love to give my heart while I sing jazz songs and play my saxophone.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
Since I first started out, I decided to put my family first and my career second. My family is my rock, and they are the ones who support me and keep me focused. With that said, I am busy all the time, but I am trying to balance both work and personal life.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I would like to excite the younger generation by introducing them to jazz through modern platforms such as techno, dance, and country.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Alicia Keys. I think she is amazingly talented and would love to hear her story. She would be a great person for a collaboration.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
https://linktr.ee/SuzanneGrzanna
https://www.facebook.com/suzannegrzannaband/
https://www.instagram.com/suzannegrzanna/
https://www.twitter.com/suzannegrzanna
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannegrzanna/
YouTube Videos : https://www.youtube.com/user/Suzannegrzanna
YouTube Music : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOIanmDV7p3RaLFJAoNSteg
Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/suzanne-grzanna/3954326
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Grzanna/e/B000APNSFO
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ouq43fONLxjK4T5RKHes9
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/suzannegrzanna
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7024752/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Thank you so much for this opportunity!! So appreciate it! :)
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
