Behind The Lens: SUANNA

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How many times do you edit a song before releasing it? When do you finally know a track is done?

This is tricky because it’s different for every track. Really I decide, is everything I want the listener to know and feel present in the track? If the answer is yes then I move on! You can always write another song to continue the story so I try not to let perfect get in the way when it comes to art. I also like to have “that moment” in the song. That moment where you feel something - it’s hard to put into words but I think music lovers will know what I mean. Until “that moment” – where you feel what the songwriter is feeling - until that moment is there, I keep tweaking. 

How do you decide on the cover art for a release? Do you take the lead creatively, or trust your photographer/director to run with the vision?

I generally decide what I want to do! I’ll of course listen to the photographer during a shoot, but once I have my art back, I like to also design the cover art. 

Which streaming platform do you enjoy using the most—and why? Is it about fan access, functionality, payouts, or community?

Personally, I’m an Apple Music user. I have been obsessed with having music at my fingertips long before streaming services were available and I used to buy my music on iTunes. Since some of my throwbacks were actually purchases, I like to use Apple Music to have all of my music in one place. Of course as an artist I love the community of Spotify and seeing right on the platform who is listening; and it’s the BEST thing when I see a song of mine added to a playlist (literally nothing like it!) 

What’s the studio atmosphere like for you? Do you prefer solo sessions or feeding off other energy? Walk us through your ideal creative space.

Being in the studio is my absolute favorite aspect of being an artist. There’s something truly exhilarating about hearing all the elements of a song in your head come to life. Writing provides an emotional release, while performing live focuses on expression. However, the true magic unfolds during the creation process, especially when collaborating with talented producers to bring something into existence that has long awaited its debut.

In the studio, I always find comfort—often in my favorite sweats and slippers—creating an atmosphere where my body is relaxed and ready to innovate. A perfect studio space is essential, equipped with acoustics that enhance powerful vocals and can accommodate the depth needed for producing multi-layered tracks, especially in the cinematic pop genre. It's vital to feel what you’re creating as much as you hear it, so the acoustics must allow sound to resonate beautifully throughout the room.

I also cherish collaboration with others who share my vision. Engaging with someone who understands the vibe we aim to create, exchanging ideas, and building from our collective insights is nothing short of magical!

What’s your perspective on staying independent vs. signing with a label? Where do you see the biggest benefits—and biggest sacrifices?

I absolutely love being an independent artist! My music has constantly evolved over the past few years, constantly transforming and growing. I feel that if I were signed, I might be constrained by a defined "brand" or sound with set parameters. While being signed would certainly offer incredible support and industry credibility, for me, this journey has never been about following a conventional career path. It’s a passionate romance with writing, creating, and producing—expressing my current feelings through sound.

Being an independent artist allows me to show up on my own terms. As a mom of two, my family will always be my first priority, so having the freedom to raise my children while making music is truly a dream come true. If my music leads to significant financial success, that’s fantastic. However, my true goal is to continually grow and create music I’m genuinely proud of. I can’t control how others perceive my work or whether the industry deems it “worthy,” but I can control my commitment to giving my best effort. For that reason, I consider my current status as an artist a success.

Where has been your favorite venue to perform so far? What made the experience memorable?

So far, my favorite venue to perform at has been the Opry. I had the incredible honor of hosting a writers' round on that iconic stage for international diplomats. Singing my original music while gazing out from the same vantage point where so many legendary artists once stood was an unforgettable experience unlike any other.

Do you think artists should be more vocal about political or social issues? Why or why not—and do those views influence your music?

With great power comes great responsibility. I've been given the gift of a microphone along with the ability to write and sing songs, and I believe this is intentional and purposeful. Does this mean I need to address politics or social issues in my work? I think that depends on each artist's unique calling.

My worldview certainly comes through in my music; my faith and my commitment to loving my neighbor and using my gifts for good are reflected in how I present myself and the topics I choose, or choose not, to write about. It’s essential for musicians to respond to the world around us through our art; thus, songwriters and artists inevitably hold a responsibility to advocate for the vulnerable and the forgotten. Some songs may now or one day be very direct, but as I mentioned, that will depend on each artist's individual calling.

Are you making a New Year’s resolution—or starting/stopping something cold turkey? What’s your mindset heading into the new year?

2025 was about new beginnings: growing my family with the birth of my second child, moving into our family's forever home, launching my SUANNA brand, and releasing my new cinematic music. 2026 will be about growth in each of these things. I will be stretching my comfort level with new production ideas, releasing even more music, and really diving into the growth of my work as an artist. That said, I will be focusing on contentment and not rushing. This past year I so desperately wanted to feel like I was somebody outside of my family, but sometimes I think trying too hard to be somebody you miss out on the things right around you. Yes I can be a mom, and go hard after being an artist and releasing music, as well as running my marketing business (did you know I also own a marketing company?) – but should I do all of those things at once? Is it what’s best for me? I want to go through 2026 with more discernment as to what is my current calling and what is attainable to accomplish while protecting my peace. That doesn’t mean not working hard, it just means not stretching myself so thin I don’t show up well for the people I love most. 

What’s a motivational quote or mindset you live by? And where can people connect with you and follow your journey?

I said it above but something I’m learning to lean into is “protect your peace.” That doesn’t mean life will never be tiring, or you won’t be working really hard at times, or there won’t be any chaos. It’s where your anchor is in the midst of the storm that brings you your peace. Are you looking to God and asking Him what His current calling for you is in your season? If you are asking for that wisdom and moving accordingly you should be at peace. 

I am most active on Instagram at @iamsuanna and I look forward to continuing to share my aspects of my personal and professional journey there!