SUZIE KENNEDY TALKS FALSE HOPE

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

The title probably says a lot already, but what is 'False Hope' like really, really, about?

I think at its core, this song is about anxiety. Specifically the anxiety of starting something with someone new, and how exciting and nerve-wracking it can be to open up to someone that you do not know for sure you can trust. And how, in a way, that is kind of the best part.

A debut single of sorts, but you have been turning out a lot of songs for other artists before this, how long has it really been since you started making music?

As far as writing music, that started when I was twelve years old! But I’ve been working as a songwriter in Nashville for about six years now.

What made you turn from just songwriting to also singing?

I think the best way I can explain it is that I couldn’t help it anymore. I had something that I really wanted to say, and I realized no one else was going to do it for me. I think being an artist should come from a place of surrender, which is a tough thing to do. And I was not ready for that until now.

Still very fresh I would guess but have you found it any different now that the overthinking on display is your own, what’s it like to put yourself out there like this?

It’s very different, and definitely a bit scary. There’s a sort of security and anonymity in writing songs for somebody else that is stripped away when you are the one singing. But, I’ve really enjoyed creating something that’s a more pure reflection of myself.

After all this time you’ve spent writing for others, you’ve probably absorbed so, so many different, inspirational textures just from that alone?

I love the textures of the indie-pop and singer-songwriter genres. Sonically, I’m a big fan of Lizzy McAlpine, Beabadoobee, Hayley Williams, Phoebe Bridgers. I’m also very inspired by Olivia Rodrigo and how she uses her platform as an artist to make a difference in the world.

You would already know from working in this industry, how artists can’t really foresee anything. Hope, even false, can be a good thing to have?

I aspire to have a glass-half-full mentality. Although I maybe end up a little bit more in the neutral zone. I think in most areas of life it’s important to see the best in things and people, but also to trust your gut and not ignore warning signs. Believe people when they tell you who you are. But also believe that the right people, and the right path, is coming.

What has this debut opened up. Are you working on any more songs?

Yes I’m working on a bunch of new songs. I’m really excited for this next chapter in my career and for these songs to be out in the world, the whole project will be fully released by the end of this year!