Singer-songwriter Susanna Carman, late of New York and Nashville's Music Row, is carving out her niche in Australia's Indie/Folk music scene. She has a voice of heart breaking purity, a way with lyrics that cuts to the bone and a warm, charismatic stage presence that makes her performance a joy.
She's had a few rough years, as have those around her. Her cousin fell in the Twin Towers on 9/11, two years later her husband died suddenly, shortly after she lost her stepson to a brain tumour and last year her father slipped off this mortal coil.
Susanna's current album HOLY mines that vein of experience with ten poignant, quirky, unforgettable songs as she moves from grief and loss into bittersweet renewal and new love. "Carman's attractively relaxed voice, which touches on some real pain, lets you feel it without histrionics, then finds an optimistic route out each time." Bernard Zuel - The Sydney Morning Herald
A native New Yorker, Susanna now lives in Byron Bay where she's very much part of of the vibrant music scene. She holds a B.A. in Contemporary Music, has won the Dolphin Award for Best Female Vocalist, and is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the Irish fiddle, guitar and viola.
Holy follows her debut EP, I AM THE ONE, which received national radio attention. The ABC responded to I AM THE ONE by commissioning her to write an original track for it's compilation album, HIGHWIRE.
But it's Susanna's live show that generates the most enthusiastic reviews. Her storytelling is engaging and witty with songs that sneak up on you, ultimately claiming a permanent place in your heart. She is a voice for those craving an intelligent and sincere musical experience.
Press:
"Former New Yorker Susanna Carman lives between Brisbane and Sydney these days, and her music takes up a similar in-between position straying from lilting folk to gentle country and low bubbling pop. It's a perfect spot for Carman's attractively relaxed voice, which touches on some real pain, lets you feel it without histrionics, then finds an optimistic route out each time. Holy is both pretty and personal and bares witness with grace and some style." Bernard Zuel - The Sydney Morning Herald
"Tragedy often makes for depth and fine morbid song-writing; after all, people are known to accentuate and focus on the negative rather than the positive. However, that is definitely not the case with Susanna Carman, sure the songs are well written but there is a distinct lack of morbidity. Holy, a release preceded by Carman's own personal connections to 9/11 and various other scars of misfortune finds peace in quirky indie-folk. Charming the listener with intelligent and truthful storytelling, this release shimmers and unassumingly approaches the listener with a complete lack of self-pity. Carman's delicate and restrained musicianship lends to the stories a fine balance that seems so necessary for such heavy topics. In fact, such a balance isn't exactly a true balance - for while the instruments are definitely adequate, it is Carman's lyrics that are the true essence of the release. Restrained, sharp and completely human, Holy is an album that can best be described as triumph in the face of sadness." David Fannon - Rave Magazine
Susanna Carman sounds like a delicate version of Jewel. She has a full, beautiful, resonating voice and approaches her songs delicately. Carman has constructed and album full of clever songs which are beautifully crafted. Holy is a calming CD for those peaceful days off." Brigitte Short, Tsunami Magazine
"Her Beautiful raging pop ballads navigate that tricky area of the human heart that is sometimes to tender to even touch." Mandy Nolan - Byron Echo
"...Carman's easy-on-the-ear vocal style is perfectly complemented by the sensitivity of her accompanists, who encompass local instrumentalists, ukelele whiz Azo Bell and violinist/violist Cleis Pearce. Highlights of Holy include the Appalachian flavoured 'My True Love' and 'Where'." Tony Hilliel - Rhythms
“Susanna Carman’s music is deeply rooted within the American Folk genre, yet there is something here that is her own. The extraordinary quality of Carman’s voice and the emotional depth of her songs, delivered sincerely and without show, makes for captivating listening. I look forward to hearing more from this unique emerging talent.”
Mel McMillan – ABC Radio National
"Nashville is the epicenter for talented singer/songwriters, so it is difficult to get people's attention, much less get through their doors on Music Row... Susanna's unique voice, along with her fun, heartfelt and quirky tunes, made for an unexpected splash from Down Under!"
Whitney Daane, Sr. VP Creative - Kobalt Music Services Nashville
“Mullimbimby’s Susanna Carman is a new name, but her ‘The Moment’ is a bright, shimmering piece of folk pop which immediately catches the ear.” Ross Peddlesden – ABC Widebay Queensland
Hello beautiful Suzie:) I was just wondering if you are free tomorrow? Id love to catch up! Its been waaay toooo long! Love to see your grown up bubba:) Hope to hear from you. Lots of love xoxo
hi! well ya know, i prefer to say it was a double billing :) until the day before i thought i was going first! but it all worked out well and they hung around for me too - thankfully - you put em in the mood :P What a lovely sounding room that one is and i thought we had such a good crowd - i love it when that happens. safe travels my dear - peace, harmony, love and 3 bean mix x rb :)
hello! bugger, lot's o cuddles for the wee child then. i havn't seen my boy a week and a half now and i can't wait for a cuddle. home tommorrow. hopefully i will def make it to powerhouse. i'm puttin it out there, but i have to be in the gold coast early mon mornin. anyhow, hopefully we'll get to meet in person. bless!
Hey there! Thanks so much for the add and the lovely comment. Much appreciated, and a genuine pleasure to sit back and savour your sounds. Delicious!
If you fancy a copy of my wee album with full length tracks rather than snippets on my page, you can either just click on the album cover on my page or visit http://www. mirandabarber. com/listen. html and I would be more than happy to send you over a signed copy.
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