Suzi Moon
SPB: You’ve played in bands and, somewhat recently, shifted to a solo focus. How does it feel different “from the stage” when it’s your name on the bill instead of a band name?
Moon: Well, technically I am still in a band -- the gang mentality is still there. The Suzi Moon Band wouldn’t work without my super talented crew: Drew Champion (lead guitar), Patti Bo (bass), and Neil Ganesha (drums).
What is different about marketing myself as a solo artist is publicly being The Face of the brand. When I decided to go this route, it was pretty fucking intimidating, cuz if something goes wrong, it all comes back on me! I feel quite vulnerable at times. If I am having a particularly shitty day on tour, there’s nowhere to hide; I’ve gotta put on my rhinestones and a smile and do the show at the level people have come to expect from me. The pressure is always on to be in top form. I got myself into this mess, though, and it’s what I wanted…So I’m not complaining. It’s just the tradeoff for being a frontman/songwriter/band leader. The upside of all this is getting to bring my vision to life! You can’t accomplish big shit like that all on your own. It’s really fucking cool to have a team of people who believe in me and dedicate their time and resources and energy to it. It’s a fuckin’ trip. That this is a huge blessing is not lost on me. I am soooo grateful. At the end of the day, though, we are just another band in the van. A group of smelly, tired, hungry and somewhat maniacal road pirates who share an insatiable lust for the spontaneity and magic of rock ‘n’ roll.