An Interview With Singer-Songwriter BRUCE SUDANO On His Upcoming EP and More!

Next year, singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano plans on releasing his forthcoming EP Stories of Our Lives Vol. 1. This collection marks the latest chapter in his ongoing exploration of the human condition. The ever
evolving singer songwriter continues to musically blur the lines between folk, blues, pop and soul with a poetry that touches a nerve.

On the project’s first single “With Him”, Sudano writes about a failing relationship that underscores how love and heartbreak is a shared experience that transcends sexuality. The song produced by Mike Montali, lead singer from roots rock band Hollis Brown, is premiered with a video directed by Norwegian filmmaker Erik Bergamini, who vividly renders “With Him” through a haunting storyline intercut with Sudano’s impassioned performance. (Listen to the track here- https://onerpm.lnk.to/WithHim)

Splitting his time between Los Angeles and Europe, Sudano increasingly makes performing live a centerpiece of his musical expression. “Songs don’t really come to life until you sing them in front of an audience”, he says. Appearing in venues from folk clubs to rock halls and theatres, he
recently joined The Zombies lead singer Colin Blunstone on a sold out tour of the UK as well as appearing at the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival.

“In the Garden of November” is the newest track released and the video for it can be viewed here-

Learn more about Bruce Sudano in the following All Access interview-

Thanks for your time! What does a typical day look like for you lately?

A typical day for me begins with 3 cups of coffee, emails, phone calls relative to different aspects of my life and all centered around giving myself a period of time to sit down with my guitar to daydream,  sing and explore the opportunities of inspiration to see if any exist. To just spend some time with my craft because I am a firm believer in the more you do it the better you get. 

Now that the year is about over, how has 2019 treated you? What are some goals that you have had for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them or did you already? What are you already looking forward to in 2020?

2019 has treated me well. It’s been busy and productive. Healthy, happy, new songs, lots of gigs, more grandchildren, who could ask for anything more. In 2020 I’m looking for more of the same.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

Growing up music was very important in my life. I come from a musical family and many weekends as a child were spent with my father and uncles sitting around the kitchen table singing and playing music. I started music lessons at 4 but I think it was the Rock n Roll shows that I saw at the Brooklyn Fox as a pre-teen that instilled the dream in me. And in truth there never was a choice, other then acting, it’s all I ever wanted to do.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?

I would have to say that the biggest surprise is that I’m still doing it, still very passionate about it, still creatively inspired and still improving. I didn’t anticipate these things. The challenge always is the next song and the next gig. The best part about it all is that I’m happy and comfortable in my lane.

Let’s talk about your upcoming EP, “Stories of Our Lives Vol. 1.” What was it like making this collection?

I have a philosophy which is keep living, keep writing. I try to stay engaged and aware spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I try to observe and listen, think and feel. I assimilate. Then, when I sit with my guitar searching out inspiration, things tend to surface that in many cases I’m not even aware of. This is how I wrote the songs for Stories of Our Lives and it’s been a fun project to record because for much of it I’m working with Steve Addabbo who is a producer I highly respect and never worked with before as well as Mike Montali and Randy Ray Mitchell who is my long time friend and guitarist.

How would you say that the EP’s first single “With Him” prepares listeners for the rest of this collection? What was it like making the music video for it? How creatively involved with the process of it were you?

The only way that I would say With Him which was the first single prepares the listener for what’s to come is the fact that it’s a story.

This is a sad one but there are others that are reflective,  poignant, happy, rockin, sexy, philosophical and inspirational. How about that! I had great fun making the video with Erik Bergamini. He’s European, young, talented and really easy to work with. I trust him to do what he does best. He’s very creative and knows what he wants. I also did the video for “In the Garden of November” with him, which was just released.

Got any upcoming touring plans?

As for touring I just completed an East Coast run of shows that went for about 10 days and now I’m going to take it easy for the holidays. I’ll kick it off again in the new year with folk alliance then some southern shows and the blue cruise in April and the UK tour in in June.

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? What if anything has stayed the same about your music-making process?

I think I’ve grown in a way that my writing is more focused and refined. I’ve also become more comfortable as a solo singer and performer. What has remained the same is that it comes down to me an my imagination.

How do you feel about social media? What do you think social media has done for your career?

I’ve evolved slowly with social media. I’ve gotten better at it but I have to say I’m still not good. I mean it’s a great tool to let people know what you’re doing and where you’re going allowing you to connect directly with the people who are interested

What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Bob Dylan and Paul Simon!

If you could design your dream music video right now, what would it look like?

My dream music video would look like a Fellini movie.

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

My favorite places to hear one of my songs are on elevators and in bathrooms. I’ll really be happy when I walk into the dentist office and here one.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

At the end of the day I hope when people hear my music they’re inspired or encouraged and that they recognize themselves in the songs.