While Susan G’s latest release was her Christmas song, the song she released just before it, “Could You Be”, is definitely stuck in my head. The song was released on September 24, 2021 and features some dance-worthy percussion and strong vocals.
“Could You Be” is an intimate entanglement of pop with subtle hints of Latin vibes. At least, that’s what I get out of it from the guitar in the beginning. That sound alone brings the dance vibes to me. Throw in some catchy percussion and it’s pure dance magic, like the body just moves on its own. A well-done salsa inspired performance. Something sensual, fun. Something new.
Lyrically, the song is just as catchy with each note accenting the beat of the drum or the chords on the guitar. The dips in octave, the range alone, it is a pure work of art. “Could You Be” hits all the marks for what I look for in my must-groove music. What story is being told, though? There are more details on this later, but I found that it was about an instant connection with someone. Maybe on vacation. “Could You Be” would be the perfect dance-floor meet up song in a romantic comedy.
With a decade of being in the music industry, Susan G is not going anywhere – even if she does have many other jobs now. She’s a lifestyle writer, a mom, a musician, content creator, businesswoman, and a wife. You can find her on TikTok where she posts new song ideas and covers and more. Follow her socials to stay up-to-date with this busy woman.
Q&A with Susan G
Q: Your first album dropped in 2009 — 13 years ago. What have you learned in your time as a musician that you would like to pass on to other artists?
SUSAN G: I think the most important thing I’ve learned in my time as an independent artist is to not wait. What I’d tell young artists is to not wait for anyone else to get behind you, to plan the show, to market your music, to introduce you to XYZ…you have to have conviction in what you’re doing and be your biggest champion first. The industry will only respond once you’ve done the work of releasing music, promoting yourself, building an engaged audience, etc. Nobody is going to knock on your door and offer you opportunities because you’re talented. You have to create something interesting and unique to you first, then the buzz will come once you don’t need it anymore. Ha!
Q: What does your creative process look like?
SUSAN G: My creative process has changed a lot since I became a mom. I used to have the ability to flush out ideas anytime they came to me (usually on a run outside or in the shower) but since my time is so much more precious and I have a lot less of it, voice notes have become my best friend. I’ve also been using tikok to post song ideas and see what people’s reactions are, which is so much fun. When an idea hits that I’m excited about, I’ll make a demo version at my home studio and then send it to my producer. Making music remotely has been such a gift and I’m grateful we have the technology to collaborate on songs no matter where I am.
Q: Your vocals are stellar! What inspired “Could You Be”?
SUSAN G: I had an amazing night while I was traveling in Italy where a young restaurant owner invited me to his birthday party. I drank limoncello with his uncles, danced with locals, and truly felt like I was experiencing the joy of a whole other culture. This experience was what came to mind when I played the two main chords of “Could You Be” on guitar over and over. It evolved to picturing a beach bar with people dancing, traveling, hungry for experience. I wanted to capture the excitement of meeting someone new outside of your day to day life and having a connection. I think we’ve all felt the heart flutter of catching someone’s eye from across the room – that’s what I wanted to convey with this track.
Q: How did your music journey begin?
SUSAN G: I joke and say my musical journey began from performing for my family at 2 years old, but I really fell in love with performing after singing Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” in 2nd grade. We had this big choir concert in Seattle and I’ll never forget seeing people stop what they were doing to watch and listen. It was then I understood the power of music and how it’s bigger than us as individuals. I think that’s every musician’s goal, to make people feel something from the notes you’re playing/singing. It’s like magic and it’ll never get old to me.
Q: You have collaborated a lot with your husband, Jake George. Who else would you love to collaborate with?
SUSAN G: I have a list where I write down my goals and a lot of that includes who I’d love to work with…at the top of that list right now is:
-Pop & Oak: they’re responsible for most of my favorite pop/R&B songs
-Ryan Tedder: He’s a pop genius
-H.E.R: I’m in awe of her talent and would love to work with and learn from her someday
Q: You wear many hats right now, so what’s next for you?
SUSAN G:
I love the multiple hats life- that way I never get bored! 😊
I’m filming a music video for “Could You Be” in the next few weeks and will be promoting that for the summer season. A lot of my focus right now is on my marketing company, Mediary, where I help creators and businesses build brands on social media. I love helping people grow in that space and it continues to sharpen my skills when it comes to marketing my own projects. What’s next changes so much these days that the best way to keep up is to follow me on Instagram and Tiktok where I share all things music, work, family, etc. and connect with anyone that is kind enough to be there. I’ll keep releasing singles as often as possible and prep for a more cohesive EP or album in the future.
Reviewed & Interviewed by Dana L. Sullivan
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