ROSE CORNISH
Words by Rose Cornish Images by Darryl Machivenyika 25 March 2019
Meet the dreamy pop duo exploring synth, sexuality, and spite
Fresh new talent 'Susan' upped sticks from their northern roots to take on the world with a whimsically candid take on self discovery, gender, and what it means to be lost.
First meeting at BIMM London, the pair joined forces to create a new sound of Chester's initially independent project 'Susan'. Despite their name being a humorous reference to Chester's hair (said to resemble a mum called Susan), their music is now a shared effort, and both their inputs are necessary to make their quintessential Susan sound.
Susan constitutes of front-person Chester Krikken [above] and James Hollingsworth [below].
Themes of gender, masculinity, sexuality, and loneliness are the hard-hitting topics that they explore through dreamlike synth anthems. From watching them play, the smooth instrumentals merged with mesmerising atmospheric production takes you away from the melancholy lyrics, and transforms them into an experience of unapologetic liberation from the hard times.
Writing about personal experiences within gender and sexuality has been an outlet for Chester from a young age, and although their has been a steady rise in LGBTQ+ musicians, its a gap that is yet to be totally bridged. "People are becoming more and more aware of the issues around it. We’re trying to do it though, and I know a few artists with the same vision, so I think it’s getting there. It’s about the reach of how many people listen to it, and how many can understand it."
Chester's gender expression is part of the package that makes up what Susan is and means. Guitarist James, appreciates the fact that such a thing can sometimes only be done is a space where there is complete acceptance. "I do feel like at shows it’s a lot safer for you to do that [dress female] it’s a good way to differentiate from everything. People get a better understanding is so important. To just educate yourself that people are all different."
Experiencing them live shows feels like a house gig; groups of likeminded individuals having a party together, enjoying music over an over priced Stella Artois. Susan's biggest philosophy is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, kicking off the show with funny little anecdotes that inspired their music.
"If our slot is half an hour, we'll make sure the set is 25 minutes, just so there's room to talk to everyone." Explains James. "It’d feel weird if we didn't. There’s even been times when I’ve been annoyed if Chester had forgotten to tell a certain funny story. It doesn’t even matter about thanking the band, it’s the stories that are hilarious."
To keep up with their hilarity, you can find susan's social medias below.
You can find our photos from their 'Spit On It' show in the gallery below.
