Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Susie Maddocks
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember my grandmother Yun Yun would give me piano lessons when I was a child! Even at the age of 3, I can fondly recall waking up at 5:30 am, make myself oatmeal, try not to wake up my parents, and then be ready for a fun early morning lesson. Music was always part of my family’s household, because my older brother and 2 sisters played violin and cello! So, as the youngest child, I had the lucky position of being carted around to music lessons, listening to them practice, and saturating the music into my core memories.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I think watching my siblings practice and perform definitely exposed me to the music world! And honestly, I can’t remember a time when music was not a part of my everyday language. I can remember one specific time when I was stuck in the car with my parents at a stoplight, and the rain was pouring hard, and the windshield wipers were making this infectious rhythm! So I just wrote a song right there on the spot, and started to make sense of the surroundings….i saw this little Volkswagen bug car in front of me, and when the light turned green, I opened my mouth to sing, “See that little car, little car, little car, see that little car, little car go!” It was so fascinating to me to put words and music to my thoughts, and the rhythm of the windshield wipers made my imagination fly. That was the beginning of my love for writing songs about everything!
What’s the story behind your current music project?
It’s been a passion project of mine for a while now, and I am so fortunate to have my grown kids be a part of helping me make this dream come alive. I’m in the process of making my double vinyl album with 25 of my original songs. My lyric booklet is a labor of love designed by my graph design daughter, Maria, and the collection of photos taken throughout the album art are going to showcase my oldest daughter Meg’s talent! The whole project feels like a window into my life stories, musings, and journey up til now.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Hmmm….great question! I’m a unique mix of all that has inspired me, so that means layers of pop, indie, faith, classical, even musical theatre! Anything and everything that I am moved by in the world of Music.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I got my degree in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music, but I always felt a little “different”, because my end goal was never just to excel in the classical world. What really moved me in all my life experiences was the drive to write songs, express myself through the lyrics, music and voice. So, I think I am still discovering that I am a wonderful of mix of so many worlds, never putting myself in a box! Every performance opportunity, every collaboration I’ve had with musicians, they have all shaped my unique perspective on life and how I choose to portray it in my music. I’m blessed to also be in a professional traveling classical duo called Duo970 with my partner, James Hall, and touring the world with our programs has been a joy and privilege!!
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I use different methods and tools, including Logic Pro on my Mac, splice, sounds on my Korg Triton Extreme, or just creating from my piano bench with my Bechstein Grand gifted by my dad. I also have oodles of lyrics, song snippet ideas stored on my phone, through my notes app and my voice memos! You never know when inspiration will strike, so it’s good to be ready at any time to capture that spark!
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Oh wow, that’s hard to say….I have loved getting inspiration from many artists in various genres. I love a great obsession over the latest musical, who doesn’t love Wicked and all its power ballads!! And I also enjoy immersing myself in the iconic artists like Paul McCartney, U2, Coldplay or Lady Gaga. Who doesn’t secretly love a great tay tay tune or 12 too? I enjoy listening to and discovering artists like Laufey, Melody Gardot, Katie Pruitt, and soulful singers like Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, or Brooke Ligertwood.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I have been blessed to have had a rich childhood and adulthood with all sorts of exposure to classical music, church choirs, musicals, pop/indie music, and so much more. I’m grateful for the core memories that act as stepping stones for my creative heartbeat to come into its own as a diverse artist, someone who is always seeking authentic connection through sound and soul.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope that there is honesty, hope, compassion, and love that reaches into the heart of the listener. I pray that my music brings the listener into a safe and healing journey.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music was my voice when I could not find my words. It gave my inner shy child a way to be brave and curious. I think music has taught me that I can always find my voice and to use it for good.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
As a classical artist and pianist, I absolutely loved performing in Paris in the past 6 years! I want to dare to dream that I can perform as a singer and songwriter in places away from my home too. I think a dream venue is any place that is filled with eager and willing listeners, whether that is a stadium, a cathedral, a home concert, a “so far” concert, or a less conventional venue.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I wanted to be a singer and songwriter as early as o can remember, and I always was in awe of Amy Grant. Her gentle spirit spoke to me, as well as her authenticity and courage to connect with all kinds of people. She did not put herself in a box, and I really admired that about her.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?(Website,Spotify, IG, links)
You can find more about me on my website,
Here are some other links to my music:
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m not exactly sure what is next in my journey, but I know that I want to keep pushing my own boundaries and not be afraid to dream in this stage of my life! After my double vinyl release in the beginning of 2026, I hope that my creativity leads me in new paths, with more songs from my heart to yours!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
My hope is that as you let me into your own world with each song I give to you,
new discoveries about yourself, your struggles and triumphs, and relationships will be inspired to grow so that we can all do our part in making this world a better place to live in. You are never alone! I hope and pray my music will find its way into your hearts and be like a warm and comforting blanket for your soul. Don’t we all need that kind of friend along the way?
