Racine native Suzanne Jamieson hasn't slowed down for a second since leaving Wisconsin at the age of 18 to pursue her "show-biz" bug. Living in Los Angeles, Jamieson appears in several national commercials, writes the "Haute Health" food blog and just released her debut album, "A Sun-Up Sky."
Recently, we chatted with Jamieson about life after growing up in Wisconsin, her age-old love for music and her brand new album.
OnMilwaukee.com: What prompted you to release your debut CD?
Suzanne Jamieson: After finishing a cabaret called "Speak Low" in July 2007, I decided to record the songs just because it was something I had always wanted to do. I finished that about a year later and decided that I would submit it to Lee Lessack's record label, LML, which covers similar styles of music and is based out of L.A. You can imagine my thrill when Lee called me and told me he'd like to pick up the album ... but with some changes.
The songs made sense in the context of my cabaret, as it was a musical memoir -- but as an album it was not as cohesive as he would have liked. So, we took some songs out, put some new songs in, re-recorded several of the songs to capture the tone and feel of the new album, and we ended up with "A Sun-Up Sky," of which I am very proud. It was a dream come true for me to release a CD and I am honored and humbled to work with this great label.
OMC: What draws you to American songbook favorites, Broadway and pop classics?
SJ: Well, I have always loved show tunes. And songs from the "Great American Songbook" grab me because, well, they're just really good. Beautiful, simple, soulful songs. There is a reason they're still around and still so beloved. "Don't Cry Out Loud," a song originally recorded by Melissa Manchester, is the only real pop classic on the album.
OMC: You attended Syracuse University for musical theater. Is that where your musical background comes from?
SJ: I've been singing since I was a little girl. I was always involved in whatever choirs, theater or ensembles were available to me as an outlet to sing. I sang my first solo in sixth grade at McKinley Middle School in Racine. It was "Save the Best for Last" by Vanessa Williams. I just never really stopped! I've been taking voice lessons for 15 years now. I still love it.
OMC: You were born in Wisconsin, moved to New York and now live in L.A. Where do you think most of your influence comes from?
SJ: Each place I've lived has made its mark on me, both musically and personally. Many of my song choices, I have noticed, allude to nature. I think that has something to do with growing up in verdant Wisconsin. It's also the place where I learned that I was good at this, where I found my escape in music and where people believed in me without question.
New York was a real kick in the pants, to be honest. I was only there for a year, but my time there taught me about perseverance and commitment.
Los Angeles has been wonderful to me and my husband, Brian Selmo -- also a Racine native. I found my voice teacher, Calvin Remsberg, who has completely transformed my voice. Los Angeles is the place that allowed me the space and time to really grow into myself.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
