14 Years ago......

 Dear lovely ones.

 

14 years ago last week my first single, Got The Monkey Off My Back, was released and I excitedly found myself planning a last minute trip to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival in 2007.  The song made it on Nick Urby's playlist for the month of January 2007 and I was invited to play at the Mildura Country Music Festival that year as well.

 

In the years that have passed since, I've had some lovely moments on and off the stage.  I was a finalist in the Victorian Country Music Awards in 2012 and I've been a finalist a few other times with various song writing awards as well. I've done radio, I've played many gigs, recorded a new album, and wrote/produced/directed my one woman show at Adelaide Fringe in 2017.  Through music I've met so great people I wouldn't have if I'd not started to write and perform it.

 

My one regret is that I've never been able to fully tour.  There's always been a roadblock for me with this.  When I lived in Melbourne I was on my own and had to keep working to retain a roof over my head.  In Adelaide, well it feels like it's too far from everywhere and I now have a man and a furbaby who need me here (plus I still need work to pay for a tour and it's hard to find casual work or a job that will let you go tour for 6 weeks).  

 

I am not sure what the next few years are going to bring me.  I am tired, and shorter lol, from trying to wear all the hats you have to when you're an independent artist.  It's not easy to find the money and then if you do, it's hard to find the time because of daytime work needed to support the musical habit we original artists find ourselves in.  I'm a small fish in a big pond of music and my second album has not sold as well as I would have liked it to.  I'm so grateful to those who have purchased any of my music.  You're all so special to me and I'm blessed that my music resonated enough that you had to buy it.

 

In case I can't ever make it back to performing and recording, I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting me in whatever way you have.  Those smiling faces at gigs, the airplay I've had across the nation and the world, and the people who I've worked with and shared a stage with.  I truly don't know what 2021 will bring. I hope it's a better year for everyone and, personally, I hope I can find my musical mojo and combine it with my life here in SA and create some more memories with my own brand of musical mayhem.

 

Bless you all and thanks for being a Lily-Darling all these years.

love

Susan Lily xxx

Susan Lily To Play At the Semaphore Music Festival on October 6th

Dear Lovely ones,

It's been a while since I had a band to take around the place and play festivals, so I'm really excited to be sharing this news with you today.

So grab your diary and lock in to see 

Susan Lily & The Gorgeous Cowboys

Harts Mill, in Port Adelaide, Sunday 6th October!!

With lots of other great local and interstate acts to come and see, plus great food and a wonderful riverside area, it's a fab way to spend the long weekend in October!!

I will have copies of all my music for sale and now take cards so you never have to worry about not being able to take a part of me home with you!

Cheers and can't wait to see you all.

Susan L xx

Dear Lou (why I want You to Know this now)

Dear Lovely Ones,

How do you prepare yourself for the passing of a dear friend?  How do you, especially when you find out their time is near and you are not able to travel to see them?

I've decided that it's more important to write now about how this person affected my life so he can read this and know what a wonderful person he is and how much we will remember him.  

It began when I moved to Melbourne to pursue, amongst other things, stand-up comedy.  I already knew about the open mic at The Espy and through that came the info on a place called The Armadale Hotel and a guy called Louis-Robert Stomm who ran the room.  

I can't quite remember if first contact was made via phone or just turning up.  What I do remember is how welcomed I was and also how quickly I was given the opportunity to tread the boards there on the monday night show.

The particularly interesting aspect of this venue was that the open mic was at the end of the evening and the beginning showcased comics who were being filmed for the regular tv show (Champagne Comedy) on local access station C31.  I was pretty much early each time I went which meant that I got to see how it was all produced plus bear witness to many a funny moment: either sporadic or rehearsed.

One of my proudest moments was being a part of a night that was filmed and sent to the troops over in East Timor during the independence time.  The late Dave Grant gave it the title of "A Night In The Trenches" and we all clamoured to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime show.

I don't know how many times I was given a 10 min spot on Champagne Comedy but it was fabulous to be given the opportunity.  Lou took a risk on me and, like most comics, I had times of great highs and a few slightly lower.  All excellent education that I carry with me today.

Through all this I became friends with the producers of the show: Louis-Robert Stomm and the late Matthew K. Sharp.  This friendship lead to many great shows together, including the transfer of Champagne Comedy (show title) to North Melbourne.  Perchance I ended up being involved in another show called "The Comic Box" which aired late on Friday nights on C31.  In this interview-based show I was cast as the sidekick and had a wonderful time hamming it up, slightly off camera at times.  

In 2010 and 2011 I would be invited to bring my comedy character, Loretta Chatalotalittle, as a guest on The Comic Box.  C.J. Jenkins was the fabulous host and I do believe that Loretta thought she was the then prime minister, Julia Gillard.  I also think these were both NYE shows.

Loretta was "up for anyfink" which meant things like trying to sing a song whilst Annie stuffed my mouth with cheese balls, or referring to C.J as "prime inister" gave me a sense of freedom I've not had since.

Even though I had moved on from standup comedy and into music, our friendship and association continued.  Much of our communication in the past few years has been by phone as I now live in another state.  At least, Lou, we've been able to have long chats on the hullo phone and I'm grateful for them.  I know sometimes you've been really ill, yet I've never felt anything but welcomed each time we've talked.

What I didn't realise until lately was how much all all this has influenced and set me up as an entertainer, a radio presenter and personality, a trailblazer, and very much an individual.  Louis-Robert could always get the best out of me and he saw in me a talent that wanted to be nurtured.  A true believer when it came to giving someone a chance, Louis-Robert gave me so much more than I will ever be able to repay.  Yet, I feel he wouldn't want me to anyway.  Lou is a most generous person and I thank him for all his generosity to me.  

So Lou, make sure you haunt me and kick me up the butt when I need it.  I'm sure you'll find ways to let me know you're around.  Please feel free to be Molly's "imaginary friend" when I have to leave her and go to work.  Please remember how much I value and love your support and friendship.  Your influence has been profoundly positive and I carry the experiences with me each time I'm on stage or doing something creative.  Please remember, even though I am sad you are moving on, I'm so glad I have been a small part of your life and your journey.  You've been a significant part of mine that I will treasure always.

Love

Sooz!

Susan Lily Documents A Momentous Occasion in Song

Dear Lovely Ones,

I've been a bit remiss in sharing things for awhile and some of that is because I've been a bit busy behind the scenes doing things like recording music for a documentary which had part 1 screened last night on Channel 44 here in Adelaide.

Jethro Heller, Adelaide's own documentary master invited me to record acoustic versions of two songs for his series called "OMG".  Part 1 aired on Channel 44 here in Adelaide and in Melbourne on C31 this past Monday night.  Here is the first song.

Jethro is much respected both here and overseas for his work behind and in front of the camera.  It was an easy thing to accept his invitation, particularly as I've had long admired his work.  Sometimes I still pinch myself at all the wonderful things that have happened since I moved to Adelaide six years ago.  I'm very proud I took the chance and moved across.

One of the great things about doing this was extending myself as a vocalist, and also recording the guitar track as well.  Many thanks to my darling handyman, Graham Burkin, for his wonderful work in our home studio.  If you don't know much about Graham, he is a musician in a number of Adelaide coverbands, and also a rather talented sound engineer.  He's also thorough and willing to gain more experience by trying new things.  I would not have gained what I did on my own (even though I tried).  He's a credit to the musical community in so many ways and a darling supporter of mine.

I hope, if you watch it, you get some enjoyment from this project. 

Susan xx

SUSAN LILY FEELING LOVE WITH TOP SPOT IN TOP TEN MOST REQUESTED SINGLES 12.03.2019

Dear  Lovely ones, 

It would be remiss of me not to publicly thank all the listeners who have voted my song this week's number 1 most requested song on Alan Gilmour's country music show which goes to air each Tuesday night.  I've been blown away by how many people who listen to Todays Country 94One over in the Hunter region of NSW.  I'm also grateful and equally stoked that my song FEELING LOVE has been requested so many times!  

this is the original post on Facebook for the chart and the show tonight 12.03.2019

If  you haven't heard this single yet, please check it out either at 

Feeling Love iTunes

or if you don't use itunes, then pop over to

FEELING LOVE - BANDCAMP

It's a great joy to write music that has a mass appeal with people who come from all walks of life and perspectives.  Thanks to all who are enjoying my music thus far, I'm feeling love today and every day

Susan xx

Adelaide's Lily Is About to Bloom!!

Dear Lovely ones,


To say I'm a proud South Aussie is an understatement.  Ever since I moved over the border, so much has changed for the better for me. This Podcast I'm sending you to, and its creator Steve Davis, helped me to settle in to my new life here in Adelaide. There have been so many musical possibilities since then, including the recording and releasing of my song about Port Adelaide, TOUGH AS GERANIUM, which is included in this week's podcast.  I'd love if you would drop by the link below and have a listen, and then make The Adelaide Show your number 1 podcast where ever you ar

https://theadelaideshow.com.au/podcast-episodes/272-decluttering-your-life/?fbclid=IwAR3hUEbQ2WSKLeobPR2Uq7VHQgkV_IpHEDZe8flhuVH7NWeTZZxjFwWfP6Y

Artwork for single cover - Tough As Geranium by Susan Lily

The song can be heard and purchased online at
iTunes or Bandcamp

I find out next tuesday night if I am an award winner in Tamworth (it would be my first Tamworth award) and will scream from the rooftops if I do. Have a great day all and thanks for your support xx

TSA Awards and Nominatons 2019

Dear Lovely Ones,

As I wrote on FB a bit earlier, to say I'm proud of the certificates that arrived in the post yesterday is quite the understatement.  I'm so very proud and now it all seems real.  Big thanks to Tamworth Songwriters Association , Anthony Stewart from Red Brick Recording Studio right here in Adelaide, Graham Burkin, all my gorgeous fans, and all the support I get from community radio across Australia and overseas.  This is for YOU!

this was such a wonderful surprise to me

this is the gorgeous song written about Port Adelaide and the humble geranium that grows there.

As Shania has sung recently..."life's about to get good"  and it certainly is

Love to all,

Susan xxxx