Design Matters with Debbie Millman Suzanne Vega
Sep 8, 2025
Suzanne Vega, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her evocative storytelling, dives into her illustrious career and the emotional journey behind her new album, "Flying with Angels." She reflects on the power of music to convey resilience in tough times and shares insights into the misunderstood lyrics of her iconic song "Luka." The conversation reveals her transformative journey through the music industry, discussing identity, personal struggles, and the liberating shift from acoustic to electronic sound, all while celebrating 20 years of impactful dialogue.
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Episode notes
Mutable Childhood Identity
- Suzanne Vega describes growing up between cultures and feeling mutable in identity from childhood experiences.
- She learned not to join a single group and to define herself from the inside.
Delay Fuels Observational Artistry
- Vega links delayed emotional processing to neurodivergence and creative observation.
- That delay lets her observe first and feel later, which fuels her writing and performance.
How To Call A Song
- Invite songs by creating a comfortable atmosphere and avoid forcing creativity.
- If inspiration stalls, use the thesaurus and rhyming dictionary and treat writing like a puzzle.