Suki Waterhouse, a former model and actress turned singer-songwriter, shares her vibrant journey in music. She discusses her latest album, exploring personal growth and the stories behind her lyrics. Opening for Taylor Swift at Wembley was a highlight, and she shares an amusing anecdote about Jack White that inspired her music. Suki reflects on the balance between her artistic evolution and parenthood, plus the significance of fan connections in her music career, proving that authenticity resonates far beyond social media.
Suki Waterhouse transitioned from modeling and acting to music, embracing her authentic voice through personal experiences in her debut album.
Her sophomore album, 'Memoir of a Sparklemuffin,' reflects her journey from wild nights to newfound happiness and family life.
Waterhouse emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care in maintaining creativity while navigating the complexities of the music industry.
Deep dives
Origins of Vitamin Water
Vitamin Water originated in New York City, catering to a desire for more flavorful hydration among city dwellers. The drink was designed to offer refreshment after enduring the challenges of urban life, like climbing stairs or waiting in sweltering subway stations. The concept behind it was simple yet effective: create a product that enhances the experience of being active and vibrant in a bustling environment. New Yorkers wanted a beverage that matched their dynamic lifestyle, and Vitamin Water was the answer.
Suki Waterhouse's Musical Journey
Suki Waterhouse transitioned from modeling and acting to finding her voice as a singer-songwriter, culminating in her debut album 'I Can't Let Go' released by Sub Pop. Despite entering the music scene from a different industry, she rapidly developed an authentic artistic identity, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, including the highs and lows of her twenties. Her music gained traction through social media platforms like TikTok, fostering a connection with audiences that extended beyond her past as a model and actress. This shift illustrated that she could cultivate a genuine music career while carrying her past influences.
Creative Process and Touring Insights
Waterhouse spoke about the unpredictability of which songs would resonate with listeners, especially given the extended nature of her latest 18-track album. She described the excitement and uncertainty that come with album rollouts, stating that each song has a specific character that can surprise both her and her fans. Through her experiences of opening for major artists like Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium, she acknowledged the unique thrill of performing for crowds that far exceed her previous shows. This contrast heightened her appreciation for both intimate listening parties with fans and large-scale events.
Personal Growth Reflected in Music
Waterhouse's forthcoming memoir, 'Memoir of a Sparkle Muffin,' is said to encapsulate her journey of personal evolution and artistic expression. She emphasized the importance of creating music that reflects not just what she experienced, but who she has become, transitioning from wild nights in her twenties to newfound happiness and family life. The album is structured to mirror her growth with sections that each narrate different phases of her life. This autobiographical approach to her music enables listeners to engage with her story on a deeper emotional level.
Navigating the Music Industry
Suki Waterhouse reflected on the challenges and complexities of the music industry, particularly the pressures of maintaining boundaries and prioritizing mental health while striving for success. She discussed the difficulty of balancing ambition with self-care, emphasizing that a sustainable career in music requires taking time to live and experience life to draw inspiration. The conversation highlighted a broader narrative on the music industry's inherent challenges, comparing it to her experiences in modeling and acting. Ultimately, she underscored the importance of advocating for oneself to maintain creativity and authenticity throughout her artistic endeavors.
Suki Waterhouse started professional life as a model and actress in the UK. A full-fledged music career might’ve seemed far-fetched but she quickly found an authentic voice as a singer-songwriter. And put out some beautiful demos that caught the attention of the legendary Sub Pop label which put out her first album, I Can’t Let Go and her latest, Memoir of A Sparklemuffin.
Suki’s music first started catching on with audiences through TikTok. But her sophomore album wasn't made for social media audiences. It’s an eighteen song journey through the life of a thirty year old woman who had some wild times in her twenties, survived the sadness memorialized on her first album and has come to find happiness and even a family on the other side.
On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks with Suki Waterhouse from Amazon's Studio 126 about building an organic career in music, what it was like opening for Taylor Swift at Wembly stadium just last month and she tells a great Jack White story that inspired one of my favorite lines from her first album.
