Suki Rae is a veteran independent musician with a career that has spanned more than three decades. She is a classically trained flutist, singer, songwriter, and award-winning composer who has performed around the world. She even appeared with Oasis and a number of NYC street musicians in the documentary Dig Out Your Soul In The Streets.
In addition to her work as a live performer, over the years Suki Rae has released eight recordings including six albums and two singles. She has connected with fans around the world with popular tracks like “Waitin’ For the Light” and “Cast Away” from her 2018 album Can’t Stop Now. This month the singer released her first new music in five years and is currently working on her ninth release.
“Shame, Shame, Shame (On the Us of A)” is the brand new single from Suki Rae, released worldwide via all major streaming services on March 10, 2023. The track opens on a live bass and drum groove before piano enters the mix with a progression of minor-key arpeggios to add a bit of cinematic prog-rock urgency. Flute, cello, vocal harmonies, and guitar paint the periphery and create a cool genre-fluid vibe. On the mic, Suki and rapper Mayimako trade verses about the desperate reality of gun violence in America.
Check out “Shame, Shame, Shame (On the Us of A)” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Suki Rae about the song. Read her answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Suki Rae
Where are you from?
I was born in Chicago, Illinois.
How long have you been making music?
I have been playing music since the age of five- my mother was a classical pianist…I started piano with her…and began studying flute at age 9.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Jack Payne – bass and cellos
Kennan Keating – guitar
Francy Karema – drums
Ted Sarge – background vocals
Mayimako – rap
myself( Suki Rae) – composer, piano, flute, and lead vocal
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Too many musical influences to name- but to start- Bach, the Impressionists, Brecht, Jacques Brel, Hubert Laws, Wayne Shorter, Weather Report- Chick Corea, Jobim, Keith Jarrett, Ahmad Jamal, musical theater composers Sondheim, Bernstein, Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Gospel Music, Ethnic Music, Laura Nyro
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Meditation, Nature, Spirituality, Israel, Travel, Course in Miracles, Jewish thought
What inspired you to create this project?
My abhorrence to violence esp guns- also I was a teacher in NYC Schools Dept. of Ed for thirty years where I participated in soft and hard lock down drills- my desire to do something about this horrendous never-ending situation thus I wrote Shame, shame, shame
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I will be releasing my ninth recording( I now have eight released on Reverence for Life Records) in the next few months. I am thinking of revitalizing my autobiographical musical- and producing it again…I will be performing soon with my Choir as well as my Kirtan Ensemble.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I hope my song can be used to raise awareness and funds in the battling of this horrendous ongoing pandemic.
