B I O
I was born in Stockwell, South London, into a working-class family. I never knew my father and I hardly knew my mum. She was only sixteen when she had me. I remain her only child. Soon after I was born, my mum had a nervous breakdown, claiming she’d been abused by my father. She never fully recovered. My earliest memories are plagued by vague grey images of visits to austere psychiatric hospitals. It was my Nan who brought me up. My Granddad was an alcoholic and a gambler. There were always arguments and fights. It was inevitable that I ended up in foster care. To relieve the stress of living, I would sing. Singing was my therapy. I attended Stockwell Primary School, but I found it difficult to fit in. I was shy and sensitive. I remember being teased about not having a dad. The only time I felt relaxed was when I was performing on stage in one of the school’s musical productions. From an early age, I knew that I wanted to be a performer. That was where I felt most alive.
M Y
M U S I C
Spotify curator, David Grootveld writes:
"Waking Dream" by Suzanne Cook, a British singer-songwriter hailing from London, UK, is a mesmerizing folk-rock track that takes listeners on an introspective and moody journey. With a runtime of 4 minutes and 39 seconds, this song showcases Cook's ability to revive her folk-rock roots while infusing her music with fresh and evocative elements. The narrative of "Waking Dream" revolves around an aging relationship that has become threadbare with time. Cook's storytelling prowess shines through as she paints a vivid picture of this relationship's decline. The song combines an ambiguous melody with influences reminiscent of R.E.M., creating an atmosphere that's both haunting and emotionally resonant. The soulful, wailing guitar (for a few seconds I got a David Gilmour vibe...) work adds depth and texture to the track, turning it into a cinematic experience for the listener. Suzanne Cook's vocals are a pure and clear focal point of the song. Her emotive delivery effectively conveys the complex emotions tied to a relationship that's slowly unraveling. It's easy to feel the weight of the lyrics in her voice, adding authenticity and depth to the storytelling. One of the intriguing aspects of the song is its ambiguous melody, which perfectly mirrors the mood of the lyrics. The use of an unusual cadence on the fourth-degree chord adds a sense of incompleteness and leaves the listener with lingering questions, enhancing the overall depth of the composition. The recording quality, produced by Mark Plati (known for his work with Prince and David Bowie) at Abbey Road Studios, is top-notch. Cook and her band's performance is captured beautifully, and the video that accompanies the song further enhances the experience. The use of live string players adds an organic and rich dimension to the music, elevating it to a higher level. In conclusion, "Waking Dream" by Suzanne Cook is a captivating and introspective folk-rock track that showcases her talent as a singer-songwriter. With its thought-provoking lyrics, moody atmosphere, and exceptional musicality, it's a song that lingers in the mind long after the music stops. This song is a testament to Suzanne Cook's artistic depth and her ability to craft music that resonates on both an emotional and musical level. Keep up the good work Suzanne, you have a new fan in Holland!
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