A Quick Chat with Sue Nami

How did you get into music?

I always knew I wanted to be a singer. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, and my family went to every country music concert that came to our hometown. Another big influence for me was Lizzie McGuire and Hannah Montana. Miley Cyrus, along with Avril Lavigne, is the reason I wanted to pursue music. I moved to Melbourne in October 2023 and discovered Wild At Heart, and that’s how I got to where I am today.

Can you tell us a bit about the album?

The title is inspired by the movie Forrest Gump. This album is not only a box of chocolates, but it’s also named after Australia’s two most iconic boxes of chocolates because it features pop, house, hip-hop, bluegrass, heavy metal, and pride-themed songs. These songs are a trailer, a taste of what I can do in each genre, as they’ll all appear on my next six albums, so there’s something for everyone.

How would you describe the sound to someone who hasn’t heard it?

The sound is extremely versatile. This album shows what I can do across each genre. For every song, I have a clear vision, and every instrument and sound is intentional. Some might say my sound is quirky, whimsical, magical, very unique, or individual.

What is your favourite track on the album and why?

Choosing a favourite track is like picking a favourite child, they’re all my babies. But I’d have to say ‘I’m Just Not Woman Enough’. Any trans woman knows how hurtful it is for a cis male partner to compare us to cis women and insult us about our bodies. This song is spiteful, it’s guilt-tripping, and it really sends a message to toxic cis men. It’s a song that trans women can really get behind and resonate with.

Which song was your favourite to make?

‘30 Feels So Old’ was my favourite to make. Bluegrass opens up opportunities for DIY instruments. There were spoons, scraping on the mic to make a washboard, thigh and belly slapping. I even made the sound of a lawnmower with my mouth. Luke also played double bass, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle. Listening to him play each instrument individually in the recording was really special.

Can you tell us a little bit about the music video for ‘Boy You’re Mine’?

This is a beautiful story about two men deeply in love, practising their first dance for their wedding. Growing up, I was obsessed with the movie Dirty Dancing, and I also loved the music video for Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’. This is a music video that not only the gay male community can get behind, but if even one couple uses my song ‘Boy You’re Mine’ for their wedding, then this song is a success and I’ve achieved what I set out to do.

What do you hope people get from listening to the album?

I hope people get excited for what’s to come. I want people to be keen for their favourite genre’s album. I hope pop fans, bluegrass fans, house music fans, heavy metal fans, and hip-hop fans really embrace the songs chosen for their genre.

What’s next for you?

I have some very ambitious plans for the next few years. On 3 October, my first single from my next album, my rap album called I am Sue Nami, will be released. There’ll be a new single from that album in October, November, December, and January, then the album itself will be released in February. Next year, I’ll release either my punk album or my pride album. Whichever one doesn’t come out next year will be released in 2027, along with my country and bluegrass album. In 2028, I plan to release a heavy metal album and a house or electronic album. That’s my plan music-wise, but I also want to set up an online merchandise and clothing store, starting with caps, and eventually launching my own streetwear fashion label where all my T-shirts will be based on my songs and album art.