We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Kruzan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.

Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Aside from my music pursuits, I’ve worked in project management, and for years, I kept the administrative and creative sides of my life completely separate. I’d approach my job with defined goals, clear tasks, and strict deadlines, while my creative work remained loose and unstructured. This disconnect led to years of half-written songs and no releases.

Eventually, I realized that the processes that made me effective in my day job could also fuel my creativity. I began applying project management principles to my songwriting and music releases. As imperfect as my creative process can sometimes feel, setting a release date, breaking the work into smaller tasks with mini-deadlines, and, as Seth Godin says, “shipping,” has been transformative.

It’s taught me that creativity thrives not in chaos but in commitment. When you treat your art with the same respect and discipline as you would any important project, you create momentum—and that momentum is what ultimately brings your ideas to life.

Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always been a lover and creator of music, even as a kid. I can still remember spending hours with my guitar, experimenting with chords, and writing songs that helped me make sense of the world. By the time I was a teenager, music had become an essential part of my identity—it was how I expressed what words alone couldn’t. Over the years, that passion has only deepened, growing into something even more meaningful.

In recent years, I started the band Susurra with my good friend, Paul Vinsonhaler. We’ve been collaborating since 2020, and together, we’ve released an EP and an LP titled Whisper Like I Can Hear It. Our music reflects the emotional landscapes we’ve navigated, and we’re currently working on our most energetic project yet. We strive to create music that feels both relatable and authentic—songs that invite listeners to connect with the emotions and experiences woven into each note and lyric.

While my lyrics don’t always follow a linear narrative, they capture the essence of the journey we’ve been on. Over the past five years, Paul and I have experienced significant life transitions, and I think we’ve done a great job of channeling those moments and story arcs into our songs. The music we create isn’t just about individual moments; it’s about the larger picture—growth, change, and finding meaning in life’s complexities.

I’m most proud of how our music continues to evolve. This upcoming album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going—both as individuals and as a band. It feels like an honest and vibrant snapshot of our lives right now, and I’m thrilled to share it with the world.

At its core, Susurra is about connection—between bandmates, between us and our audience, and between the stories we tell and the lives of those who listen. If you’re looking for music that’s unafraid to explore life’s complexities, we invite you to join us on this journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to unlearn is this: people aren’t thinking about you—they’re thinking about themselves. For years, I poured so much energy into trying to fit in with crowds that didn’t align with who I really was. I worried constantly about what people might think of my creative pursuits, and that fear held me back from moving forward.

The turning point came when I realized that I was sacrificing my authenticity to meet expectations that probably didn’t even exist. As I’ve leaned further into who I truly am—both in my daily habits and my creative work—I’ve noticed a profound shift. The people who remain in my life are those who connect with me in a meaningful, authentic way.

This realization has been freeing. It’s allowed me to focus on creating for the sake of expression and connection, rather than for validation. Letting go of the need for approval has not only made my art more genuine, but it’s also helped me surround myself with relationships and experiences that truly matter.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that there’s a little piece of me out in the world, captured in my creations. Whether it’s an audience listening to my music now or my grandchildren discovering it years from now, there’s a sense of permanence and connection that’s deeply fulfilling.

Every song I write or record is like a snapshot of who I was at that moment—what I was feeling, thinking, and experiencing. It’s incredible to think that these pieces can live on, reaching people I may never meet or connecting with loved ones long after I’m gone. I especially love the moments when I see that someone, maybe halfway across the planet, has discovered one of our songs. It’s such a surreal and gratifying feeling to know that something we created in a small room can resonate with someone so far away.

Knowing that my art can spark connection, inspire, or comfort people—whether they’re right next door or on the other side of the globe—is a powerful and humbling experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.susurraband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susurra_band/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Susurra-Band-100082847169315/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankruzan/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@susurra8340
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/susurra_band

Image Credits

Andrew Fleming