We recently connected with Sug Daniels and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sug , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My mother sang in church when I was little. Watching her move a crowd into that feeling of connection with themselves, each other, and something bigger as a young child had a profound affect on me. Although I left church on my own accord as I grew into an adult, the desire to usher my fellow human into a better state of being with music never left me. I sang and rapped in a music group with my cousins called FlowCity as a teen into a young adult, formed and sung in a soul funk band called Hoochi Coochi throughout my twenties, then started playing instruments during the pandemic which has allowed me to continue my journey in unity through music. I don’t feel I ever made a conscious choice to make music professionally. I’ve always felt guided and driven by my life in music the way we move to secure food or shelter.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name Sug Daniels and I’m a singer-songwriter storyteller and activist from Delaware living in Philadelphia. I’ve been making music since I was a child and after decades of singing finally learned to play the ukulele during the beginning of the pandemic. That small yet impactful addition to my arsenal has moved me around the country and into the hearts of many people. My musical journey led me to the brotherly (and sisterly) city of Philadelphia in 2022 where I established myself as a full time musician, started touring with The Black Opry, and meet other like minded creatives to co-create interactive music and arts festival Sweet Juice Fest.
I always wanted to have a positive black, queer, woman to look up to so every day I keep little me in mind in what I want to accomplish with my voice.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I was a mediocre student at best but when something sparks my interest I get obsessed and consume lots of it to fully understand it. The music industry has a very nuanced and ever-changing landscape so I’m always learning. Watching YouTube video series like “Musformation” with Jesse Cannon and listening to podcasts like “Creative Pep Talk” with Any J. Pizza really help keep me informed and up to date on how the latest aspects of the music business are changing and need attention.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to have a serious “come to Jesus” about what my ideas of success was. For so long I used other people’s definition of what it meant instead of asking myself what brings me the most joy from my job. In hindsight my favorite times in my creative life had little to do with money and fame and more of community, growth and freedom. Once I refocused my career to align with my goals my entire career took off. Being genuine in your artistry is the most important thing you can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sugdaniels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugdaniels_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugdanielsmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-johnson-51684759/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SugDaniels_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epyewpwAIks
Image Credits
Robert Pfeiffer