We were lucky to catch up with Susanne Phan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susanne , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Igloo + Sessions where my role is head producer. This is a video and audio recorded live session featuring global artists. The most joyful part of the journey of this project is that I get to see each production through the prep stages to the final result. The goal of starting this project was to support artists but also give new opportunities for young engineers to expand their skills. I can’t wait for the audience to see more of our upcoming productions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am from the small town of Älmhult, Sweden, which some may recognize as the birthplace of Ikea. My roots, however, trace back to Vietnam. In my professional life, I work as a music producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, roles that allow me to blend my diverse cultural influences into my work.

My musical journey began at a young age. Growing up, I took piano and contrabass lessons, which laid the foundation for my deep appreciation and understanding of music. My passion and dedication to music eventually led me to earn a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. There, I majored in Contemporary Writing and Production, immersing myself in the study of composition, arranging, and production techniques.

After graduating from Berklee, I moved to California to pursue my career in the music industry. One of my notable early projects was working on the multi-award-winning film Babylon (2022). I had the privilege of collaborating with Noah Hubbell and Nick Baxter at Igloo Music, where I served as a score editor. This experience was instrumental in shaping my career, allowing me to apply my skills in a professional setting and contribute to a critically acclaimed project.

Currently, I continue to work at Igloo Music Studios in Burbank, where I am involved in a variety of innovative music projects. My role as an audio engineer and producer includes leading the Igloo + Sessions, which showcases new and exciting musical talent. This position allows me to continually evolve as an artist, blending my Swedish upbringing, Vietnamese heritage, and extensive musical training into a unique and impactful career in the music industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My parents are originally from Vietnam and immigrated to Sweden in their early 20s with almost nothing. Witnessing their journey and being a part of their story has been a blessing in my life. I believe this is where my resilience comes from. I consider it a privilege to be able to work hard for my dreams and passions, opportunities that were not available to my parents. For them, the priority was putting food on the table. This contrast consistently gives me strength and motivation, reminding me of the value of perseverance and hard work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I believe many creatives would share a similar sentiment when asked what drives them. For me, it is simply the joy of doing something you love, as cliché as that might sound. Music has this special power to enhance and express emotions, making it an essential part of our lives. For instance, whenever I hear Celine Dion, I’m instantly transported back to family road trips, where her music played a central role in our memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.susannephan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannephan/