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Meet Suzanne Gladstone

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Meet Suzanne Gladstone

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Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzanne Gladstone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Suzanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

From a young age, I was always very ambitious with my creative projects. I spent a lot of time alone and enjoyed being in my own energy. Most people considered me shy or naïve. Most people really didn’t know who I was, and would judge me before they even spoke to me. Most of my young life, I was characterized as a loner and someone who just stuck to themselves. I wanted friends and I wanted to fit in, but no matter what I did, it never seemed to open up those doors for me. I was never part of the partying scene in my younger years and I never had many friends, if any at all. Most of the time I hung out with my cousins that would come over and we would play but that’s about it as far as elementary school and high school went. I pretty much hung out by myself or people who weren’t part of the “in” crowd. I never was one to really judge others and I always made friends with people who others would classify as not popular. Although I wanted to be part of the “in crowd” I just wasn’t meant for it. I spent a lot of my time alone practicing singing in my room, writing, poetry, reading, making jewelry, sewing and drawing. Small talk and loud obnoxious noise such as the TV on all day or obnoxious chit-chat never really sat right with me and I simply enjoyed silence or peaceful music I could focus with. I would also make mixed tapes off of the radio and I definitely enjoyed music of all genres. Music is what spoke to me the most and writing was a positive way for me to express my emotions because I didn’t really have anyone to talk to. I came from a broken family and many of my younger years were spent merely surviving situations and people that treated me like I didn’t matter. I had to learn to fight on my own and do what was best for me. Nobody really taught me much about life. I had to figure everything out on my own and coming from a broken childhood being taken away at five years old from my parents and living with an abusive aunt until I was eight really took a toll on my younger years. I ended up moving in with the rest of my siblings and my grandparents on my mother’s side when I was eight until I was eighteen. From there, at least I was able to have the alone time I needed to focus on the things that I love and I realized I could write poetry around the age of twelve. Although I never did well in school, English, P.E. and art were always my favorite classes. Poetry has always been something I have been fond of and it came very naturally to me, but I didn’t start writing songs until my thirties, though I would write lyrics, I really wasn’t able to put full songs together until I met a former duo partner in my thirties when I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most of my life I spent a lot of time alone and I did work various jobs but I usually only had my boyfriend or one or two friends surrounding me during my younger years. I had lived in Pittsburgh for about seven years and then about 10 years ago I moved back to San Diego and was part of the network groups and went to many parties and made a lot of friends and used to perform all around San Diego with my duo partner in my previous duo “McGonigle & Gladstone”. But somewhere along the line I got mixed in with people who weren’t truly my friends and partners who only sought to control me and keep me small. A lot of those so-called friends and even my own family suddenly turned their backs on me when I left a toxic relationship and I ended up living with someone who pretended like they were going to help me at my lowest time and instead kicked me while I was down and kept me isolated and in a toxic environment for the last five years. I was basically ostracized from my own community and from all of the groups that I felt like I had made really great connections with. People that I felt were my family, like I was finally a part of something big and life was great for a while, until it wasn’t. People slandered me and ostracized me from the community for five years, I felt like I was being punished and I was afraid for my life. But nonetheless, I continued to forge my way through the trials and major depression and anxiety I was going through, which felt like a living hell. I didn’t have a single soul who cared for me or had my back and I was living in fear and anxiety 24/7. Five years ago I was only just beginning to learn guitar. I was self taught and just started to really focus in on that so that I would not disappear out of the public eye, fearing that if I did, I would for sure die. I fought my way through the pain and suffering each day by choosing to get out of bed and practice. It was not an easy task but I had a lot of passion towards my goals and dreams and there was no way I was going to let somebody take that away from me. I was led by a higher power and people mocked me and laughed at me and they talked behind my back and made fun of my dreams because in the beginning when I was first learning, I probably wasn’t that good but in order to be good you have to continue trying and continue growing and that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t care about doing it the right way or the way anyone else would teach, I just did it my way. I did it the way that was comfortable for me and that I was able to follow. Sometimes listening to other people can confuse us and we can lose the natural gifts that we already have inside of us by trusting a program that fits society. I wanted to follow what felt good to me because I realized nobody else really cared about my goals and dreams the way I did and I wanted to do it in my own time at my own comfort level and get to where I needed to be when I was ready. I practiced every day and I went over all the songs that I’ve always loved and I continued to keep posting my videos online even though previous to that time I was pretty shy about posting myself but like I said, I was trying to not fade away. I needed to have more presence online in order for people to notice me and see my progression and hopefully I could inspire other people to do the same. So for those five years I practiced, practiced, practiced and after about one year of playing guitar, I started performing. It was definitely nerve-racking for me as I was still a beginner, but by forcing myself to just go out there and do it, it truly helped me become better and now I know over 700 songs on the guitar. I play and perform many genres 50’s-00’s and specifically love oldies music but I connect with most genres. I started writing my own original songs a few years before that but I wasn’t able to play them on guitar until I got good enough and a couple years later I would start performing my original songs out in public, which was a huge accomplishment for me. Unfortunately, during these last five years, I wasn’t truly able to shine the way I wanted to and I wasn’t able to truly express myself in the way I wanted to or take the time to enjoy my accomplishments and celebrate them. I just had to keep going and no matter what just keep my head down and focus on my goals. I unfortunately wasn’t truly able to be myself as I had somebody looming over me and watching my every move every single day. Everything I posted, everything I was working on was being watched and so I had to be somewhat quiet and work on my projects behind the scenes and not vocalize anything that I was accomplishing and I also had to turn down some opportunities because I knew if the person that was hanging over me found out, he would get jealous and possibly make my life harder than it already was. It was a very difficult time in my life and I actually didn’t think I was going to survive it. But in a surprising turn of events, two months ago I was able to find a way out and now I will never ever go back. All it is to me now is a story that I will eventually put out there. The moral of the story is that you shouldn’t trust everybody and be careful who you become friends with or become intimate with or live with. Jealousy and envy can truly end your life when it comes to friendships, family coworkers, neighbors, bosses, siblings, you name it. It is a dangerous world out there and people are not always what they may seem on the outside. In fact, many predators are extremely charming and seem extremely sweet publicly but if you go behind doors and see who they really are, they are monsters and they prey on the people that are in a bad position in their life or going through a hard time or those who are naïve. My entire life I was an extremely naïve person and I used to be a people pleaser and let people walk all over me and take advantage of me because I didn’t know any better. I was raised in an environment that the adults made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of love unless I was doing something for them and most of my childhood I spent working hard for people who were merely taking advantage of my kindness. I lived a lot of my life in fear of the people who were in authority over me and I had to figure my life out for myself one step at a time, one environment at a time. It definitely was not easy doing this mostly alone because the people who I would keep around me, were never truly there for me and did not actually love me. They only saw me as someone they could feed off of and use for their own benefits and clout. To find this out truly killed me and who I used to be and that version of me no longer exists because I’ve fought really hard to overcome those challenges and become the version of myself I am today. Although I am still finding my way through this world in a very uneasy time, I know that it will be worth it and it is worth it because if I had given up, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today and although I’m not famous, I’m on my way to bigger and brighter days and my goal is just to keep my passion alive and to put my music, my art and my story out there to hopefully inspire others here today. My story is to say that you should beware of those who say they love you when they’re constantly hurting you, they may be slandering you behind your back, they may be using you and they may be abusing you and you’re not even aware of it. People misjudged me my entire life. They treated me like I didn’t matter, like I didn’t deserve to be successful or happy. They treated me like I was beneath them and they mocked me and they hurt me deeply. But I’m here to tell you that the only way someone can have power over you is if you give them the power and the strongest form of power is your mind. Never let somebody take your mind. You gotta keep your thoughts strong and every day remind yourself that you’re worthy. Remind yourself that you matter because a lot of times when you stand out and you shine bright, many people will try to break you down and tell you that following your dreams is a waste of time. I’m here to tell you that it’s not and that if that passion is inside of you that God put it there for a reason and if you don’t believe in God, that’s OK but just know there are higher forces and there are higher powers out there that guide us all and if you have that passion and that drive inside you telling you that this is what you’re meant to do, that is who you’re meant to be, the only one who can make you give up is yourself. You are the C.E.O. of your own life, you have to keep going no matter what and keep pushing forward no matter what. Play the long game, never ever give up, that’s the only way to lose. Most people will not care about your passions or dreams and they won’t understand you. That’s okay because they’re not meant to, you have that written in your soul for a reason and I think the most important thing in the world is art and music and things that make people happy because there’s too much sadness and destruction in this world and without those things it would l be a very bland, dull place. And though I’ve given up a lot of hope, I know that right now is the time for change and I’ve learned that no matter what people think of me, it doesn’t matter, what matters most is what I think of myself and I know who I am and that I love who I am and I’m gonna be who I am no matter if someone else likes it or not, and I advise you to do the same. Learn to be authentically you and you will always win in the end. Shine bright and never ever let someone else tell you who you are or who you can or cannot be, that’s solely up to you. Your passion is your guide. Your happiness is your guide. Love & Kindness are free and they’ll always win over greed and fear. Lead by example. I hope my story helped you and I hope you find the courage to overcome whatever is holding you back. Cheers to a happy successful journey. Going within is the key to healing. This world would be a much better place if everyone could dive into their own authenticity and stop projecting their insecurities onto others.

Suzanne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Suzanne Gladstone. I was born and raised in San Diego, California and I have lived here most of my life, except for the seven years I had lived in Pittsburgh, PA. I am a singer-songwriter, guitarist, artist and voiceover actress. I perform covers and originals on my acoustic guitar and I post on social media platforms such as YouTube@GladstoneSong, Facebook, Instagram, Clapper & TikTok. I perform a multitude of genres and covers ranging from 50’s through early 2000’s as well as perform my original music which is a mix of genres and my own style as well.
I also post a lot on narcissistic abuse to help other survivors or those who are unaware of the red flags. Raising awareness on abuse can save lives and there are many others who do the same. That’s how I was able to see the signs and finally heal and get out safely. There is a huge supportive community around this and it’s great to connect with others who truly understand where I’ve been. The more we raise awareness, the more change can happen to help those in life threatening circumstances and bring justice into our communities and government systems. Speak out and raise your voices!

You can support me by subscribing to my YouTube channel or following me on any of those other platforms as well as visiting my website at SuzanneGladstone.com where you can find links to all of my socials as well as purchase digital downloads of my two albums, “Dreamer” and “Let’s Stand Together”. If you’re interested in purchasing any of my art, just DM me or email me and let me know, I have not gotten to posting much of my art yet, but it is my plan to sell my original art as well as prints.
You can also support me by streaming my music worldwide via any streaming music site, such as Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon music and many more!

For any business inquiries, podcasts, articles or events please email me at [email protected]

My Links & Socials

Website: SuzanneGladstone.com
https://suzannegladstone.com/

Streaming Music Worldwide
(Spotify, iTunes, YouTube Music)
Artist: “Suzanne Gladstone”

Spotify Artist Page

iTunes Artist Page
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/suzanne-gladstone/1489125267

YouTube Streaming Music Artist Page
https://youtube.com/channel/UC6qWimZ45BnMnmmgGVmLZ9A?si=QgcPIYEG5OS952K0

YouTube Guitar Performance Covers & Originals YouTube@GladstoneSong
Link: https://youtube.com/@gladstonesong?feature=shared

Facebook@SuzanneGladstone
Link: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.gladstone?mibextid=kFxxJD

Facebook Music Business Page
Facebook@GladstoneSong
Link: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.gladstone?mibextid=kFxxJD

Instagram@SuzanneGladstone
https://www.instagram.com/suzannegladstone?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Instagram@Suzanne_Gladstone_Music
https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_gladstone_music?igsh=eTVzdHdxbDdwNTJj&utm_source=qr

Clapper@SuzanneGladstone

TikTok@SuzanneGladstone2

ReverbNation@SuzanneGladstone
Check Out Suzanne Gladstone on ReverbNation! http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/artist/7366336

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative person is that I am following my passion and doing what makes me happy, which in turn I feel resonates and brightens the world one project at a time. Songs, lyrics and art are things that can last for years and years and possibly even after the artists life is over. To me, my music and art is leaving a footprint in the world that is beautiful and I think that is a wonderful thing to have done. Expression is one of the greatest forms of self-love and the best way to brighten the world for everyone. Music and art can truly make the world go round and those two things together bring joy to so many out there, especially me. Without art and music, I don’t feel that I would be who I am today and I may have given up on life many years ago. To me, being a creative person is what I am meant to do and there’s no better way of expressing my opinions, my fears, my joy, my pain, my sorrow, or any other emotion I feel as well as inspiring others. It is truly exhilarating for me to release those emotions onto paper and form them into something that others can identify with and I can help them through their times of sorrow or just bring a positive message into their life. I think if more people tapped into their creative side and stopped with all the anger and low vibrational activities, that they would be much happier and it would lighten the world. I think every time somebody finds joy in their passion that it lifts the darkness of the world a little bit at a time and that energy vibrates into others and motivates others to do the same. Art and music for me is life and it is the only life I want to live. I think most people are unhappy living in a society that you rarely get alone time and most people have forgotten or given up their passions and dreams many years ago, which is pretty sad. Our society promotes working until you die. It’s a scam. We are not here to be robots. I think many people lost their souls to greed. Too many people are angry, bitter and become full of hate for anyone who still has the fire in their soul and the courage to follow their dreams. I’m not sure what this world has become, but I try to stay far away from the social norms and create my own world where I can live in peace and dive deep into a world of pure beauty. I hope others can learn to do the same. Be the change you want to see in the world. Changing one mind at a time can make all the difference.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For me, the goal of my creative journey is simply to follow my dreams, be authentically me and help others to do the same. My goal is to also bring awareness to abuse, bullying and being mistreated and to help give people the insight so that they can take their power back and become who they are meant to be. I want to inspire people to be authentic and to be the change they want to see in the world. I think love is always the answer but there are times when you cannot be nice and you simply need to set strong boundaries and cut toxic people out of your life in order to grow and become the best version of yourself. Focusing on your goals and dreams may sound selfish but in turn it can help thousands if not millions of people if you raise your voice and let your light shine bright. If you see something that is not right, say something, bring awareness to it. Ask questions and don’t always believe others who tell you stories about people who you have never actually talked to. Become aware of your surroundings and use your intuition when it comes to who you trust. Don’t let others tell you who you are or who you are not. You always have a choice. Choose wisely.

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Suzanne Gladstone

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