#sparkchamber 020623 — Sue Kittredge
Knowing what you love and then getting to it sometimes takes playing the long game. Today, #sparkchamber welcomes musician Sue Kittredge who did just that. A violinist/fiddler with an extensive classical background, “My mother played the violin, and she encouraged me to study classical violin at the age of 8,” Sue landed her first professional gig in the symphony when she was still in high school. However, “When it comes to violin styles, I have always gravitated to Cajun, Texas Swing, Jazz Swing, old-time fiddle, and jam-band rock such as Dave Matthews, and Phish.”
After raising five children, Sue now turns her full focus to the music she loves. She currently plays in a tropical rock duo called Coconut Radio — along with long-time collaborator Steve Reeths, “I went from band geek to folkie to folk rocker to bluegrass to pop country to jam band to Coconut Radio — whew.”
Hailed as “America’s Caribbean Jam Band,” the name Coconut Radio is a reference to Gilligan’s Island — the duo was new to the panhandle and wanted to create a band name that was tropical and fun.
Recently, with the addition of musician JB Dyess, the two formed another band together, Barney’s Bullet with flavors of bluegrass, country, and Americana. The three came together as a result of an unexpected parking lot jam in Lillian, AL, where the three discovered a common love for acoustic music, formed a friendship, and blossomed into a musical collaboration, “Most importantly, I’ve been writing songs for Barney’s Bullet.”
Sue recently had a viral experience on TikTok. As a patron in a bar in Nashville, she mentioned to the band that she played fiddle. Mid-song, the fiddle player handed off his fiddle to her! They had no idea she would absolutely shred! The joy is palpable! And — full-circle moment — the venue invited her back for a gig of her own a few weeks later.
Take all the time it takes, but never let go of the dream.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
I am classically trained, so along with that training I’ve been taught to pay close attention and listen carefully to all that happens around me while performing. So when it comes to writing music, I see it as the same process. I might overhear someone say something that catches my ear, or feel a strong emotion from something I’ve read or have seen on TV or other types of media. And sometimes ideas just pop into my head out of nowhere! I always write them down no matter what though because I’ve learned the hard way about that. So many ideas can be lost!
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I have always felt deep down that I have something to share, whether it’s through my violin or through my songwriting. I can’t help myself really, I just want to build a bridge between me and the audience. When I perform a solo piece or when I’m soloing within a song, I feel such a strong need to reach the audience during that moment, so I give every bit of myself to them.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
Good question! I have always been more creative at night, and quite frankly I’ve never been a morning person. So after raising 5 children I now have that luxury, and I’ve completely embraced my night owl existence! I have been writing so much lately and most of which is done at 2ish in the morning! It’s when I feel most relaxed and open to ideas that flow freely. I believe I have earned that badge of attainment.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
When my lyrics and melody feel solid enough and I’m happy with the basic flow, I want to immediately give it a test drive or two onstage with the band. This gives me a better idea as to where and when solos fit best. After we figure all that out then I know it’s done.
