We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, how do you think about risk?

Risk has been the common denominator in, what I would consider, the most interesting opportunities or adventures in my life. Think about a time when you have envisioned something different for your path in life: big or small, personal or communal. Whatever it was, it existed in your life only as an inking, a thought. This was the seed of something new. Once the seed of an idea is planted in the right conditions, it germinates, usually in the dark, imagining its future fruitful state. In order for this seed to grow to its full potential it must endure several stages of risk: The pain of cracking open its protective outer layer to allow roots to form & take hold. The labor to grow and push a sprout through the surface towards the light. The exposure to animals or parasites that might consume it before it matures. The fortitude and flexibility to continue reaching with branches, flowers and fruit while contending with the elements. Finally, the symbiosis, communication, and sustainability within a community found deep within entwined roots.

Risking growth will require us to have courage, acceptance of failure, the flexibility to reframe loses into lessons, & the forming of community for sustainability and accountability. The first step at the beginning of any endeavor is mustering up the courage to be seen- exposure to judgement, failure, revelations of innovation, and discovery. Courage is buildable upon foundational layers of questions. By simply asking questions we can generate the momentum required to fuel the tenacity needed. A question can lead to challenging the status quo of a system (internal or global) by researching and experimenting with new ways of doing something in order to formulate more innovative and inclusive structures. Along the way we might find several ways of NOT doing something (otherwise known as “failure”). Yet, for generations to come these discoveries can be inspiration for more progress. A long lens and flexibility is needed, especially when in pursuit of systemic change at any level. Just as the roots of plants are interconnected beneath the surface so too are we. It is apparent in everything from micro-gestures/non-verbal communication to technology. Flexibility plus community involvement is key.

Imagine something different. Chose to investigate. Say, “Yes!” to challenges. Have compassion when failure occurs. Reframe as lessons learned. Redirect and document the journey. Connect to and share with the community. By initiating risk we open up new portals for opportunities both individually and collectively.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work lies at the intersection of music, art & science. As a neurodivergent individual this combo suits me. As an artist, it is hard to talk about my work since it is always morphing and evolving as I continue living, collecting insight and experience while following my curiosity and collaborating with others. I began singing at an early age and was encouraged to audition for the various magnet arts schools available in Miami. I attended South Miami Elementary, Junior High and then New World School of the arts for Music, Classical vocal and Musical theater. I was a part of both the local and international chapters of Peace Child, later called Voices United. We wrote & performed musical theater and art performances centered around themes of social justice. After high school I studied audio engineering and eventually I entered the music industry as a songwriter/singer at Crescent Moon Studios owned by Emilio & Gloria Estefan. My career took me around the world as a back-up vocalist for various artists and saw some of my catalogue of songs were placed on major label artists’ albums. Meanwhile, I went back to get my Bachelors degree in Organizational Leadership and was the first in my immediate family to graduate. I mentored kids and lead Musical theater programs locally while also establishing Studio 7 Productions were I continued to produce music. I also collaborated with others to create immersive multimedia experiences. In 2014 I was compelled by an idea that eventually brought me to the UK to do graduate research in composition & music technology. I was also a part-time lecturer in Pop and Electronic Music production/arrangement while overseas. I composed for immersive theater experiences, short films and created a bespoke system that harnessed the body’s movement to shape sound. Upon graduating with Distinction (equal to Summa Cum Laude in the US), I came back to Miami and continued collaborating with artists & composers. I began mentoring in music production with Guitars over Guns. I also beta tested for various music technology developers. I published several papers & articles on these works and even spoke at several conferences. Today, I am producing music, interactive immersive installations/experiences as an Audio/Visual Artist, Composer, & Owner of Studio 7 Productions here in Miami. Inclusivity is at the heart of all that I do and am.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I was born and raised in Miami, I’ve seen it morph throughout my lifetime. I enjoy the quiet and natural spaces as well as supporting local, experimental & underground artists and musicians. Friends from out of town are usually interested in the more “Miami” trends seen on their feeds. I, of course, oblige my guests and give them the big Miami tour of the usual areas. However, my favorite things are off the beaten path. For instance: Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, The Everglades, Biscayne National Park, Homestead/The Redlands, Kayaking/Paddle-boarding, El Farrito at first light & walking around otherwise densely populated areas like Downtown, Wynwood, Calle Ocho and the Beach while the rest of the world is asleep. I also love going on driving tours and sharing interesting tidbits about each areas history and development.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I’d be nothing without community and there are so many people to name. I’ll keep the list short-is and close to home for now. First, I must shoutout my formative teachers. Without them, I might have taken a completely different path:

  • Mr. Dones (Music, Bent Tree Elementary),
  • Mrs. Trujillo (Music, South Miami Elementary for the Arts), Ms. Silverman (Literature, South Miami Middle for the Arts)
  • Katie Christie (Peace Child/Voices United)
  • The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida

Next, mentors who stepped up to guide me as a young adult:

  • Rey Sanchez (Professor, MDC/University of Miami & Music Director for various artists)
  • Randy Barlow (Producer, Sony/FIPP/Crescent Moon Studios/UM)

Finally, there are so many to name here but, here’s just a few of my family, friends & current collaborators who create with me, keep me grounded and also hold me accountable to continually grow: Margaret Schedel, Marlo DeLara, Monica Lopez DeVictoria, The S.E.A.L.S., Maria “Goobs” Guerrero, Nabedi Osorio, Lina Espada, Wyatt Meagher, Rene Gonzalez, Maria and Marc Green, Roney, Junie, Roney & Aria Mateu, Michael Green & Erin Leigh, Tessi & Adam Ramirez.

Website: www.susiegreen-music.com

Instagram: @SusieLunaGreen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusieGreenMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SusieLunaGreen

Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/susiegreen

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