Folk Singer/Songwriter Bruce Sudano Talks New Single ‘Ode To A Nightingale’
Bruce Sudano’s career has spanned decades and genres, working with Tommy James; rocking with Alive N Kickin’ and Brooklyn Dreams; writing hit songs for Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Dolly Parton. He even started up Purple Heart Recording Company to support the next generation of musicians. Even the pandemic did not stop this hit-making machine; instead, it fueled his creative vision and drive to achieve greatness. He donned the name “Super Bruce” for his ability to stay positive through some of life’s biggest hardships. He utilizes that persona to inspire listeners that anything is possible, so long as you believe in yourself.
Nightingales vividly represent beauty, melody, and tranquility, all components that make up Bruce Sudano. You could say a nightingale is his spirit animal – after all, the bird is known for its enchanting tunes. Bruce Sudano honors the scruffy bird in his latest track, “Ode to a Nightingale,” a breezy collection of guitar strums, bumping drums, and maraca shakes that soar above the daily routine. The music video is also unique and may suggest that Bruce Sudano may be entering a new era creatively. The video does not feature his classic cut-out animation style but instead is a mature and abstract visual with punchy colors and warping shapes. The video captures the free-spirited folk nature of the single, bringing viewers to a peaceful state of mind in the chaos of our everyday lives.
What are 3 words to describe your music?
If I have to choose I would say, lyrical, soulful and in some way medicinal.
Why did you resonate with these key terms?
What I’m saying with my music, is central to my purpose in being a singer/songwriter. My writing is based in real life experience both personal and observational and conveyed through storytelling with a lyric, melody, rhythm and production aimed at creating an emotional environment that engages the listener, head heart, body and soul, that’s at least the goal.
How has your music changed over the years?
I don’t believe my music has changed much over the years. I just think I’ve gotten better at doing what I do; simpler, more honest, more true to who I am. And I hope to keep improving, refining, and exploring. I’ve remained inspired. This is how I expect my music to keep changing.
Would you say it has taken a more optimistic look at life?
Well, in case you didn’t know, life is a roller coaster. I’ve written often about it in just that way, so there are times when it’s up and times that it’s down. Right now I would have to say, I am in more of a joyful period, so my songwriting I’m sure is reflecting that.
How do you approach the musical composition when creating a new song? What is your process?
Generally I like to start with a subconscious spark of inspiration, both lyrically and musically. Not where I set out to write a song about such and such. I try to assimilate thoughts and feelings and then have them surface without any specific attempt. Once that happens, I can apply craft.
Tell us about the story behind “Ode to a Nightingale”, in what ways did the bird inspire the track?
There were nights I would sit in my studio in Milan staring out the window into the darkness listening to the songs of the night birds. Around the same time I was reading the poetry of Pier Paolo Pasolini and he made many references to the Nightingale. I came to a personal understanding that these birds were singing songs of hope in the darkness that would lead us to the light. This was all happening at the end of the Trump administration and I was thinking a lot about the direction of our country, it’s past and it’s future. It all seemed to collide in this one song.
Many of your music videos often involve animation, what was the creative choice for having “Ode to a Nightingale” different from previous videos?
When it comes to my videos, I like to find talented creative types to work with, and this is more difficult than it sounds. In this regard I’ve done a number of animated videos with Elliott Mason who has a great gift of technique and imagination, along with a funny way of looking at things. I think these videos are very creative and entertaining. Everyone should know Honey the Cat. However, not all songs are suited for this kind of interpretation. So when it came to songs like, In Shadowland and Ode to a Nightingale, I felt I needed a visual artist with a different sensibility. I found this in the Italian director Furio Ganz, who teamed up with Claudio Bellini for digital effects. This unusual combination made for a modern and very distinct way of storytelling. Also, both Elliott and Furio are excellent editors, which is so important.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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