Regular readers of Essentially Pop will no doubt know the name Bruce Sudano. Indeed, most music fans will know something he’s had a hand in, if they haven’t heard the name of the man himself. He’s written songs for the likes of Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and most significantly, his late wife, the Grammy Award winning singer, Donna Summer. We’ve been writing about Bruce Sudano since the release of single, ‘The Mountain’; in fact our review was published exactly 2 years ago, March 15 2020. Bruce took some time out to answer a few questions for us, and so effectively we are today able to commemorate this serendipity by publishing our interview with him, and we hope you enjoy it as much as us.
Hi Bruce, thank you so much for agreeing to talk to us! You can’t imagine how long we’ve wanted to do this!
We’ve had the honour of writing about your music for the past 2 years, and we’ve always enjoyed listening to your songs and especially get a kick out of your quirky animated music videos. Do you find people are surprised, that they expect them to be more serious?
I’ve done a few of those quirky videos now and I think maybe at first people were surprised but surprised in a good way. They give a little bit of a twist and different point of view to a song that a listener may have already established their own scenario for. It gives them a chance to see and hear the song of a different light, which is a concept I really like.
You’ve written for so many of the top names in contemporary music for over 40 years now – who has been your favourite person to write for and why?
Well, the answer may seem obvious but I’d have to say Donna Summer. She was just so much fun to write with, so creative, so quick, great melodies, unforgettable hooks.
We can’t not mention that this 2022 marks 10 years since the world lost your wife, the incredible Donna Summer. Will you and your family be doing anything to commemorate the anniversary, in terms of a musical memorial? How much of an influence did you have on each other’s music? I know you used to write songs together – and do you feel that, in a way, she inspires you still?
Yes it will be 10 years on May 17 and I have no plans. I don’t see it as a day I choose to celebrate. However, I do honor her and her legacy every day.
It’s hard to quantify how much influence we had on each other’s music. We were together for almost 35 years and we grew up at the same time, loving and listening to the same music as kids. So we always had a lot of similar influences and things that we loved. It was part of what brought us together as a couple.
Yes, and she absolutely continues to inspire me.
In your videos you take on a Superman persona. Is there a special meaning behind this?
Well, being a Super Hero has a special meaning for everybody because we all have to be our own superheroes on this cosmic ride of life.
How has the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic affected you and your music? Has it been a hindrance, or have you found yourself with more time to devote yourself to music? Or has nothing much changed at all for you?
Well, the past two years of the pandemic has affected me pretty much the same way as everybody, we adapt. Musically, I was able to be productive. Ode to a Nightingale, my current record, is the third one I put out during this period. Now we’re all adapting again as we begin the re-entering back into the world at large.
Your most recent single is called ‘Fatal Love’. What to you is the definition of a fatal love? Is it possible to survive love? Can some love be non-fatal?
Yes, my latest single is called “FATAL LOVE.” I would describe fatal love as one that you can’t live without. I do believe you can survive love, it depends on the case, so therefore I would say some love can be non-fatal.
What’s next on the horizon for Bruce Sudano?
On the horizon for Bruce Sudano is the road and playing live shows again. Starting April 1, I do two weeks of shows opening for The Zombies and then I continue on for a couple more weeks with fellow singer songwriter Jesse Terry. I’m really excited about this. It’s been a while and I kind of don’t know what to expect but it’s got my fire burning.
Finally, and I ask this of everyone I interview – what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does? And what’s the answer to that question?
I can’t come up with a serious answer to what question I would want to be asked. So I’ll just land on, the question I wish someone would ask me is, why is the sky blue and my answer would be I don’t know, maybe it’s a God thing but I’m sure there’s some science behind it. Another good question might be, how much money can I give you and I guess I would say, a lot! Told you I can’t be serious with it.
You can read our review of Bruce Sudano’s latest single, ‘Fatal Love’, here. Check out the video for ‘Fatal Love’ below, and find out more about Bruce Sudano and his music online on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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