Ever Since I Lost My Mind is the third album and Rounder Records debut for SUSTO, the creative musical persona of charismatic frontman Justin Osborne.
The album is a resounding triumph: a mix of new partnerships and collaborations with old friends, all anchored by Osborne’s perceptive songs that explore connection, loss, and transience––and the pain and joy each brings.
With their rock-rooted sound, SUSTO keeps listeners engaged by refusing to occupy an easily defined space. Produced by Ian Fitchuck (Kacey Musgraves, Ruston Kelly) and featuring key input from Osborne’s longtime creative sounding board Wolfgang Zimmerman, Ever Since I Lost My Mind defiantly experiments with synth embellishments, Latin heart, guileless folk, and more.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with SUSTO about the new project, technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Im from South Carolina, I live in Charleston. I would say that the music is mostly a mix of folk and rock, with a strong focus on lyrical narrative. There are electronic, spiritual, psychedelic, punk, and old country elements as well. I’m told there is a 90’s vibe also, which is probably true.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve always been drawn to music, and have always enjoyed singing and writing songs, for as long as I can remember. I had a high school band and we had a MySpace hit back in the early 2000’s. That first taste of playing shows to a packed room with people screaming the lyrics, was enough to hook me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to not do this. I also love to travel, and early on I saw music and touring as a way to see the world. It’s definitely been that for me, and the desire to keep traveling continues to drive me.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything?
This is a hard one to answer, because there’s a lot to talk about here. To explain it briefly, even though I’ve made a lot of albums over the years, and 2 others already as SUSTO, this one felt like my first opportunity in a while to really make what I wanted, without too many other folks pushing and pulling me in whatever directions they wanted. The band has undergone some line up changes, so that gave me some creative freedom which I’ve really been craving in the studio, for a long time. In addition to that, this is the first album I’ve ever done in a real studio with proper gear and personnel, so sonically it feels like another level.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think it’s difficult to break through today because there are so many people making good music, but that’s ok. It just means you have to work harder, and I think that makes every bit of success so much sweeter in the end. Being an artist today is great because of all the technical tools. We have everything from recording software on phones making it easier to create, to social media that help you stay connected with fans. I’m even a fan of streaming services, I’m a user and I love how easy it is for me to find music from any band I hear of, or even discover new music on these platforms. It’s an exciting and interactive time to be an artist and a fan.
What was the last song you listened to?
Wide Awake by Frances Cone.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I think Vinyl, because it’s nice to unwind at home and put on an album. It’s also nice to have something physical to hold and admire and read through. I guess you kind of get that with a CD too but it’s just not the same.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I actually use all of these platforms, and Amazon too and I like them all for different reasons. Spotify is probably my one I use the most just because I find it really easy and it’s also a very informative platform.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Our website is sustoisreal.com, that’s where you can find all things susto. I’d say Instagram is the social media service I use the most @sustoisreal, so look there if you wanna connect or learn more. Our music can be found on all major platforms so it’s really up to the user to decide how they want to find us and listen. I would suggest though, coming to a live show. I think the live show is where everything comes alive and there’s nothing like being there for a live performance.
Anything else before we sign off?
We have a new album out 2/22/19 called Ever Since I Lost My Mind, check it out and come see us on tour!
