01Profile
A Suzi Kemp Photo
Suzi Kemp
Illustrator — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Suzi Kemp, I live in South East England and work between here and London.
What do you do?
I teach design to students which is great, and in between, I illustrate and paint too.
Describe your style in three words?
Track Suits Forever.
What music defines the teenage you?
As a young teenager I was into Garbage, Skunk Anansie, Oasis, then I discovered ‘70s/80s British punk and Oi music and US punk, I went to the local football club every weekend to watch bands. The band that had the biggest effect on my teen years was The Distillers for sure. I still remember where I was when I first heard them. Later on I got into ‘80s American hardcore, garage, grime, moved to Brighton, renewed my love of 2-tone, ska and rocksteady. Those sounds, plus euphoric trance and garage, are guaranteed to make me happy to this day.
A British icon that has inspired you?
Poly Styrene.
What is your all-time favourite gig?
The Specials at the Troxy last year was the best night in years.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
'Stepping Stone' by PJ and Duncan, it’s the first single I bought on cassette and I knew the words because of The Monkees.
A song from your favourite album?
'Ain’t Got No, I Got Life' by Nina Simone.
A song you wish you had written?
'Shampoo' by Trouble.
Most meaningful lyrics to inspire change?
CRASS.
Best song to bring people together?
'Set You Free' by N-Trance.
Best love song of all time?
'Dark End of the Street' by Percy Sledge or 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' by The Stooges – depending on mood.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
The Specials on vinyl.
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
'9 To 5' by Dolly Parton – a punk song in disguise.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Suzi Kemp, I live in South East England and work between here and London.
What do you do?
I teach design to students which is great, and in between, I illustrate and paint too.
Describe your style in three words?
Track Suits Forever.
What music defines the teenage you?
As a young teenager I was into Garbage, Skunk Anansie, Oasis, then I discovered ‘70s/80s British punk and Oi music and US punk, I went to the local football club every weekend to watch bands. The band that had the biggest effect on my teen years was The Distillers for sure. I still remember where I was when I first heard them. Later on I got into ‘80s American hardcore, garage, grime, moved to Brighton, renewed my love of 2-tone, ska and rocksteady. Those sounds, plus euphoric trance and garage, are guaranteed to make me happy to this day.
A British icon that has inspired you?
Poly Styrene.
What is your all-time favourite gig?
The Specials at the Troxy last year was the best night in years.
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
'Stepping Stone' by PJ and Duncan, it’s the first single I bought on cassette and I knew the words because of The Monkees.
A song from your favourite album?
'Ain’t Got No, I Got Life' by Nina Simone.
A song you wish you had written?
'Shampoo' by Trouble.
Most meaningful lyrics to inspire change?
CRASS.
Best song to bring people together?
'Set You Free' by N-Trance.
Best love song of all time?
'Dark End of the Street' by Percy Sledge or 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' by The Stooges – depending on mood.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
The Specials on vinyl.
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
'9 To 5' by Dolly Parton – a punk song in disguise.