Huntington-Based Singer Addresses Injustice Through Music

Huntington musician Linda Sussman will take the stage at Finley’s in Huntington on April 6 to support her most recent CD “Every Road.”

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

A Huntington resident with a passion for music announced her return to the music scene recently with the release of her first CD since 2002.

Linda Sussman put her music career on hold for the past 10 years to help care for her family. Now that she has more time to dedicate to herself, the director of publication services for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press said she could no longer ignore the “pull to return to music.”

“Music simply feeds my soul in a way that nothing else does. So the release of my latest CD is a bit of a comeback for me,” Sussman said.

Her latest CD, “Every Road,” was released earlier this year. She collaborated with other musicians for the CD, a first for Sussman.

Sussman, who sings lead and backup vocals, is supported by Huntington-based guitarist Mike Nugent, drummer Richie Guerrero, Cindy Quart on Keyboard, and Gabrielle Schavran on cello. Sussman and Nugent were on hand as the multiple parts of each of the record’s 11 songs, which were recorded individually, were mixed together by Huntington resident Kevin Kelly.

Sussman described the style of the entirely original music on “Every Road” as folk or folk rock “with a little twang.”

“It was so much fun… It was a wonderful experience,” Sussman said.

Sussman said she discovered her love for music at a very young age.

“I started singing and playing the guitar when I was about 10,” Sussman said.  “I’m self-taught on the guitar. I have had a vocal coach for the past two years, but before that I hadn’t had any coaching.”

Sussman’s two pervious CD’s “Breathe Easy” and “Fly Away” were released in 1997 and 2002, respectively.

Social justice issues are a significant inspiration behind much of Sussman’s music.

“I feel it’s my duty to comment on social injustice, and so that really is what propels me to write those songs,” Sussman said.

Several of the songs on “Every Road” address social justice issues that are particularly relevant in today’s society.

Sussman said “Not In My Name” speaks to the current situation surrounding immigration, and “The Change” is her response to discrimination and the Black Lives Matter movement with lyrics like “Time to stop waiting on promises, time to start marching for change.”

“Everyone has their own struggle, and that’s really what ‘Every Road’ is about,” Sussman said.

To celebrate the release of her new CD Sussman and the other musicians who participated in “Every Road” will take the stage at Finley’s in Huntington village for a live concert.

“I just want to have a good time,” Sussman said. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, and I’m hoping we get a nice crowd and people really enjoy themselves. I hope people find a connection to my music.”

The live concert at Finley’s is scheduled for April 6 at 8 p.m., and more information about “Every Road” can be found online at Lindasussman.com.