Surusinghe – IWD 2025 interview

Suze on IWD

Hailking from Naarm/Melbourne but now based in London, Suze Gurusinghe aka Surusinghe‘s style is a distinctive blend spilcing and uniting different shades and styles of bass music culture. Here are her thoughts on IWD 2025…

FIRST OF ALL, TELL US WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOUR ROLE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS AND WHAT KIND OF MUSIC YOU LOVE?

Hello, my name is Suze Gurusinghe (also known as Surusinghe) and I’m a DJ and producer from Naarm, Australia ^-^

What kind of music do I love?? Gheeez, what a loaded question to start with. I honestly have no idea how to define why I love the music I do. A lot of the time I am drawn to tracks with interesting rhythmic elements but also I love a lot of ambient music. I also love a lot of pop music. Soo basically sorry.. I really don’t know how to answer that question haha. Hopefully I’ll do better at the next ones! 

WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MEAN TO YOU?

Hmm, IWD to me is a day to recognise that inequality between gender is still very alive and dominant in the world. It’s a reminder that no matter how many great men/allies we know, men still get paid more, men are still killing women and trans/ NB/ intersex people (daily!!) and that we need to do more to break the cycle.

I’m also grateful that it’s a day to remind me of all the brilliant women + trans women in my life! WE’RE THE FREAKING BEST honesssstly!!!! 

One thing that always makes me laugh/sigh is when I DJ b2b with other gals compared to men. We’re just so much more considerate! Always checking in on each other, politely asking about the directions and never taking up too much of each other’s space. Honestly it can be like night and day sometimes haha

WILL YOU BE DOING ANYTHING TO CELEBRATE?

Hahah, I’ve never really ‘celebrated’ IWD before. Maybe I should start! 

My dream celebration would be me and all my galz drinking margaritas and watching Bridesmaids together or something haha. Or Princess Diaries.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS SEEM TO BE UNDER ATTACK RIGHT NOW, WHAT CAN MUSICIANS DO TO DEFEND THEM?

Ooof, another loaded question. I think a lot of it is up to the men we know. I know within myself, I can lack the confidence to always call things out. It’s incredibly hard! And the fear of seeming like a ‘drama queen’ or ‘ungrateful’ always lingers from past traumas (which is the case for soooo many women). I know these are outdated labels but I’d be lying if they didn’t cross my mind from time to time. 

That’s why I feel like if men could stand up against misogynist behavior and conversation and call it out, real change could happen. 

Personally, I don’t feel like being a musician has anything to do with it. Everyone needs to defend women’s + trans women’s rights because it’s the right thing to do.

CAN YOU NAME A FEMALE ARTIST WHO HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON YOUR CAREER, EITHER ON A PERSONAL OR MORE ‘ROLE MODEL’ LEVEL? WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT THEN AND HOW DO YOU FEEL THEY’VE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

A female artist that I really look up to is a close friend of mine named Grace who you might professionally know as Janet Planet/the lead singer of Confidence Man!

The reason she’s such an inspiration to me is because she is just 1000% authentic. I’ve known her for a few years now and Con Man has grown immensely in size since then and I don’t think she’s changed a bit. She’s kind, has the time of day for everyone and doesn’t engage with drama. 

That’s what I look for in friends and are the kind of qualities I hope to carry. I also believe it’s why people are so mesmerised by her – her sense of humour is so contagious and is part of her identity. As an artist and human, I always try to have a sense of humour about everything and not take life too seriously.  There’s enough space for all of us within the industry and if you don’t enjoy each other and the experiences we’re having, it’s such a damn waste.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN THE SHORT/MEDIUM/LONG TERM?  WHAT ARE YOU HEARING THAT’S INSPIRING YOU? ANY MORE LIVE/RELEASE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Oooo, I have a new EP coming out!! Before UK/Europe Summer!!!

I believe it’s already been sort of soft launched… so let’s say this is a medium launch lol? But it’s coming out on George Daniel’s new label DH2 and I’m so excited :’) It’s a real mixed bag of tracks. One house-y one, one bass-y one, one with vocals (don’t worry – not mine!) and one crazy euphoric style track. So yus, most of my energy/content (sorry) will be 100% dedicated to that in the coming months.

If I’m being completely honest, it is quite tricky to stay inspired and hopeful right now due to the political climate. The world feels more divided than ever and extremist views feel louder than ever. I guess what is keeping me inspired are my close friends and listening to music I love. 

My brilliant best friend and creative director @ii.tears inspires me with her ideas and ability to create! My incredible manager Emily Hornbuckle inspires me every day with her work ethic and kindness. 

Some artists I’m obsessed with and definitely think are worth checking out are In2stellar, Mabel, Rakhi, Baby G, Daws and Bertie (and they’re all from Australia so even better hehe)  

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me <3