First I wanted to say thank you to everyone who came to my chat at Return Post.  I didn’t get to everyone’s questions then so I thought I’d answer a few of them for this month’s bio page...

MIKKIB ASKS:  Hello, Miss Susanna... It's such an honor to be doing this... My question is this: Being a female musician myself, I find it difficult to overcome labels, stereotyping, "dress codes" and other things that exist because I am a female guitarist. Do you still deal with things such as these? And if so, what advice do you have (if any) for other female musicians trying to break the barrier and are dealing with situations like this or other similar issues? Just for the record you and your fellow bandmates were/ are my inspirations in music. Take care... Peace!!!!!!!!
SUSANNA:  Yes, I think performers - male or female - are sadly up against a kind of false ideal of beauty and attractiveness perpetuated by the media.  My advice is dress in a way you are comfortable whatever that means for you... I always seem to find myself following the fashion styles of the 60's and 70's 'cause most of my favorite bands were from that time period... but that's just me. 

HARVEEN IN ENGLAND ASKS:  Hi Susanna, I am 18 and am a big fan of the Bangles. I think you are all great!  What I love is that you all play instruments, I find this very admirable. I am eventually hoping to become a professional singer and am soon going to be distributing my demo to record companies. I was wondering what advice you would give me when entering the music business and being successful?
SUSANNA:  Beware of the music "business"... Make music that you love for the love of making it.  Keep yourself in an inspired state as much as possible, and always listen to your heart. 





ROB IN SYDNEY ASKS:  From one Rickenbacker player to another, I just wanted to ask what it was that attracted you to these great guitars in the first place? I suspect it was the Beatles, myself! Also, there is a rumor in the Rickenbacker community that you upgraded the pickups on your Rickenbackers to non-Rickenbacker pickups - any truth to this? And, if so, what were your reasons for doing so?
SUSANNA:  I fell in love with Rickenbacker guitars because of their beautiful chiming tone and of course the fact that many of my favorite bands from the sixties (Beatles, Byrds, etc.) played them... I do think that the pickups in my signature model 6 string were altered to beef up the sound for touring.

STEVE ASKS:  Hi Sue, you have always said that the Beatles were a very big influence in your musical upbringing, however I wanted to know since you grew up in California were the Beach Boys of any kind of influence to you and do you enjoy their music? They are my favorite group of all time and since the Bangles and the Beach Boys share that great harmony I just thought that maybe they were.
SUSANNA:  I love so many of the Beach Boys songs and think of Brian Wilson as a musical genius.  Their harmonies are truly magical... 'Don't Worry Baby,' 'God Only Knows,' 'Help Me Rhonda,' and 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' are amazing to name just a few.

ASA ASKS:  I've seen a couple of video clips where you're doing a split on stage while playing guitar and I think it looks so freaking cool. Can you still do one?
SUSANNA:  Wow... good question.  It's been a while.  Give me a sec... I'll try.  Hope I don't hurt myself.  My friend is standing here at the moment, he can be my witness...

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Ok... I'm back...

It was a valiant effort!  But without having stretched out much lately I only made it down about 90 percent of the way... my friend was quite impressed... His words: "not too shabby!"   ;)

ASA ASKS:  Is it because of having been a dancer that you could do that? I've been trying to learn how to do splits myself for ages. Not there yet. Do you have any tips? Would you ever do that on stage again?
SUSANNA:  Yes, the years of dance class helped... It's really only safe to do if you're really stretching out and warming up your muscles properly.  Also some people are naturally more limber and the splits come a bit easier for them.  Not me... it always took a great deal of work. I'm not planning on trying to do the splits anytime soon... like so many things from the 80's (shoulder pads come to mind), I've kind of retired those things.  Then again, never say never.

THE USUAL SUSPECT ASKS:  Hello Susanna! I am curious to know why you have decided to quit singing the "Come on honey, let's go make some noise" line in "Manic Monday."  Also, how did the idea of coupling "Walk Like an Egyptian" with "Mrs. Robinson" come about? (I think it sounds fantastic, by the way!).
SUSANNA:  I found myself feeling a little shy saying those words... So I just kind of stopped over the years.  As far as the segue into "Mrs. R." ...somehow the idea just popped into my head one day... something about the beat of "...Egyptian" and the strumming guitars reminded me of "Mrs. R."  We tried it, and it worked!

GEORGE ASKS:  Dear Susanna, whose idea was it for you to contribute music to the Austin Powers Movies? (and I'm including the concept of "Ming Tea"). Was it Mike Meyers or your husband, Jay Roach?
SUSANNA:  MEEEEEEE!!!!!!

No, I shouldn't take sole credit - I'm sure Mike had the most to do with it...

...THEN me!  ;)

ANDREA ASKS:  Are you ever going to do any acting again? I really did like The Allnighter, and hope you will do more films someday.
SUSANNA:  Right now I'm into writing screenplays... Having spent lots of time on my husband's sets, I've decided acting is just too much work... plus I hate wearing makeup all the time.  But if a really amazingly cool role came along I think I'd consider it.

ROB SAYS: It was a great day in my life when I heard that the Bangles were together again! I just love the new album Doll Revolution. That old Bangle magic is still there. I wait anxiously for a possible U.S. tour. Until then keep on rocking!
SUSANNA: Thank you for those very kind words!!!

POSSUM ASKS: Hi Susanna. Just wanted to tell you that we love you guys and we are wondering if you were thinking of touring here in Australia. It's great weather at the moment and the surf's up!
SUSANNA: No plans at the moment but playing (and surfing) in Australia would be wonderful!!!

Thanks for all your questions, everyone!  See you soon!