We were lucky to catch up with Suzanne Grzanna Aka Sax Diva recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Suzanne Grzanna with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My parents have impacted my life through their music. They both are professional musicians and music was always performed in our household. I would attend their concert performances and aspired to share my music with others. My mother taught me piano and I practiced every day. The diligence of their work ethic modeled my later success. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be at the point I am right now. I am very grateful.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Suzanne Grzanna aka Sax Diva® and I am a multi-award songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist, arranger, producer, music publisher, and sync music library who composes music and lyrics. Eleven albums have been released on Diva Records, and I have recorded over ninety songs. My music has been featured in many films and played across the globe on the radio. I love to connect with the audience and share my love for music.
Recent Projects:
Suzanne Grzanna’s music has been featured in
My Christmas Family Tree (Jason Bourque – Director) Hallmark Channel
Seaper Powers, Mystery of the Blue Pearls (Kim Cameron – Director)
Seaper Powers, In Search of Blue Jay’s Treasure (Kim Cameron – Director )
Wild Honey (Francis Stokes – Director)
A Different Direction (Colleen Ann Brah – Director) Film
A Christmas Horror Story (Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, and Brett Sullivan – Directors)
Dare to Dream: The Alan Kulwicki Story (David Orgas – Director)
Buttleman (Francis Stokes – Director)
Mr. ID (Yuri Rutman & John Stecenko – Directors)
The Cure for Boredom (Ruben Preuss – Director)
Musical Guest (Suzanne Grzanna aka Sax Diva) on Miami Listening Party with Kim Cameron Episode 2 – Los Angeles
Musical Guest (Sax Diva aka Suzanne Grzanna) on Miami Listening Party Pilot with Kim Cameron – Miami, FL
Music Albums
Artist: Suzanne Grzanna
#1 iTunes Switzerland
Album: Simply Sunday
Song: “Follow Your Heart”
Artist: Suzanne Grzanna (feat. Alex Otey
#1 iTunes Germany
Album: Spring Waltz (LIVE)
Song: Spring Waltz (LIVE)
Artist: Suzanne Grzanna
#2 iTunes Switzerland
Album: Simply Sunday
Song: Simply Sunday
Artist: Sax Diva aka Suzanne Grzanna
#1 Dance Charting Song
“Simply Sunday After Hours”
Artist: Suzanne Grzanna aka Sax Diva
#2 itunes USA #3 itunes UK #5 Play MPE
“The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album”
“Oh Christmas Tree” aired on the Hallmark Channel
“Simply Sunday” featured on the film “Wild Honey”
“Simply Sunday” featured on the film “A Different Direction”
Artist: Oliver Sean – Suzanne Grzanna (Saxophone)
Billboard Charting Songs
“Mama Taught Me”
“The Devil is Back”
“Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday”
“Blues Dance”
Artist: Seaper Powers (Kim Cameron – Director) – Suzanne Grzanna (Saxophone)
Award Winning Songs
“Sunrise”
“Never Forgetting”
“A Dance after Midnight”
Artist: Kim Cameron & Sax Diva Suzanne Grzanna (Saxophone)
#1 Dance Charting Songs
“Love Sick”
“A Question”
“Running Past the Line”
Acting
New role in “Western Conviction” (Colleen Ann Brah – Director) 2024
Artist – Kim Cameron and Sax Diva
#2 iTunes USA
Album: Influencers
Song: “Running Past the Line” with Kim Cameron & Sax Diva
Artist – Kim Cameron and Sax Diva
#2 iTunes UK
Album: Influencers
Song: “Running Past the Line” with Kim Cameron & Sax Diva
Artist – Kim Cameron and Sax Diva
#2 Amazon Best Sellers in Dance UK
Album: Influencers
Song: “Running Past the Line” with Kim Cameron & Sax Diva
Artist – Kim Cameron and Sax Diva
#10 iTunes USA
Album: Influencers
Song: “Running Past the Line” with Kevin Rockhill Remix
Artist – Kim Cameron and Sax Diva
#11 iTunes USA
Album: Influencers
Song: “Running Past the Line” with Kim Cameron Raf N Soul New York Extended Mix
For more information go to SaxDiva.com
https://linktr.ee/SuzanneGrzanna
https://linktr.ee/SaxDiva
New Album: The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album
“The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album” showcases Suzanne’s dynamic range and ability to blend smooth jazz with soulful tones. This album takes listeners on a delightful journey through a landscape of emotions. From sultry saxophone solos to catchy vocal rhythms, this album is a perfect blend of modern jazz and classic influences. Suzanne’s distinct style and heartfelt compositions create an experience that leaves listeners yearning for more.
Suzanne Grzanna is a multi-award songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist, arranger, producer, music publisher, and sync music library who composes (music & lyrics). She has many albums released on her label Diva Records LLC and recorded over ninety songs of her own compositions. The Dolby Atmos/ Spatial Audio Album was mixed and mastered by Jeff Silverman of Palette MusicStudio-Productions, Nashville, TN.
Suzanne Grzanna, better known as the Sax Diva® with her mesmerizing saxophone melodies and captivating vocal performances, Suzanne has carved a niche for herself in the world of contemporary jazz. Suzanne’s journey as a musician has been nothing short of inspiring. With passion for music since her early years, she has honed her craft and explored various genres, finding her calling in the world of jazz. Over the years, she has collaborated with renowned artists and graced stages across the globe with her breathtaking performances. Her dedication to her art and her relentless pursuit of musical excellence have earned her a dedicated fan base and the title of Sax Diva®, a moniker she wholeheartedly embodies. SaxDiva.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Here are my three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey.
1) Working and practicing my instruments every day.
2) Loving what I practice and perform.
3) Never giving up in my journey as a musican
My advise:
1) If you want to succeed you need to know your instrument and craft. Take classes at the University or Conservatory to become your best.
2) If you love your instrument you will love to practice and become the best. I have studied many genres of music and they all resonate with me but I picked one to build my brand and audience.
3) There are so many things that can set you back in a musician’s career. If something doesn’t work out the way you expect, just redirect yourself and find a new lens of ways you can succeed in music.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents gave me the gift of music in my life.
I grew up in a small suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My parents Don and Maureen Grzanna are professional musicians and I started piano with my mother at five. At age nine, I started to learn the clarinet in our school band and soon after played the saxophone. In addition to jazz and listening to my parents perform, I enjoyed classical, jazz and pop music of the era. I performed from an early age in our family’s band, playing rock, jazz, and dance music. In high school, I was in band and choir and performed the Revolutionary Etude by Chopin and was part of the Irl Allison Piano Awards. In college, I performed with Carroll University’s band and a Christian Rock group. Starting at age eighteen, I was accepted into the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and sang with them for many years. After graduating with a music degree from Carroll University, I immediately started my jazz quartet. I have not slowed down yet. : )
“I have been fortunate to perform at so many places. Love to play at festivals because it’s fun to be on a large stage, reaching as many people as possible. But I also enjoy performing at more intimate club settings since it is easier to communicate to everyone. Talking to the audience is one of my favorite things to do.”
In the future, I want to continue my musical life and share my love for music to all.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saxdiva.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannegrzanna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannegrzannaband/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin/suzannegrzanna
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/suzannegrzanna
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Suzannegrzanna
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SuzanneGrzanna https://linktr.ee/SaxDiva
Image Credits
Justine Blazer Ashton Photo LA Maria Loewenstein Mike Huibregtse Kim Cameron
