Lucy Sugerman was recently given a Women in Music Mentorship by the Australian Music Industry Council. Photo: Harry Chalker.
In her early teens she captured TV audiences with her voice, but opted to forgo the quickest path to fame to walk her own path. Now, Lucy Sugerman sings about growing up and the need to heal oneself.
A small group of lucky people were treated to Sugerman’s live performance of songs from her new album hurt that’s man made on December 2 at Gang Gang Cafe in Downer. It was what she called a “soft launch.”
One of her frequent collaborators, Harry Chalker, filmed some of her songs in this more bare-bones format so she could share them on social media. It was the perfect time to try something new.
“I just love Gang Gang, and it was exciting to play some of my songs in their stripped-down form, this sort of acoustic version of the songs on the EP. Additionally, I had the opportunity to talk about each one in more detail,” says Sugerman.
With six songs, this record is a testimony full of pop and catchy tunes and stories of her experiences with life and love.
Additionally, it is a testament to her personal and artistic experiences. This newly-released album includes some of her most famous songs, such as I wanna kiss boys cos I’m bored (co-written and produced with Hauskey and MUKI), Colour Blind (co-written with Dylan Nash) and the rousing Golden Boy (co-written with Thomas Porter and Hannah Brewer).
Lucy Sugerman’s new album Hurt that’s man made is available on all major streaming platforms through Ditto.fm. Photo: Harry Chalker.
The process of producing an album as a self-taught independent artist proved more challenging than she had originally anticipated.
“I wrote and made demos of almost 60 songs in total in the past three years, and I had to pick the ones that were finally able to make it onto the album. The selection process was challenging, since I had to choose those that matched tone and style. Cost was an additional factor. I released this EP independently, so every step was a learning experience for me.”
Almost five years ago, Sugerman wowed audiences with every performance on The Voice Australia. A natural talent and charismatic performer, she was not defined by her participation in the show. Since then, she has sought out and found her own place in Canberra’s music scene.
“When I think about it, it seems like a distant memory. It was my first experience, but I learned so much about communication and finding my purpose in music. It was overwhelming at times, but I learned so much from people that have been in the business for a long time. That definitely prepared me for the real world of music.”
Lucy Sugerman talks about growing up and forgiving in her songs. Photo: Chris Walsh.
Her career is looking bright, as she was recently given a Women in Music Mentorship by the Australian Music Industry Council.
Sugerman, who is Vietnamese-Australian, will perform as one of the main headliners for the Lunar New Year in Dickson, together with Kim Yan and many more talented Asian artists. The celebrations will take place at Wooley Street on January 29, starting at noon and running until nightfall.
“I’ve celebrated lunar new year before, with the red envelopes and all. I have a close relationship with my mum and grandmother. I’ve been to Vietnam a few times and I love Vietnamese food. I am honoured to celebrate Vietnamese culture as a mixed race performer myself, and I’m sure the Dickson community will love this event.”
Sugerman describes the EP as a record about breakups and healing, filled with catchy and memorable hooks, clever lyrics, and carefully crafted production. Hurt that’s man made is an ode to her inexperienced heart.
It’s available on all major streaming platforms through Ditto.fm. You can also catch Lucy Sugerman performing live at the Lunar New Year Celebration in Dickson on January 29.
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