Since first taking the stage as a shy teenager with now long-gone pop-punk act Stitch, singer-songwriter Susie Ulrey has contributed more than a decade’s worth of quality music – and not just to the sounds and stages of Tampa Bay’s ever-evolving indie scene, but also to hearts and headphones worldwide.
Her stints fronting emo-pop cult-faves Pohgoh and The Maccabees (the former of which was featured on the very first installment of Deep Elm Records’ now-legendary The Emo Diaries compilation series) introduced Susie’s warm, alternately strong and fragile voice to thousands of Net-scouring, catalog-poring, grapevine-listening aficionados of melodic obscurica during the late ‘90s. And while both groups have been dormant for years, the release of a comprehensive Pohgoh anthology last year by hometown label New Granada Records rekindled widespread interest in the band – and introduced a new generation of fans to Susie’s songs.
Even after her diagnosis of MS in 2001, Susie has continued to perform – usually with her husband/longtime co-conspirator Keith and friends from former lineups – as her health and schedule have allowed. But she never stopped writing. Her newest material showcases an interest in paring back the rocking sounds of her back catalog, in letting a few beautifully plucked chords, carefully chosen words, and Susie’s feather-in-an-updraft singing carry the day. And they do, with a startlingly resonant effect. Call it folk-pop for a rainy day, but it’s unarguably for that part of the day when the sun finally shines.
