Every month, Boulevard sends photographer and chief Alfonso Arnold to scan our wonderful city to find true and passionate artists to interview, snap, and feature. This month Alfonso was lucky enough to catch up with the multi-talented violin virtuoso Suzka Mares.
Boulevard: Welcome Suzka to the Spotlight! Can you tell us a little bit of your background and history?
Suzka: I am a world traveller and classically trained violinist who composes, sings, and plays live on hip-hop, dub, reggae, world fusion, meditation, and electronic tracks. Presently, I am completing my 5th original studio album titled “Elevation” which is very exciting! I was a professional downhill skier in my teens with a sports and academic scholarship at the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, I’m a certified yoga teacher which helps me stay flexible in my mind and body, as well as helping others.
Boulevard: Out of all the amazing work and life that you get to enjoy, which activity or experience do you enjoy the most?
Suzka: The activity I enjoy the most is being in nature and spending time with animals. It’s therapy for me in such a busy world. There’s a beautiful and natural flow with animals and the natural world that just makes sense. Sometimes we don’t make sense, but they do.
Boulevard: You have recently worked with Canadian legendary hip-hop rapper Maestro Fresh Wes. How challenging is it to incorporate such a classical instrument in that genre?
Suzka: If the beat is right, then the melody and ideas come easily. I decided to mix violin in hip-hop by doing my own version of the famous classical compositions. “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons”. I sent Maestro one of the beats and he loved it so much he wrote to it. We been working together ever since. I even had the good fortune of playing live with the RZA, from the infamous Wu-Tang Clan.
Boulevard: You have a lot of exciting plans coming up. Can you tell us about your upcoming future and what we can expect?
Suzka: I can’t tell you the future exactly, but soon I will be heading to Tanzania, Africa to shoot some music videos in the Serengeti. I want to spend some time with the animals that need the world’s attention right now, connecting with the landscape and people. I will also be collaborating with a few African artists in music and film. I look forward to doing some humanitarian work as well, along with empowering youth through music, writing, and expression.
Boulevard: That is absolutely inspiring Suzka! We wish you all the best and thank you for taking the time to take great photos, and sharing some insight of your amazing life and art.
Learn more about Suzka and her music:
Instagram: suzkasound
Facebook Page: Suzkamusic
A Family Dream in Grandview Heights