Alaskan Singer-Songwriter's Journey: From Living Room Performances to Healing Through Music
Contributed by Bradford James Jackson, Bradford Jackson Films, LLC
From the cozy corners of a living room filled with music to the stages of prison ministry, the journey of an Alaskan musician, Suzanne Walker, is as captivating as the landscapes that surround her. Inspired by her father’s guitar strumming, Suzanne found her calling in music early on, a medium that not only shaped her identity but also offered a refuge from the complexities of her upbringing.
“My journey with music started early on in life watching my dad perform his own originals and covers on acoustic guitar in our living room,” Suzanne recalls. The magical aura of music that filled her home became her sanctuary and inspiration, leading her down a path of creativity and self-expression. Despite the challenging dynamics at home marked by her father's volatile moods, it was music that brought out his softer side, something that resonated deeply with her.
The move to Anchorage at the age of four introduced her to the harsh Alaskan winters, a backdrop that would later heavily influence her music and creative process. These long, isolating seasons drove her to write poetry and explore music more seriously, finding solace in the expressive power of lyrics and melodies.
Growing up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household presented its own set of challenges, from the isolation of homeschooling to the lack of freedom to explore her own interests outside the church’s rigorous demands. Music became her escape, a way to cope with the alienation and depression that marked her adolescence. "I completely immersed myself in all different kinds of music to survive the pain of those years," she explains.
Her teenage years brought a phase of rebellion where punk shows and mosh pits became her release, a stark contrast to her life within a restrictive religious community. This period of rebellion was crucial in forging her identity and honing her voice as an artist.
Transitioning from small-scale productions to working on her first feature film was a monumental step fueled by her long-standing passion for filmmaking and storytelling, something that she had cultivated from an early age with her brother. “We would play pretend, dress up in costumes, sword fight, and something funny or cool would happen, and we would break character to proclaim, ‘That should be in a movie!’”
The challenges of being an artist in Alaska are as vast as the state itself. The isolation can amplify the difficulties of networking and gaining exposure, but it also offers a unique backdrop that significantly enhances the artistic appeal of her work. Her departure from the Jehovah’s Witness religion, although painful due to the loss of family and friends, marked a new chapter in her life, one focused on personal healing and helping others through her music.
One of her most memorable experiences came from performing with a worship team for a prison ministry program, an opportunity that allowed her to share her spiritual journey and connect with an audience on a profoundly personal level. “It was undeniably the most incredible and impactful thing I’ve ever done,” Suzanne reflects on her time singing and speaking to inmates.
When asked about the Alaskan music scene, she notes a shift from her active participation to a more observant role, wishing for more vibrancy reminiscent of her early days going to local punk shows. Her vision for the future includes welcoming more big-name artists to Alaska, enriching the local cultural scene.
For aspiring musicians, her advice is straightforward and empowering: “Just go for it.” Suzanne encourages embracing the creative process without concern for perfection, using personal experiences as fuel for artistic expression. “Music is a feeling, a moment, and a snapshot of whatever YOU choose,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal fulfillment in music.
Suzanne Walker's story is not just about overcoming personal and professional obstacles, but about how art and community can lead to profound personal growth and healing. Through her music, she continues to weave the narrative of her life, one that is deeply intertwined with the rugged beauty and resilience of Alaska.
Contributed by:
BRADFORD JACKSON FILMS, A local Alaskan theatrical production company