Su, I Think is a rising singer-songwriter based in London. Known for her raw honesty and satirical commentary, her work touches on themes of love, identity, and the hardships that come with them. With a sound that blends light electronica with experimental pop, she creates something that feels both familiar and fresh. With a lust for manifesting her dreams and a fearless embrace of identity, Su is carving out her own space in the music world —and we're watching.
Firstly! How are you? We’re entering into Autumn, what were your highlights and lowlights of the summer?
The highlight is that I stopped smoking, so that’s great all around, I guess. My life and my voice can only improve from here.
Describe your music in 3 words for anyone who hasn’t heard it.
Olivia (Rodrigo) fucks Rosalía.
Talk to me about the name ‘su i think’, where did it come from?
In truth, it comes from a lack of identity and really trying to find myself. I was under the name Susan from the time I was 16 to 22, then I got into a really bad relationship, and it honestly ruined me. I had no idea who I was and very little self-confidence. I really tried to rediscover myself, and I thought, well, my name is Su — that’s what everyone calls me — so I was like, okay, I think I’m Su. And that was how the name was born. It’s also really funny when you play a gig and people have no idea how to introduce you.
Has music always been something you’ve gravitated towards, or has it taken you by surprise?
Yeah, music has actually always been something I’ve naturally gravitated towards. I suppose it was the only thing, growing up, that I was ever told I was good at. And I think we really did grow up in a golden age of the music industry — when it was all X Factor, big flashing lights — and it kind of left us with this idea that if you put your mind to it and work really hard, you’ll be able to achieve it. I was like, well, fuck it — if Cher Lloyd can get up and sing, so can I. Definitely delusional… but look where I am now.
What's one sound that never fails to move you?
Something that makes me cry is the kind of intimate gigs where a friend is playing a local pub, and a group of people cheer for them. I think collective love for something or someone moves me to tears, because I'm like, wow — there's a community here, and we may never be in the same room together again. I think it's so amazing and moving.
You supported Lapsley on her tour (that’s huge!). This must have felt like a pinch me moment. Have you had any other pinch me moments in your career?
Another pinch-me moment I’ve had was supporting Shamir in Norwich. I went to stay at theirs in Philly, I played just before him, and now we’re actually good friends. I suppose I’m just working my way through the people who’ve shaped my music, which constantly feels like a dream.
And if you were to choose an artist yourself to support you on your own tour, who would be on your radar?
Oh my God, there's so many artists I'd love to support me, but mostly I think of my friends. If Lagoon would bless me with a DJ set before I came on, that would be amazing.
Your visuals for all releases are so identifiable. Who’s the creative brains behind all of it? Are they all your ideas, or do you have a team of people that fuel it?
Usually, they come from my brain — but also from the brain of Paul Perelka, who's kind of like my creative director. I’ll send him a bunch of mood board images, and he’ll help me elevate the ideas and make them actually possible. So yeah, I mostly just chat a lot of shit, and Paul refines it — haha.
I saw your A View From the Bridge and found it very moving. You speak about your experience of never feeling like you’re going to be enough for other people but being enough for yourself. What are some things you practise to instil this kind of confidence?
I'm actually really proud of A View From a Bridge, and even though it came out a year ago, it feels more relevant now than ever. I think some people are taught to love themselves and some people aren’t — and it’s hard to teach yourself. I do daily affirmations, I’ve got a calendar, tarot and angel cards — I’m very spiritual and into the universe and all that.
It’s also really hard when you’re taught to put all your energy into other people, hoping they’ll lift you up — but in the end, the only person who’s going to hold you is you. There’s this thing Cynthia Erivo said that I love: if you get out of bed, make yourself tea, buy yourself a cake — just ask, is that self-love? Even having a sip of water or getting into bed can be. It’s about reminding yourself you’re the most important thing — because you are.
And what things make you feel the most “you”?
In truth, what makes me feel most like myself right now is being alone. I’m really trying to spend more time on my own. And honestly, when I’m alone in my room singing to myself — that’s when I feel the most me.
Your artistry is so multi-convergent and exists across multiple platforms, including your podcast ‘straight diva’ and growing TikTok audience. How do you maintain a level of authenticity across all these different mediums? Are you always the same “su”, or do you feel as though you have different modes you switch between?
That's such a great question! My boyfriend always says there are three versions of me: the music me, the ‘straight diva’ me, and then the real me — just me. I think what I’ve struggled with this year is being the Su that everyone wants, but you know, that’s a first-world problem. Honestly, I’d rather be having an identity crisis and waking up every day getting to do what I love.
I want to know what’s in the future for Su. Let’s manifest. Tell me 3 things that are non-negotiable for you in the next 5 years.
Oh, I love manifesting! I want to win a Brit Award, do a stadium tour — that would be unreal — and I want a Mercury Prize. Why not? When I signed with my management, they asked me to name the craziest thing I wanted, and I said the Mercury Prize. I’m like, fuck it, if other people have done it, so can I.
Tell me one piece of advice you carry with you…
Something I always say to my friends and we always say to each other is the sun will always come out. No matter if you're down, or how dark it feels, the sun will always come out.
