"I'M NOT A FEMALE CAMARÓN, I'M LA SUSI"

Fátima Yráyzoz, november 2001

"I'm 42 years old, but you know what happens, since I started out young, when I was only 13, people think I'm older" explains Susana Amador Santiago with a sweet smile and penetrating eyes...in other words, La Susi.

This blond gypsy, born in Alicante, is always accompanied by her older brother Joaquín, her faithful guitarist with whom she gets on wonderfully. Together they'll be making the rounds to present her new record "Son de Mayo", which has sold more than 15,000 copies after an artistic absence of more than eight years.

Her voice has a great gypsy sound, very flamenco and with an obscure veil. Known as La Camaroniana [the female Camarón], a name she doesn't want to be called, she came to Madrid at a very early age and dance was her thing. She tries not to dance in her shows but it's almost impossible: "...I've got a show where there shouldn't need to be any dancing, but no matter how hard I try to keep seated my legs carry me away, following the compás, I can't help it!". And it was in her early dancing career that she was fortunate enough to meet Paco de Lucía who proposed that she make her first recording: "I called it Susana because Paco's father said that Susi sounded like a name for a dog", she laughingly affirms, and immediately adds: "they came to Barcelona to sign me up, I was in the tablao El Cordobés and they gave me "the big contract" to record with him in exclusive, and it was a hit."

La Susi (Photo: Fatima)

What have you gotten out of Agua de Mayo?

It fills me will happiness and a great deal of satisfaction because it's a very well-crafted recording, made to reach a large sector of the public. Although it's mostly 'festero' songs, that doesn't mean they're easier than soleá which is not included. It's a labor of love made with sweet sincerity. Agua de Mayo is the result of having a good team. I had been eight years without making a record, and recording techniques have changed a lot. At first I was very scared, but thanks to the people who love me this has managed to come about.

Most of the verses are by Queco, the producer. Are you very friendly with him?

Well, we didn't used to be friends, but the kids Lin and Panki who accompany me in the choruses were production assistants and they also threw in a few verses. It was recorded a year ago, in a studio in Córdoba.

(Photo:Fatima)

Does Son de Mayo come out of the need to make a statement after such a long silence?

Yes, precisely, I felt that I had something to say. I was depressed about music for years, a little angry with it. Perhaps a better word would be disappointed.

When you've been a performing artist for thirty years and have 14 records under your belt, and I'm not just speaking for myself, but about anyone who has fought and sacrificed...then you see how any old hack appears and makes a big splash...they sell records and bingo!...200,000 records and they get taken around everywhere, I can't believe it! I realize we all have a right to make a living, but for crying out loud, let's have a little respect for the profession.

You had a very special relationship with Camarón. Isn't it possible you were too influenced by him?

I was honored to be with him. But look, the funny thing is that in those days I was considered a wild card because they didn't sing and dance in the festivals the way they do now, don't forget I was only 17 and when I came out that had never been seen before, which is why it's clear that 25 years ago I was very brave to do the first "flamenco fusion". My friend José influenced me just as he influenced all the artists of that era. But they called me la Camarona, and I'm not, because Camarón was one of a kind. And also I'm not from the 'school' that came after him because I was already doing my own thing at the same time as him. I recorded a soleá with bass guitar and drums...I don't know...and his Leyenda del Tiempo hadn't even been released! It was me who was doing new things! He was the giant! The most important thing is that I strongly believe in myself as an artist. It's not that I think I'm anybody special, neither the best nor the worst, but I do believe in myself. That's my basis for everything

You dedicated one song to Juanito Valderrama. What does he represent for you?

He was a maestro for me. It was he who brought me into everything traditional and orthodox. I learned from him. I've got a giant alongside me.

Were you treated like a pretty little girl in this man's world?

Well yes, I was very well-treated, always. Thanks to that I was able to pull out of the depression I was going through. I thought everything was shit, and they're not leaving any place for those of us who are the true professionals, so I didn't feel like recording at all...

Do you think it's necessary to study?

Well of course, if you don't study you go nowhere. I wish I had all the time in the world to devote to studying. Look, right now I'm very nervous because I haven't sung in over two months. If you don't study and don't hear other people, you might as well pack up and leave. It's all over.

Among women, who have you listened to the most?

To several. To La Niña de los peines for example. But to tell the truth, the one I really love is Rosalía de Triana, and also la Repompa de Málaga who has a lot of things, I adore their voices. I've had to learn from La Niña de los Peines because she was the one who knew more than anyone, but as far as the sound I liked la Repompa and Rosalía better.

And speaking of sounds, specifically tangos...don't you sound a little like Remedios Amaya?

No. We have nothing in common at all. I started out fifteen years before her, it's possible that I influenced her...and many others as well. I was the first one who started out and it's only logical that they imitate me.

What do you think about the young voices that have come out such as Poveda and Estrella Morente?

That they sing very well...wonderful! They're doing important things these young people now, it's good to see...

But then you hear a natural phenomenon like Chocolate and you think, "can a voice really be made?"

Yes of course it can be made. Estrella's voice is beautiful now...when she's thirty or forty it'll be just brilliant, with much more texture.

Do you like yourself better now?

Yes, absolutely. And bear in mind that getting older, I'm more frightened every time I sing. Fear of dying.