One among many dwell exhibits fronted by Ian Su in 2023.
Picture courtesy of John Segreto
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Virtually a yr for the reason that launch of his genre-spanning album Imposter Syndrome, Queens-based artist and producer Ian Su displays on the undertaking’s success, his artistic journey and the challenges of balancing his involvement in two bands: Collidescope and The Polynomials.
The album’s title comes from a deeply private place, with Su explaining how he typically wrestled with emotions of self-doubt regardless of the thrill of performing dwell. “We played 15 shows in the last half of 2023: some big, some really bad. But no matter where we were, I would always come off stage on a high,” he stated. “But the next morning, I’d be thinking, ‘Does anyone actually respect me? Did they really mean it when they said, ‘Great show’?”
Over time, Su realized he needed to embrace these doubts somewhat than allow them to devour him. “It’s always going to be there, but I’ve learned to ignore it because I know I belong in this scene,” he stated. The document displays this journey, with songs that alternate between looking for validation and unapologetically proudly owning his artistic voice.
Imposter Syndrome blends a variety of genres, from the disco-infected grooves of “Rhythm” to the early 2000s rock vitality of “OMW.” Su credit his inspiration and strategy to artists like The 1975 and Corey Wong. “Notes on a Conditional Form by The 1975 changed my life,” he stated. “That album jumps around genres, and I’ve always wanted my records to be like that; I don’t care if a rock song follows a ballad. I just want to put everything I love into 12 songs.”
Juggling artistic roles in two bands presents its challenges, with there mendacity a transparent distinction in the way in which he approaches every undertaking. “When I write for The Polynomials, I’m usually alone, producing as I go. With Collidescope, it’s collaborative and we write together in the room,” he stated. “That dynamic makes it less pressured and more about finding a collective sound.”
This collaborative spirit is one thing Su values deeply. “I don’t want it to sound like just me. I want it to sound like everyone is involved,” he shares. “Seeing others light up with ideas pushes the music to new and unexpected places.”
Su’s journey into music manufacturing started throughout his teenage years, impressed by watching movies of FINNEAS producing Billie Eilish’s music in a bed room studio. “I thought, if he can do it there, so can I,” Su remembers. “During the pandemic, I brought my amp into my room and just started experimenting.”
After shifting into an even bigger residence in 2023, Su took the chance to rethink and redesign his bed room studio, affectionately referred to as the “SUDIO,” the place he prioritizes simplicity over extra gear. “It’s a place for my friends to make music without the pressure of time or money,” Su says.
The house itself performs an important function in his artistic course of. “It inspires me more than any professional studio I’ve been to,” he stated. “Even the way that light hits my room at different times of the day pushes me to make different kinds of music.” As a lot because it shapes Su’s manufacturing type, recording in an residence isn’t with out its challenges. “Construction noise can knock a session to the ground,” he admits, although recording direct guitars and synthesizers presents a dependable answer. “My philosophy has always been to get an idea from my head to a physical piece of music as fast as possible,” he stated. “I’ll jump from vocals to mixing guitars without overthinking mic placements—I just want to record, record, record.”
Now learning music expertise at Metropolis School, Su emphasizes that whereas training has given him helpful abilities and connections, a lot of his progress has come from self-driven experimentation. “At the end of the day, I just want to be on stage playing music with my friends,” he stated.
Queens’ vibrant music scene has performed a big function in shaping Su’s artistic strategy. “Just walking around the city clears my mind and sparks ideas,” he shares. “I’ll hear sounds or see things that inspire me to write.” The native scene’s supportive community of musicians has additionally fueled his ardour. “There’s a real sense of community here,” Su stated. “Seeing other bands push boundaries and create amazing music constantly motivates me.”
Reflecting on his intensive performances in 2023, Su remembers the highs and studying experiences from enjoying all kinds of exhibits. “Some were great, some were rough, but each one taught me something,” he stated. One among his favourite moments got here from an impromptu jam session throughout a rehearsal with Collidescope. “We were just messing around, and suddenly everyone lit up… the energy was electric. That turned into one of our favorite live tracks.”
As for his ambitions, Su hopes to keep up a stability between recording and performing. “My dream career is surviving off making a record one year and touring the next,” he stated. Regardless of the challenges of the music trade, he stays optimistic. “I’m content with where I am, but I’m always chasing growth.”
Whether or not it’s by way of The Polynomials, Collidescope, or his solo ventures, Ian Su’s journey displays a fearless strategy to creativity, fueled by collaboration, resilience and a deep love for music. His means to channel vulnerability into his artwork makes Imposter Syndrome a testomony to his evolving artistry and an inspiring pay attention for anybody who has ever felt like they didn’t belong.
