In honor of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays reflecting on identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.

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Today, Philadelphia-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sug Daniels pays homage to her roots by reflecting on her connection with her grandfather, how his vast record collection shaped her musical taste, and how it ultimately led her to Philadelphia and her career as a musician, as part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series.

Sug Daniels is a Delaware born, Philadelphia based, singer-songwriter, story teller, and producer who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, rock, and soul alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change.

Her single release with Don Giovanni Records “When I’m Gone” garnished well deserved attention from local and regional radio and venues and opened new paths. After years of touring with The Black Opry, playing official showcases in SXSW 2022, and supporting acts such as Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Molly Tuttle, Adeem The Artist, William Elliott Whitmore, Daniels is working on her debut studio album set to be released in the spring of 2025.

Sug Daniels’ latest single, 2024’s “Leave a Light On,” is available on all platforms!

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THE ALBUMS THAT SHAPED MY CAREER

by Sug Daniels

It’s a well known truth that no one leaves their childhood unscathed.

One of mine was homelessness at the age of 15. Part of healing from our trauma lies in reflecting on those formative moments, recognizing how the challenges we faced can shape us, pushing us toward growth and deeper understanding. When I reflect on those darker times in my life, I realize they played a pivotal role in shaping my career, ultimately guiding me toward a full-time journey in music.

I was the middle child of a single mother with three kids, and for the first time ever, we had to split up. I ended up moving in with my grandmother Rose, alone after she and my grandfather Charlie had split. Her home was filled with good memories, so I found comfort in being somewhere stable and free from chaos. Since I was without my family and school hadn’t started yet, I spent my time exploring every corner of the house, eventually stumbling upon my grandfather’s massive record collection untouched in the basement.

With my grandmother’s encouragement and nothing but time on my hands, I’d lose myself in those albums—reading the liner notes and soaking in what would become the best education of my childhood. I don’t read music, I can’t chart or tell you what key a song I’m playing is in. I just know what feels good. And I owe that to the countless hours spent unknowingly developing a musical palate that would eventually guide me to music creation, to Philadelphia (my grandfather’s birthplace), and ultimately into full-time artistry. Here I share some of my favorite artists, albums, and deep cuts in his collection that profoundly made an impact in what and how I create. – Sug Daniels

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Billie Holiday – Billie Holiday’s Greatest Hits!

Billie Holiday’s voice was emotional and raw, resonating deeply with me during that time. We both shared a longing for love and a sense of being misunderstood by those around us.

The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

This album  intrigued me with its production. The lyrics and composition of ‘Within You Without You’ moved me, while the chaos in the ending of ‘A Day in the Life’ would later inspire me to create outside of formulas and predictability.

Al Green – Have a Good Time

Al Green’s vocal performance on this album is near perfection—his voice feels live, warm, exciting, inviting, and friendly. I strive to capture those same qualities in my own music.

Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man

The opening track ‘Chameleon Man’ on Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man sparked my love for arrangements and how to make music build and climb.

Carlos Santana – Carlos Santana & Buddy Miles! Live!

This live album captured the energy of a band where everyone shines, not just the lead singer. It reflects the kind of music I’m passionate about creating now, surrounded by the talented friends I want to collaborate with.

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