Album Notes

Suran Song in Stag - (su-rahn song in stag)

In November 1995, the nucleus of Suran Song in Stag formed when artist Suran Song met bassist William Weis, "We both had seen all the same shows in the 1980's --Minor Threat, The Misfits, Black Flag, Firehose -- William's bass playing was really informed by Mike Watt's work. And we both loved the performance art of David Bowie and Hugo Largo." says Suran. From 1992-1995, Suran Song presented her slide-projection based body art in New York and Los Angeles fine art galleries, while William Weis, in gender bending drag, performed in rock clubs. By early 1996, they decided to put the performance art into 3 minute rock songs.

Because the two embrace the challenge of expanding ideas that are not in the broadest currency (sweatshops, suburban dystopia, uranium weapons), they believe they are obligated to seduce the widest number of people possible into considering these ideas. Through rock n roll melodies and appealing live-action visual stimulii, mass-produced compact discs and videos, Suran Song in Stag make their offering.


Over the years the project has evolved into a core where the two creators William Weis (electric bass, voice, piano) and Suran Song (action art, lyrics, voice) continue to work with cutting-edge collaborators (all of them happened to be male --hence the "in Stag") including drummer Claude Coleman, Jr. of Ween. Since 1997, Suran Song in Stag has made 3 full length CD's, been featured on 6 different compilations from Atlanta to Los Angeles to Boston, a 3 song EP, and a 7" single. The band has been featured and reviewed in international publications such as The Village Voice, Magnet Magazine, and The Big Take Over, as well as numerous American music and arts papers.

The band remains D.I.Y. from inception, booking their own tours and financing their own releases. Their self-reliance fuels their ability to freely write about any subject matter they choose. This commitment to uncensored expression is a driving force for the two. "When we got married in 1998, we bought each other very simple silver bands, and had a small backyard ceremony. Our lives are defined by putting very specific, heartfelt music into the world," says William. "When I was 20 years old, I 100% financed my M.F.A. studies in New York City and simultaneously paid my own rent in Manhattan," adds Suran, "It was the best experience for boiling down the necessities of making work."