I had the pleasure of spending a decade playing with the excellent rock band Suzerain, tearing up stages across the UK and Europe. This included dates supporting Franz Ferdinand and tours of Italy and Germany. Suzerain were managed and produced by Steve Lyon (Depeche Mode, The Cure, Paul McCartney) and signed to Czech label Brainzone.

The Sound

Suzerain’s music blended driving indie rock with cinematic orchestral elements, creating a sound that was both anthemic and textured. My keyboard parts ranged from sweeping synth pads to gritty, distorted textures that could cut through the wall of guitars. It was a formative experience in understanding how keyboards can work within a rock context, adding layers and atmosphere without overwhelming the core sound.

Notable Performances

We played everywhere from intimate club shows to festival stages. Highlights included The Scala and The Fridge in Brixton, multiple dates across Italy (Milan, Rome, Genoa, Bologna), and a memorable run of shows in Germany. Supporting Franz Ferdinand at the O2 Academy was a particular career highlight, playing to a packed crowd of several thousand.

Recording

The band recorded at Steve Lyon’s studio in Devon, an experience that shaped my approach to studio work. Working with a producer of Steve’s calibre taught me the importance of serving the song and finding parts that enhance rather than overwhelm. These sessions produced several albums and EPs that received airplay on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and XFM.