Interview with SusAF About New Single, The Great Divider
- Tara Lakatos
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
What inspired the creation of this single?
As an artist, I felt a responsibility to take an aural snapshot of where society has pivoted in the last 10 years… to hold up a mirror so we can see how divided we have become. It’s happened in my family, and in many of my friendships, and I know people all over are feeling a us vs. them mentality, instead of the indivisible nature of our democracy that this country was built on.
What story or message does the song convey?
“The Great Divider,” urgently suggests it’s time to stop following a leader that is purposely, and even strategically dividing the country he was elected to serve.
Can you tell us about the creative process?
I found myself ranting in my journal about the divisiveness, with nowhere to turn given the inability to have a normal discussion with my father, or friends, based on the fact that we’ve been given two different versions of the truth. Once I could approach it as a writer, describing this character that is the great divider, it felt vital, like a potential opportunity to open some eyes. It became a rant-anthem, or “ranthem" if you will.
How does this song differ from your previous releases?
What’s unusual about “The Great Divider,” is it’s the same three chords over and over, and almost 6 minutes long. I had a lot to say on this one, and I decided to build it up, instead of edit it down.
What challenges did you face while writing or recording?
It was a challenge to organize all of the content I had written, into a cohesive sort of storyline. It was also challenging to create a musical arrangement that slowly builds along with it, until everything just explodes at the end.
Did you experiment with any new instruments, techniques, or styles?
Though I did play all instruments, this one’s about showcasing the lyric, so there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here musically. It’s a piano, a six-string acoustic guitar, doubled with a 12-string electric guitar, bass, drums, a bongo, and a 6-string electric lead guitar that comes in halfway through.
Is there a personal connection or story tied to the lyrics?
Yes, I tried to discuss January 6, 2021, with my father, and he told me he heard it was a peaceful demonstration, and that the liberal left caused all the violence, and blamed it on Trumpers. Dismayed, I gave Facebook a shot to see if I could determine how the MAGA world was spinning what I knew to be an outright attempt to overturn a free and fair election. I was further dismayed by several responses that sought to downplay all of the clear evidence and then try and gaslight it into weaponization. I still have no idea what to do other than make these songs. Nothing has changed with my father, or friends…we just don’t talk about it.
Have you performed it live yet, and what was the audience’s reaction?
Yes. I played “The Great Divider” at a small festival on the Baja Coast, in MX, last January. The crowd was open-minded, and it got a great response. Though I’m happy to sing it with people who already know, I hope I get the chance to play it for those who need to hear it, and might feel challenged by it at first, but ultimately can’t argue that our society has become more divided than ever in our lifetimes.
Is this single part of a larger project, like an album or EP?
It is an EP called THE GREAT DIVIDER. “Alternate Reality,” is track one, and points out how misinformation is dividing us. “The Great Divider,” is track two, and reveals the antagonist. “Molotov Rose,” is track three, and asks everyone to “Send Peace,” you are the protagonist.
Anything Else You'd Like Your Fans to Know.
The last stanza of “The Great Divider” is loaded down with sports references, starting with golf, and ending with baseball, characterizing an old pitcher, who should no longer be on the mound, and encouraging the team at bat (the side), to "run the order on the great divider.” Good fun!
Check out the new lyric video for SusAF song Alternate Reality here!
