MELROSE—A small-town woman hits up the Los Angeles music scene with melodies of all kinds. Susan Barth soars with her latest album, "Wonderland," riding a wave of excitement as years of work create a dent in an obstacle-filled industry.  Her penchant for melody brings in long awaited noise.

Canyon News:  When did you decide music is what you wanted to do?

Susan Barth:  I think it was always there and began to take me over. As young as 6 or 7 I began harmonizing to the songs on the radio, soon I began making up my own. I wrote my first complete song at the age of 12 on a horrible little guitar my brother acquired through selling 12 boxes of Christmas cards. When he was bored with it, he gave it to me and I fell in love.

CN:  Awesome, so how long have you been doing this for? 

SB:  Seemingly forever, but deadly seriously for the last ten years.

CN:  So you've been at it for a while now!  Do you have an album out?

SB:  I have 3 CD's out: "This Thing," "Romeo and the Beauty Queen" and, just released and finally making some noise, "Wonderland."

CN:  How would you describe your voice?

SB:  I am probably a bad judge of this, but I think it's a sixties pop voice with a little acid on the side.

CN:  From listening to "Wonderland" I would say that's a pretty good description.  Who would you say are your inspirations?

SB:  The Beatles, The Beatles, The Beatles, The Beatles, and Aimee Mann, Jon Brion, Carol King, and Rickee Lee Jones. I also love a new act on the United Musicians label called The Honeydogs.

CN:  What awards/acknowledgements have you received throughout your music career?

SB:  I have had song placements with Smallville, Tarzan, have placed 2nd place in the Billboard songwriting contest in the Alternative Category, received four ASCAP Merit Awards for songwriting and was a Unisong Contest finalist.  Also, Music Dish cited "Wonderland" as Best of Batch and me as Artist of the Week.  United Airlines and Airforce One Music Programs featured "Wonderland" the song, NPR (All Songs Considered) featured "Almost Did It" off of the new CD, and Garageband featured "Losing My Way" off the new CD as Track of the Day.  Recent reviews include: Music Connection, Music Dish, Best Female Musicians, and It's About Music

CN:  What strides do you hope to have made another five years from now?

SB:  World domination with Britney Spears bringing me tea.  Actually I'd settle for quitting the day job.

CN:  Sounds like a pretty good plan.  Are you currently working with anyone on your musical endeavors?  If so, who?

SB:  It's mostly a solitary thing, but every musician who has played on my CDs and at live shows has added their piece of what I'd like to think of as magic in the end. They come from all levels of the musical food chain, some famous, some not, some expensive, some not, but everyone counted when it mattered. I'm always grateful.

CN:  I like the idea of "magic in the end"; sounds beautiful.  So give me the goods, what's the status of your romantic life?  Dating anyone?  Married?

SB:  There are 3 boys in my life, a gray one, a black one, and a white one, hairballs can be romantic?

CN:  Yes, yes they can!  Musically speaking, where do you draw your material?

SB:  It's like a radio in my head; quirky everyday experiences just turn into songs.

CN:  Seems like a pretty natural process.  What songs/song are you most proud of?

SB:  "Wonderland" and "She's There" because they kind of do what I think a pop song should do, 31/2 minutes of hopefully no wasted space.  "Matters" and "Grammys" because they allow the darker and more eclectic side of my personality to come through.

CN:  Where can folks find out more about you and your music, and do you have any upcoming shows?

SB:  People can visit susanbarth.com/.  Upcoming shows?  Yes, America's Most Wanted, ok, yes...Nov. 6, 8 p.m. at The Gig on Melrose in West Hollywood

CN:  Well thank you so much for your time, Susan.  To conclude, if you had to give a piece of advice to anyone trying to break into the music industry, what would it be?

SB:  You have my undying sympathy, but if you've got "it" do it.

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