Project by photographer Mikhail Vaneev «ON STAGE AND BACKSTAGE»
(На русском: Suzi Quatro: Артисту полагается иметь имидж, всегда.)
Suzi, You probable know that in Russia for many years the only way to find out what you look like was through photographs. They have been photocopied from magazines and album covers to hang on the wall. Because these photos blew us away!
My belief is that a photographer should be interested in the opinion of those who have a wealth of experience working with the best masters of photography. The more a photographer learns about musicians, the more he does - both for music and photography in general.
In this regard, i would like to ask you the following questions:
— Suzi, do you agree with the statement that photography makes an important contribution to the creation of an artist's image?
— Of course.. An artist must always have an image. Whichever area they are in.
— What is photography for you personally?
— Its about connecting with the camera, being natural, and conveying your essence.
— How did you personally feel then and now about the process of working with photographers in the studio?
— I have always enjoyed being photographed.. I seem to have a sixth sense about what is needed and also a strong sense of who i am and what works with ...if a photographer wants me to do something unnatural.. I refuse.
— What did working with photographers give to you? Was that experience useful to you as an artist?
— Every experience in this industry is useful... Working with 'good' photographers taught me how much power i have in my eyes, and my smile.. And i use them
— What does working with photographers give you as a woman?
,mmmm never thought about this as i don't really do gender... Any sexuality must be conveyed as natural.. Not trying to be sexy.. Wouldn't not how to' try' and be sexy in a million years.
— You hire Gered Mankowitz multiple times, to make covers for: «Suzi Quatro» (1973), «Quatro» (1974), «Aggro-phobia» (1976), «If You Knew Suzi…» (1978), «Back To The Drive» (2006), «Quatro, Scott & Powell» (2017). What is important to you when choosing a photographer?
— Easy... Somebody who understands who you are and knows how to bring the best out of you.. You must trust your photographer.
— The shots from your first photo shoot with Gered Mankowitz (1973) has become iconic. Can you tell us how you prepared for this shoot? How did you meet gered? How was the filming process? Who came up with ideas? What was your first impression of the result?
— Mickie Most hired him.. The song , can the can, was ready to come out so we needed the image etc in place... I insisted on leather.. Mickie came up with the jumpsuit.. Gered came to the office, heard the song, and we all talked.. We explained i am a bass player, and the leader of the gang.. Thats what we captured.
— What mistakes do photographers make? What do you personally dislike about the work of photographers in a studio, concert or press conference?
— I hate it when they do the 'look at the birdie and smile'... Photography should be organic between the artist and the photographer.. You need to connect.. Simple as that.
— What does a scenic costume mean to you? How were your costumes created? Were these your ideas or were you correcting the designers' ideas?
— I answered this early.. I have always been a bluejean, t shirt, leather jacket girl.. We just expanded on this look.. And the fact that i still wear the jumpsuit at 70 years old.. Says it all.
— What does a band's album cover mean to you?
— Omg.. So important.. I am proud of every single album cover i have had out.. Especially the last two... «No control» (2019) and the upcoming «The Devil in Me».. (2021) You can google...
— How does a cover design work usually go? Is your opinion taken into account as an author of music? Do you delve into this process or not?
— Sure my opinion is take into account.. Absolutely.. I say yes or not.. It is up to the person creating the cover to take this on board.. Each album always suggests the mood of the cover.
— Which of the covers most closely matched the concept of the album musically?
- Well... All of the really.. Always been very particular.. I guess favorites would be, first album.. «Suzi Quatro»... «Suzi and other 4 letter words», no control, and the devil in me... My mother's favorite album cover was, «If You Knew Suzi»
— What's your favourite sq album cover and why?
- It used to be «Suzi and other 4 letter words».. But now my favorite is «No Control».. I just love the vibe of the phot.
Translator Максим Епанчинцев
© Art Direction & Photographer Mikhail Vaneev / Waniewski