Tag: susto

WATCH: SUSTO, “Get Down”

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Artist: SUSTO
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Song: “Get Down”
Album: Time in the Sun
Release Date: October 29, 2021
Label: New West Records

In Their Words: “This video was meant to have a psychedelic/kids show vibe to it, lighthearted but also clearly surreal and heavy at times, like the song. The protagonist is searching for something, seeing all these different pairs of beings interacting and having a connection, but can’t find his own counterpart until the end of the video, and when they connect…it’s obvious. The video continues the narrative of the song in this way, because at its core ‘Get Down’ is about finding a person or people that you can relate to, finding belonging and kindred spirits.

“Although it carries a fun and lighthearted air, the song was actually inspired by a scary time in my life, when a close friend was battling substance abuse issues and openly discussing suicide. I knew it was a cry for help, but at the same time I was privately dealing with some of the same issues and felt unable to help because of my own problems. As I began to write the song, I realized that there was hope and even strength in the knowledge that we were both struggling. Although we were coping with mental health separately, it still felt like we were kindred.

“I eventually took this song to that same friend, and they helped me finish it. Now it feels like we’ve both found our way to a better place mentally and emotionally. The song is like an anthem for finding those people in your life who are struggling like you, then overcoming those struggles together. That person could be a friend, a partner, a family member, or even a stranger…sometimes we all just need a struggle buddy, and that’s basically what ‘Get Down’ is about.” — Justin Osborne, SUSTO

Photo Credit: Sully Sullivan

A Minute in Charleston with SUSTO

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Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Charleston, South Carolina’s SUSTO takes us on a tour of their favorite places for rehearsals, live music, and creepy strolls through the cemetery. The band released their newest album, & I’m Fine Today, earlier this year.

AAA Downtown Storage: This is where we recorded our first two albums, plus a ton of other albums have been made there. A lot of bands have had storage/practice spaces here and it serves as a sort of epicenter for the local music scene. There are always people hanging in different units rehearsing or recording, and white vans pulling in and out, coming home and leaving for tour. Other cool folks, entrepreneurs of all types, have units there, too. Also, very good juju. Remember, though: You’ve gotta know the code to get in.


D’Allesandro’s: D’Allesandro’s (D’als) is one of our favorite local spots. It’s just around the corner from where we formed the band and recorded both of our albums. We’ve had members work there and we’ve played the semi-annual D’als Block Party a couple times, which is a celebration of the Elliotborough neighborhood arts scene.

Magnolia Cemetery: Magnolia Cemetery is a great place to visit with friends or by yourself. You can always find a new corner to walk through. It can be a bit spooky, but that’s nice sometimes. It’s beautiful always.


Philadelphia Alley: I have a special place in my memory for this place because, a few years back, when my friends and I would ride bikes around the city a lot, late at night, we would always stop here and hang out for a while, doing whatever. It’s got good juju.

Royal American: Royal is the place that kind of sparked the Charleston music renaissance. There hadn’t been a good rock club downtown for a while until it opened up. I started working the kitchen there while we were recording the first SUSTO album, and we played a lot of our first shows here. I still love to hang out at the bar when we are home.


Sullivan’s Island: Sullivan’s Island is a laid-back place. There are other great beaches in Charleston, but Sullivan’s is easy to get to from where we live downtown, plus you can still find secluded spots there (and free parking), sometimes. It’s great for swimming because there’s hardly ever any surf.

Lede photo by Paul Cheimis