When it comes to music, there is a lot of talent out there. However, finding a band that not only puts on a great performance, but fearlessly discusses matters of substance is incredible. Houston-based seven-piece soul group, The Suffers, does just that!

Seeing The Suffers live is seeing a high-energy band that you never knew you needed. Utilizing every inch of the stage, the scene is outlined with a myriad of instrumentals and meaningful vocals, a combination that is necessary now more than ever.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the band shortly after their set at BottleRock in Napa Valley! Presented by Jam Cellars, the 3-day music festival put a ton o f new artists on the radar, including The Suffers. Check out what the band had to say regarding their unstoppable performance as well as their third full-length album, It Starts With Love.

The following interview has been edited for continuity purposes.

Identify LA: What were you most excited about for performing at BottleRock?

The wine, the fans, the other artists, and the weather! It’s an amazing fest.

 IDLA: What, if anything, surprised you by performing at BottleRock?

The size of our stage. It was our first time playing the main stage, and it was a dream. All that space means room for more dancing.

IDLA: Favorite single and why?

 It changes every week but this week it’s “Yada Yada” because it’s been super fun now that we can perform it live.

IDLA: How is BottleRock different from other festivals you've performed at? 

It’s hard to compare, but the food component takes things to a whole other place. It’s really special. Our first time at BottleRock back in maybe 2015(?) we had a lot of fun after our set roaming around and tasting everything.

IDLA: How do yall prepare for the show? Any fun/quirky rituals? 

We yell with our hands in the air for a couple of seconds on stage before every show to get the stress out. Works every time and usually the audience joins in which is pretty cool.

IDLA: Who would be your dream collaboration and why?

I’d love to work with Missy Elliott, Justin Vernon, or Stevie Wonder who’ve all spent their careers continuously experimenting and defying expectations.

IDLA: What is one piece of advice that you've received and currently stand by? 

“Stay together” 

We began life as a ten-piece band and, especially at the beginning, being a “big” band didn't always seem sustainable but we had the good fortune of receiving this advice from two leaders of “big” bands, Lionel Richie (Commodores) and Tim Delaughter (Polyphonic Spree) and it’s helped keep us focused on being “us” all these years.

IDLA: How do you stay motivated in such a competitive career?

We try not to look at it as competitive because there really is room for all of us at the end of the day. We are motivated by what it is we have to offer the world. Our music, our union as a band, and our community are really something special. We are so lucky to have it. 

IDLA: Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

We have a brand new album and will be touring through the end of the year to get it and our new songs into people's ears. Please come and see us in a city near you.

Check them out below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!