A new series where we sit down with the dreamers, wanderers and free spirits who wear our pieces out into the world.
First up is Suzan Köcher, the voice and vision behind Suzan Köcher's Suprafon. She's been wrapped in our Rainbow and Black Capes from Hamburg to London and everywhere her tour bus takes her, and it's about time we asked her all about the music and the ritual of getting ready to go on stage.
The Music
Can you tell us a little about yourself and Suzan Köcher's Suprafon for anyone discovering your music for the first time?
I’m Suzan Köcher, a musician and songwriter from Germany and Suzan Köcher’s Suprafon is my band. We’ve been making music together for several years now, blending psychedelic sounds with Dream Pop, Americana, Krautrock and a lot of 60s and 70s influences. For me, the music has always been about creating a little world of its own - something dreamy and atmospheric but still with a strong sense of rhythm and movement. We’ve released three albums so far and we’re currently working on our fourth one!
How would you describe your sound to someone who's never heard it before?
I’d say it’s for fans of Fleetwood Mac, Mazzy Star or Tame Impala. If you like music that lets you drift away, that feels a little like a train ride through the night, you’ll probably like ours. :)
Who were the artists that first made you want to create music?
The first artist who made me think “I wanna do this too” was Avril Lavigne. I was a huuuge fan when I was 14, I even saw her live from the first row. It was the first time I saw a woman with a guitar who wrote her own songs on MTV. After that, I thankfully discovered many more female artists, but she was my first big role model.
Life on Tour
You've played so many shows over the years. Is there one gig you'll never forget?
Honestly, there are a lot of shows I’ll never forget. But we played on a big ship in Hamburg in March and that was a really fun experience because we also slept in the little cabins on board. It kind of felt like playing in a museum and we even got a little tour of the ship the next day.
What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about life on tour?
We’re lucky when we get to see more than just the venues on tour. There have been shows like Paris where we had an hour to explore the city a little bit. But then there are shows like when we played in London in May, where we literally only saw the streets and the venue from the inside. We did drive over Tower Bridge after the show though, so that was at least a little bit of sightseeing.
Do you have any little rituals before you walk on stage?
I do! My ritual is taking a lot of time to get ready. I love eccentric, glittery makeup, so I get into the artistic zone while doing my makeup. It also helps me calm down. Then I drink chamomile or ginger tea and do my vocal warm-ups. About ten minutes before we go on stage, we love listening to music and dance in the green room and getting into the right mindset for the show.
How does performing live differ from recording in the studio for you?
Performing live has so much energy. You kind of have this magical connection with the audience that sometimes makes me feel like I’m flying. I can’t really describe it any other way. In the studio, there can be a lot of pressure because you want to get the perfect take. At the same time, you have more chances to get there and you don’t feel watched. There are really beautiful and challenging sides to both.
Personal Style
Your stage style feels like such a natural extension of your music. Has fashion always been important to you?
Fashion has always been a really important way for me to express how I feel. For me, it all goes hand in hand - the music, but also the visual extension of it. And the two always affect each other. A floaty cape can influence the way I move and therefore, how I feel on stage.
How would you describe your personal style away from the stage? Is it very different?
I’d say it’s more of an everyday adaptation of my stage clothes. I do love vintage and 70s style, but you’ll never see me in a glitter jumpsuit while grocery shopping.
Where do you usually find inspiration for the way you dress?
I find inspiration in movies, live concerts, magazines, vintage shops and old photographs. Pinterest is great too!
Are there any musicians, artists or films whose style has stayed with you over the years?
Definitely Stevie Nicks. She has this mysterious, witchy style that I think a lot of women love to embody. I also love getting inspiration from Françoise Hardy - she was one of the best-dressed women I know.
The Hippie Shake
You've been wearing The Hippie Shake on stage for years. Do you remember how you first found us?
I think I first saw your brand on Instagram. I saw some really cool clothes and couldn’t believe they weren’t vintage - and that I could actually choose a size!
Our capes have become something of a signature for you. What was it about them that made you keep coming back?
I just love how they make me feel. Twirling around in them and feeling like a witchy superhero is everything I need right now. They give me power.
How do you feel when you put one on before going on stage?
I’m becoming my stage persona as soon as I put one on.
Do certain outfits help you step into performance mode?
For me, that’s the whole point of my stage outfits. They make me feel stronger, more confident and more in tune with who I am.
Do you have a favourite Hippie Shake piece you've owned over the years?
The one I’ve definitely gotten the most wear out of is the Into The Night Cape. But I also have that glitter jumpsuit from the Stargazer collection, which I absolutely love! I wore it in the video for "Living In A Bad Place“.
Our Rainbow Cape and Black Cape seem to have travelled all over with you. Have they become part of your touring life?
Definitely! The first thing I do is hang the cape up in the dressing room. I just hope they won’t crumple. Tour life can be tough on flowy fabrics.
Do fans ever comment on your outfits after shows?
They do and I love it! I connect with a lot of women and sometimes men, over my outfits. We hype each other up and that energy is everything to me.
Inspiration
Outside of music, what inspires your creativity?
The people around me, the things I experience and the feelings that sometimes overwhelm me.
Is there an era that you always find yourself returning to creatively?
The 60s and 70s somehow have the best mix of being ethereal and experimental at the same time. I love that.
What's something you've been obsessed with recently?
I’ve been obsessed with the song “I and I” by The Sandy’s.
We asked Suzan some fun quick fire questions, here's her answers...
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Morning or night? Night
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Vinyl or streaming? Vinyl at home, streaming on the road
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Festival or intimate venue? Intimate Venue
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Favourite city to play? London, Hamburg, Paris - sorry, I couldn’t pick just one!
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One album everyone should own? Mirage by Fleetwood Mac
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Favourite decade for style? 70’s
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A vintage treasure you'll never part with? My Flower Buckle Belt
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Dream artist to share a stage with? Sharon Van Etten
What's next for Suzan Köcher's Suprafon?
We’re working on a new album right now and I’m so, so, soooo excited about it. Keep an eye out for a tour next year! A new era is coming.
Where can people catch you live this year?
For the rest of this year, there are only Germany shows left but you can follow us on bandsintown to never miss a show https://bnds.us/zqr7n6
29.08.26 Lehrte / Hannover – Zytanien Festival
06.09.26 Arnstadt – Arnstädter Stadtfest
18.09.26 Soest – Alter Schlachthof
19.09.26 Wuppertal – Alte Schlosserei
10.10.26 Paderborn – Honky Tonk Festival
16.10.26 Herne – Sounds Like Sugar Kulturschiff
17.10.26 Moers – Bollwerk 107
13.11.26 Reutlingen – Franz K
14.11.26 Offenburg – Spitalkeller
Finally, what does feeling completely yourself mean to you?
The stage is a place where I can completely be myself because everything is allowed. I can live out my extravagant side, be as wild and expressive as I want and nobody asks why. That’s why stages have always attracted me. It means connecting with other people on a whole different level. There’s this magical feeling - almost like holding hands with every person in the room while they’re holding mine and we’re all giving each other strength. No judgment, no negativity, just love. It creates this incredible, positive energy that feels almost out of this world.
Get the Look: Shop Capes
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