Susan Gibson: The Heart Behind "Wide Open Spaces" and a Lifelong Journey in Music
Susan Gibson has a knack for turning life's stories into lyrics, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. As the talented singer-songwriter behind “Wide Open Spaces,” famously recorded by The Chicks, Gibson’s career has been built on a foundation of storytelling and raw, emotional authenticity. Though best known for the massive success of “Wide Open Spaces,” Gibson’s journey as a songwriter and performer spans decades of personal growth, creative exploration, and connection with her fans.
A Journey of Music and Storytelling
Gibson's sound is rooted in folk traditions. With acoustic guitar in hand, she brings an earthy and conversational style to her performances. "I'm lyrically driven," she explains, emphasizing that her writing is about capturing her life and the feelings that come with it. She’s not one for love songs, instead turning to her family, personal experiences, and the complexities of life for inspiration.
Growing up in a family that prioritized music, Gibson’s early years were steeped in harmonies and performances, thanks to her mother, a piano teacher, and her musical community in Amarillo, Texas. These influences, combined with her love of female voices like those of Stevie Nicks and the folk artists of the '90s, shaped Gibson’s style. Her journey as a musician began in earnest in 1990, playing in coffee shops for tips and honing her craft. By 1998, she was making a living from her music, paving the way for a successful career as both a solo artist and a sought-after collaborator.
The Birth of "Wide Open Spaces"
Gibson’s career reached new heights when The Dixie Chicks, then an up-and-coming band, took notice of her songwriting. The band's decision to record “Wide Open Spaces” changed everything for Gibson, catapulting her into the spotlight. The song, a reflection on the yearning for freedom and independence, became a massive hit. For Gibson, the experience was not just about fame. It was about the power of her words reaching people and resonating with their own experiences.
"It’s a silver lining type record," she says of her newest album, The Hard Stuff. "Everything is tolerable with a good sense of humor." Whether she’s writing about complex subjects like mental health or crafting narrative stories, Gibson always finds a way to make her songs accessible through metaphor, allowing listeners to find their own meaning.
A Reflective Songwriting Process
Gibson’s approach to songwriting has evolved over the years. In the early days, she was driven by a constant stream of ideas, almost an obsession with getting them down. Now, she sees the process differently. She sees it more like tending to a spark that requires space and attention to grow. “I have to honor that spark of inspiration and give it some time by prioritizing it,” she shares. It's a process she describes as getting “messy” at first, allowing bad ideas to flow so that the good ones can be refined.
Her songs are deeply personal, and yet, they connect with others in a way that transcends her own experiences. "I’m in the business of connecting with people," she reflects. “Music is the vehicle for that.”
Live Performances: Intimate Connections with Fans
When it comes to performing live, Gibson values connection above all else. Whether it’s playing in front of a small, attentive crowd or hosting an intimate house concert, she feels a deep sense of responsibility to honor her audience’s attention. For Gibson, live shows are more than just a chance to perform, they’re an opportunity to share a moment, to feel the energy of the room, and to connect with fans in a meaningful way. “It’s watching a woman elbow her husband on a particular line in a song. It’s seeing their face express what you were hoping they'd express.”
Her fans, too, have created unforgettable moments. Gibson recalls a show in San Marcos where a woman told her that her song "Evergreen" had been played at her daughter's funeral. "That’s the business I’m in," Gibson says. “ I played it for her and her friends just then…We were there together, in a ‘hug.’ It’s a really rewarding job.”
“The highest compliment you could give me was that my song was a soundtrack in your life.”
The Road Ahead: New Music and Continuing the Legacy
Although Gibson wouldn’t describe her upcoming shows as a "tour," she’s always playing gigs across Texas, where she finds solace in the familiar places and faces. Her connection to her fans remains strong, whether she’s performing live or offering her songwriting coaching services, where she helps others hone their craft and find their voice.
Gibson’s most recent album, The Hard Stuff, released in 2019, was a reflection of the many twists and turns in her life. Filled with both narrative stories and metaphorical reflections, it showcases her ability to tackle complex subjects with grace and humor.
“These were the best of the songs I had when I was ready to make a record. Then the producer helps out and things start coming together as a collection. Sometimes songs feel real singular until they get some production on them.”
Looking ahead, Gibson remains dedicated to her craft and her fans. “I’m still doing this because it’s an important means of communicating to myself and others,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if I’ve said everything….I have to be in the world and make something of it.”
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