Sue Balaschak is the creator of Primal Rhythm and a founding member of Burning Sage. Primal Rhythm was initially a solo project for recordings and teaching hand drum workshops. Sue’s first hand drum CD, “Primal Rhythm 1” received national publication and is featured in the documentary “Return of the Cuyahoga” which aired on PBS as well as toured the Sundance Film Festival. She decided to bring her solo records to life and create an all female, kick ass, tribal drum ensemble. Primal Rhythm Ensemble first surfaced in the festival circuit in 2011-2013 and returned full throttle in 2020.
Sue produces, engineers and owns her record label, FireBand Records. She has been playing drums professionally since the age of 12 and has taught drumming since she was 17. She has facilitated drum circles and workshops within the Pagan community for the past 22 years. Sue also has taught accredited classes for Licensed Music Therapists and facilitated healing circles at Memory Care facilities and has performed journey work. Sue blends her professional career with her spiritual life. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her canines and feline. If she is not drumming, she can be found hiking in the National Parks or along the Appalachian Trail with a backpack and her dogs.
Sue hosts the show “Drumming Ceremony” an internet radio show that airs Sundays on International Pagan Radio in addition to hosting “Artist Spotlight” found on the home page of the IPR website.
“It’s about Choice…”
Sue Balaschak, of Primal Rhythm, is one of 19 artists who have raised their voices to support reproductive freedom on The Red Album: Pagan Voices for Reproductive Rights, which will be released in 2023. Her track is called It’s About Choice, Empowered Serenity. She says, “Drumming taps into our inner being by connecting our energy with the sound waves of the universe. As energy flows, so does spirit. Drumming connects our mind, body, and spirit to all living things and opens ourselves to peace and harmony. I created this offering to share the power of drum medicine.
- Visit Primal Rhythm’s website: primalrhythm.net
- Follow Sue & Primal Rhythm on FaceBook: facebook.com/susan.balaschak
- Sue’s staff bio on International Pagan Radio: http://www.internationalpaganradio.com/hosts.html#sue-balaschak
- See Sue’s videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBkz8-0oW9y5eAXRahPJ59A
- Hear Sue speak about Primal Rhythm in her artist interview on International Pagan Music Association: http://ipaganma.org/who-am-i-artist-interviews/primal-rhythm-who-am-i/