By: Jared Gudnason

September 19, 2025

Charleston, South Carolina, is the home base for alternative country band Susto. This past week, their tour van pulled into downtown St. Paul, where they played at least 20 songs to a general admission crowd of about 140. Even on a Sunday night, the energy in the room was undeniable.

Susto, like many other bands in their lane, is arguably getting hit the hardest in today’s digital music landscape. Not only do they produce their own screen-printed T-shirts, tour posters and embroidered hats, but most importantly, vinyl LPs. Records are no longer a cheap investment, especially when the release is shorter in length. At their merchandise booth, Susto’s records were the standard 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm LPs. Their back catalog includes six studio albums released through various independent labels, including their own, Acid Boys.

As a box office staffer for the venue, Amsterdam, I took brief stock of their instrument arsenal before heading to the south-facing green room entrance. My bartending co-worker prepped for the onslaught of beer and spirit orders before doors opened at 7 p.m. On stage right sat a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, priced well north of $3,000. It belonged to opening act Johnny Delaware, a resident of Mexico originally from South Dakota, whose sound echoed classic Americana.

Delaware pulled what we in the industry call “double duty,” performing his solo opening set and serving as lead guitarist for Susto. The show went off without a hitch. No one broke into Susto’s van, and no overzealous fans rushed the stage after the final song.

It was a great night. Check out sustoisreal.com for music and merchandise, and treat yourself to live music every once in a while.