A conversation with Lucy Suttor from Nice Touch Massage & punk band Dick Move
Lucy Suttor (She/Her) is the founder of Nice Touch Massage based in the heart of Karangahape Road. She is also the lead vocals for feminist-socialist-party punk band called Dick Move, and works at Whammy Bar. We talked to Lucy about her podcast recommendations, the power of community and her favourite local spots.
Kia ora Lucy, how are you doing?
Pretty OK all things considering! Trying to stay active and somewhat motivated, but also allowing myself to be absorbed by the couch for an entire day when I feel like it.
What music/podcasts have you been listening to at the moment?
A lot of Amyl and the sniffers, Wet Leg, and Patea Maori Club. Ngoi Ngoi is such a banger, I've played that at least once a day - really lifts your spirits!
Recent podcast faves are 'Shit you should know' (a classic) 'Chameleon' (about an incredible Hollywood con artist), 'The drop out' (the story of Olivia Holmes and Theranos, highly recommended), 'Dolly Parton's America' and 'West Cork' - I am a sucker for true crime and Irish accents.
What inspired you to start Nice Touch massage?
After hustling in the arts community for a while as an actor and eventually finding that 'other thing' that I loved (massage) I was super excited to somehow marry the two. When I eventually found my cosy little spot in St Kevins Arcade I knew this would give me the opportunity to give back to the arts community, and make massage available and accessible to everyone who needed it.
What is something you’ve learnt about running your own business?
The power of community. Sounds awfully cliché, but as a new business owner throwing caution into the wind it really did feel like the Karangahape road community had my back. So many resources to draw from, and so many small businesses absolutely killing it in their respective fields to be inspired by.
You’ve been active in the Karangahape and St Kevins community for a wee while, what has been the highlight?
Too many highlights to choose from! Working at Whammy! Bar has been pretty up there. I've definitely found a whanau and a home away from home there.
You’re also the vocals for feminist-socialist-party punk band called Dick Move! Where did the name come from?
One of the band members literally just said it in the group chat one day, and then we said oh OK wow that works!
Dick Move “will keep doing what they do best; shouting across oceans from the bottom of the world about things that matter, in a thick kiwi accent.” What are some issues that are important to you?
Women's rights to do whatever they want with their bodies, getting more female-fronted acts headlining at festivals, workers rights, holding people in power accountable for their oppressive actions, empowering women to speak up and encouraging men to do better, just to name a few! If our music makes you want to stand up to your boss or your landlord then I am a happy camper.
Lastly, when it comes to supporting local, what are your favourite spots?
Of course Whammy! Bar and wine cellar, as well as pici, Da Vincis, Crushes and Piefee <3
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