Playboy Creator Sumner Stroh has an ear that can sense a hit from a mile away.
“I remember finding ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas X when it only had 1,000 listens,” Sumner said. “And within a few months, it was like the number one song for forever.”
Razor sharp instincts aside, Sumner had no choice but to pursue a career in music. From a young age, she dreamed of sharing her unique voice with the world, even if she had to take a few detours before throwing herself into it.
“I’ve always wanted to be a singer but I kept that very private,” Sumner said. “And so I was like, ‘I’m gonna be a doctor!’ and then I was like, ‘I’m gonna be a lawyer!’ But I’m a creative at heart. So I was like, ‘I’m gonna give it a chance, it’s never too late.’”
Sumner pivoted her education to study advertising and social media, to help grow the following crucial to a career in music. For the last two years, she’s thrown herself into her aspirations, navigating the usual challenges many indie artists face.
“I live and breathe music,” Sumner said. “It’s been a slow burn, but I’m really grateful for the lessons I’ve been able to learn that I otherwise wouldn’t have.”
The Sumner Stroh single “Love to Hate” is an emotional account of her resilience when it comes to dealing with haters across various social media platforms.
It starts out slow, almost melancholy, but escalates into an upbeat empowerment anthem with a catchy dance pop beat. By the time the chorus rolls around again, Sumner proudly sings, “Hate me baby, it’s okay.”
This personal pop number is an unapologetic reminder that Sumner simply won’t back down. Even if the comment section gets nasty.
“I don’t want to give in to the toxic cancel culture that we’ve created on social media,” Sumner said. “Any apology video I make would just further perpetuate the cycle of shaming women online.”
Sumner’s major influences are clear in her music. Her major inspirations come from The Weekend, Daft Punk, and Australian DJ Flume.
“I also absolutely love Britney Spears, obviously,” Sumner said. Despite being primarily a vocal artist, she’s currently learning to play the guitar as well.
“It’s just taking some time because honey…” Sumner said, holding up perfectly manicured nails. “I’m also a content creator, so yeah, I’m so OCD about my nails. It’s a trade off.”
Listen to the Sumner Stroh single “Love to Hate” wherever you get your music including Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Amazon, Tidal, and Deezer.
Sumner Stroh is on the Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
