Suys spent her youth in Vancouver, in a musical family, particularly fans of rock\'n\'roll in the vein of Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and Frank Zappa. Beginning with piano at age three, she picked up the guitar at about 8–9 years, referring to the repertoire of Simon & Garfunkel in particular. At the end of primary school, she got her first guitar from her parents. In her teens she appreciated bands like Motörhead, Slayer, Metallica, Plasmatics, KISS, Aerosmith and Ted Nugent. Suys\' main female influences are embodied by Nancy Wilson of Heart and Wendy O. Williams.\n', '

After high school she moved to Saskatoon where she attended the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, graduating at the top of three classes and a Magna Cum Laude honour. While in Saskatchewan she created artistic bronze castings and also spent some time on a farm driving tractor. After getting married to Blaine Cartwright and moving to the U.S. he convinced her to start a band with him.\n', '

She has been the lead guitarist of the band Nashville Pussy since 1996, alongside her husband, singer/guitarist Blaine Cartwright. Suys is known for her guitar solos and live performances. She was named in the Elle list of "12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists" in 2009.\n', '

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