[6] Prior to joining the B-52's, Suran had performed and toured with Joe Walsh, Mylene Farmer, Liz Phair, Jewel, Sunny Day Real Estate, and others.

He majored in classical guitar performance while also studying composition and arranging at University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, near his birthplace.

Throughout his life, though, Suran had played in well-known rock bands, including Sunny Day Real Estate, The Goo Goo Dolls (2002–2007),[8] Machines of Loving Grace, Local H, Cupcakes (a band he formed), which released an album on Dreamworks Records.

He has also recorded and/or toured with a diverse range of pop artists such as Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair, Five For Fighting, Colbie Caillat, and Jewel.

Suran had worked as a musician in theater for many years with the Blue Man Group and a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.