Blending noughties rock with modern hip hip and hyper pop influences London based singer- songwriter producer Tom Saint began releasing his own signature brand of anthemic hyper punk in Summer 2020. Raised in Southampton on a diet of pop punk, hardcore and southern hip hop he moved to London at 19 where he discovered synths, raves and the studio. These influences created the backdrop to his own song writing that documents loss, sex and betrayal. Both catchy and introspective his music has been supported by BBC Introducing (UK) and Amazing Radio (US).
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I started on classical piano, then played in pop punk bands, then metal bands, graduated to production and hip hop, then started writing songs and making dance music and DJing - now i’m back to rock and hip hop. I’ve got a wide taste and a versatile sound palette, I draw from all the music i’ve loved and made with all these talented people i’ve met along the way, I always try and make something 5% different that nudges the discourse forward.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Aside from partying it’s got to be film - 40s film noir, 60s/70s Italian Exploitation and 80s B movie Horror.
Your latest track is 'Hellcat'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Last summer I got a notification while I was sat alone in the studio and 10 minutes later the chorus fell out of me. Hellcat used to be a different kind of song and then I revamped it. It used to sound forlorn and lonely and had been chilling on my hard drive for a few months while I decided what to do with it. Then in December I started down tuning my guitar to Drop B which has been the foundation of my new sound and I wrote the main riff and new verses and made it empowering instead. I sequenced the drums on a Roland drum machine in bed at 5am after a night out.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I sing Lil Peep - Nose Ring in the shower, in the kitchen and basically everywhere I go. The main hook has haunted me on and off ever since I heard it.
What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?
When it’s time to reset.
What makes you different from others?
I got Saint tattooed across my stomach after I put out my first single because I am dead set on where I’m headed. I write, produce, mix, perform, play. Any skill i want i go and learn, every set back i’ve had makes my skin thicker and my drive burn brighter. I’m currently collaborating with some amazing artists but I take solace in the fact that I don’t need anyone else to keep the wheels on.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Always follow your gut, i like closing my eyes and squeezing my fists and asking myself what to do next. You 99% of the time already know.
Do you prefer to work alone or collaboratively?
I love both, the outcome of the two is different, if you work alone it’s 100% your expression and your message, but if you work with someone else you really vibe with the combination can often be really exciting and something neither one of you would have created alone.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
What time I can get to the studio.
What are your plans for the future?
Play more shows, put out more records, get booked for all the festivals, I just got a booking agent and a live drummer so touring with my favourites and playing my favourite venues. I’ve got two more singles coming out and an awesome collab with TASH at the end of the year to finish 2022 with a bang!