Saint Clair
Scottish born, London residing singer Saint Clair first got her start gigging as a jazz singer in swanky hotels before opportunities opened up with Marling and Ghostpoet. After providing backing vocals and playing keys for other artists, Saint Clair decided to dive in headfirst into her solo effort. With an affinity for old school records and jazz standards plucked from her earlier musical experiences, Saint Clair’s approach to pop is unlike any other, giving her edge over other artists in the space.
Buoyed along by appositely languid, throbbing production from New York’s Rahm (signed to Terrible Records, also home to Blood Orange, Solange, Empress Of), Saint Clair’s new track “Amnesiac” finds her exploring a sub-conscious world which seems to offer limitless possibilities. Speaking about the track, she says; “‘Amnesiac’ is about desperately anticipating sleep in order to escape reality and live in your dreams instead; being transported to a place where everything is untouched and reimagined. And Rahm captured this world perfectly through his dreamy production.”
“Amnesiac” is a glimpse into Saint Clair’s forthcoming EP ‘D2’ due out in late November and to satiate the anticipation, we asked her to put together a list of some tracks she’s currently listening to.
Rare Silk – Storm
“Rare Silk are an American jazz vocal group from the 80’s and this track is the most stunning, lilting antidote to a long stressful day. Let it transport you straight to a deserted beach, piña colada in hand.”
Kamau (ft No Wyld) – Justfayu
“Discovered this powerful anthem through watching the brilliant ‘insecure’. It’s a perfect blend of old-school soul with more modern, Outkast-esque moments and a lyric that slowly becomes a hypnotic mantra. The video is well worth a watch too.”
Elliot Moss – Without The Lights
“This song is a real dynamic journey flitting between the fragility of the piano and vocal bookends and the synth-heavy electronic production (trap hats and all). The evolving sections and huge climax are reminiscent of James Blake and the track has all the more impact when watched with the truly amazing music video.”
BANKS – Crowded Places
“This song, written with Jack Antanoff, is a real stand-alone heart-wrencher about social anxiety. The lyrics are raw and honest, with an almost stream-of-consciousness delivery. I also absolutely love the vocal production on the verses.”
Kiah Victoria – Titivating
“Produced by New-York’s RAHM (the man behind my latest single, ‘Amnesiac’), ‘Titivating’ is a laid-back, sparse, eclectic soul banger that wraps itself around Kiah Victoria’s flawless vocals. There’s so much to enjoy throughout this track, with unexpected twists and turns and effortless swag and mischief.”
SEVDALIZA – That Other Girl
‘That Other Girl’ is my favourite track to emerge from Sevdaliza’s ’The Suspended Kid’ EP. Her sound is so bold and fearless and she has such an interesting backstory. The visuals are killer too.
THANDII – Cameo
“One of my best mates and an amazing independent musician and writer. ‘Cameo’ is a lush, psychedelic, percussive track with vocals reminiscent of Unknown Mortal Orchestra.”
Vivienne Chi – Vivienne
“‘Vivienne’ an intense, self-reflective, biopic that builds unbearable, almost manic tension until the epic chorus hits you between the eyes. The writing is so clever and visceral and has an almost unnerving quality about it; she let’s you into this intimate part of herself, like listening to someone unravel. Musically I feel like Kate Bush and The White Stripes have had a love child.”
Chloe x Halle – Red Lights
“Couple of little genius sisters who write, play and produce most of their stuff. Their vocals blend so beautifully and I love how their delivery has an annunciated quality, which gives it almost a classical or old time musical theatre sound. This track is pulsating yet dreamy with beautiful harmonies and super cool understated electronic drums.”
ANDERSON .PAAK – Put Me Thru
“This whole record has almost worn the needle down on my vinyl player. ‘Put Me Thru’ is an arbitrary choice as I could have chosen any track off ‘Malibu’. He’s got a bit of a Midas touch as all his collabs (Knxwledge, Dre, Kaytranada, Goldlink) have been amazing too. He’s also a charming and brilliant live musician. Give the rest of us a chance ey Andy?”
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