Today we're excited to be introducing a talented new artist that's really impressed us with her unique sound. Female vocalist and producer Saint Sinner is making her TSIS debut for her new cover of 311's early 2000s classic, "Amber" along with an interview with the talented the newcomer.
This song was so beautifully random. I was just chillin in the acoustic room of a Guitar Center when what I was playing was just the right key for this song. The guitar part on the song was recorded in that Guitar Center and the vocals in the bathroom there (had to find a silent space), both single takes on my iPhone. And then the production and background vocals happened inside a Starbucks right next to the guitar center. All in a span of 3 hours. I love how raw they are, including the ambient noise, and I just had to honor how in the moment it all came about, reminding of how there are no rules to the process. – Saint Sinner
Saint Sinner is someone whose story of finding herself starts at 14 where she moved out of her parents' Arizona home and went on to finish school at age 16 before moving to South Africa and began working on music. Now 21 years old, the genre blending sound places equal emphasis on her incredible production as it does her impassioned vocals and we can't wait to hear her sound grow. Saint Sinner is now living in LA and really blew us away with this new cover that came together in the most raw, organic way possible. She decided to record the classic song on her iPhone while messing around at Guitar Center it sounds incredible. See the full interview and keep an eye on this talented artist. Enjoy!
311 – Amber (Saint Sinner Cover)
How did moving away from home to South Africa have an effect on your music?
Oh man, it was essential…my music didn’t exist before moving there. It arrived to me as gift during that time. I was fully focused on sports, decided that wasn’t truly what I wanted, as well as going through a lot of questioning and recovery during that period of life, so I went to SA to experience something completely new. In the house I was staying in there was an acoustic guitar, so I started just by googling the chords to my favorite songs and after time, it just developed into an entire form of expression for me. It really was a gift that saved me. I needed it and someone knew that.
As someone who produces and sings, who are some of your favorite producers and singers right now?
Producers: James Blake, Archy Marshall (King Krule), DJ Koze, Lapsley.
Singers: James Blake, Gaga, Solange, Ben Howard, Moses Sumney, Allen Stone, Lapsley…
There are hundreds more, as there are so many incredible artists, but those are the favs at the moment.
Do you prefer to write lyrics before or after the production process begins?
Honestly, either. But usually the lyrics or melodies that stick arrive when I’m able to be inspired by a beat, progression, rhythm. That’ll typically be one hook, which leads to the songs arrangement and production, and then being able to sit with a full song and feel for the lyrics.
Do you play any instruments? If so, do you have a favorite? / If not, which would you like to learn?
I do! Anything really. Guitar, piano, drums, bass, trumpet, haha. My bloodline is a smooth electric guitar, but my fun favorite is drums, especially tribal rhythms from bongos.
I would absolutely love to be able to play the saxophone. New Orleans or vintage New York speakeasy style.
What’s your dream collaboration?
James Blake. 100%.
How did this song come together? Have you created other songs using this process in the past?
This song was so beautifully random. I was just chillin in the acoustic room of a Guitar Center when what I was playing was just the right key for this song. The guitar part on the song was recorded in that Guitar Center and the vocals in the bathroom there (had to find a silent space), both single takes on my iPhone. And then the production and background vocals happened inside a Starbucks right next to the guitar center. All in a span of 3 hours. I love how raw they are, including the ambient noise, and I just had to honor how in the moment it all came about, reminding of how there are no rules to the process.
Amber is one of my all time favorite records, so I have a lot of good memories attached to this song. It’s really cool to experiece my own interpretation of it, years later.
What’s next for Saint Sinner?
An album! Project, EP, whatever, haha. A collection of the songs I’ve been working on and that have stayed by my side for the past few years.
2018 is going to be a full speed rocket, I’m so excited. Early next year is the drop, and from then on it’s just pursuing what is presented and what feels right.