Saint Spicer
Saint Spicer is a singer/songwriter from San Antonio, Texas.
The artist revealed her latest single “On Repeat” on March 5th. Written by Saint Spicer and produced by Born Soul, the new single explores the relationships she had over the past four years.
“I kept giving more and more of myself to my lovers and eventually, you end up realizing, “hey, I am giving myself away to people who don’t care. I do this all the time, and I’m doing it because I don’t value myself unless someone else values me more”. So this song is about healing for me. I hope other people recognize the sentiment here and can feel the same healing,” explains Saint Spicer.
Inspired by the likes of Nina Simone, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, the Austin-based artist is telling her personal life stories through a sincere songwriting and soulful vocals.
“On Repeat” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Aleksandar Tinkovski
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
My name is Saint, I am from San Antonio, Texas!
What's your story?
That’s kinda a tough question! I’m actually working on a whole album about that ;). Most artists like to tell stories through their art, so my stories are best represented there, I think.
Do you remember your first musical memories?
I remember having a Barbie karaoke machine with some cassette tapes of the popular songs of the time, there was everyone from Shania Twain to Britney Spears. I was singing along with all of them!
When did you realize music had a special place in your heart?
When I was 10, I wrote my first song. It was about one of my instructors I had a crush on, and it was lovingly titled “el Mexican señor”. I am not sure why I named it this, but that song was poppin!
Growing up, did you have a song or an album that made a huge difference in your life?
Growing up I didn’t really have MP3 players until later on. There were some CDs my dad had from when he was younger, and so I learned the albums Pump by Aerosmith and Brigade by Heart from front to back. Later, once I got an MP3 player, I became heavily obsessed with Circa Survive. You would know none of this by listening to my music, though!
When did you decide to pursue music as a career? What did your friends and family think of it?
I decided when I was 5. The moment I was performing Shania Twain on my karaoke machine I knew I wanted to be a star. And some people in my family were not supportive. Throughout my life I had opportunities to pursue music, modeling, etc and they were always turned down by them for various reasons. It wasn’t until I was at Stanford that pursuing music full time was something that I realized was in my reach.
You recently released your new single "On Repeat". What's the story behind this song?
The story is simple. Think about the relationships you have had in your life. Do you see certain patterns in how things ended up? Do you see patterns to how things got started? Sometimes in life we become stuck in one cycle. And thinking about these cycles critically and leaning into the truth of our mistakes is part of healing. So this song was about healing. I kept giving more and more of myself to my lovers and eventually, you end up realizing, “hey, I am giving myself away to people who don’t care. I do this all the time, and I’m doing it because I don’t value myself unless someone else values me more”. So this song is about healing for me. I hope other people recognize the sentiment here and can feel the same healing.
When did you start working on this song? Who did you work with?
I started this song in the fall. Hence all the fall imagery of falling leaves. When I wrote this song I was hurting. I was so, so sad, and for no particular reason. So I got into the studio with Born Soul and he found the sample, laid down the drums. And within 20 minutes of just him creating and me being in the same space, I had written the first verse.
What made you want to release this particular song as a single?
I need to get some work out there that I’m proud of. This song represents growth for me as an artist and I am so happy to release it to the world.
What message do you want to convey though you art?
I want people to learn to dig for their personal truths. We are all so different, and the more connected we get through the internet and social media, the more this tension between acceptance and personal truth is exposed. So I hope that I can craft my own truth. It’s not pretty. It’s a grueling process. But I think people will recognize that they don’t need to be someone they’re not to be accepted. We are all human, even the dirty bits of us, and sharing that helps people see themselves in you.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Anime, Cowboys, and Elon Musk! (That last one is a joke).
What appeals you the most about songwriting?
You can use sounds to create a cohesive landscape, a whole other world for people to exist in for a few minutes! Music makes people feel big or small, or any number of things!
How would you describe Austin, Texas? What do you like the most about Austin?
Austin is a really unique city. It’s definitely someplace you have to visit to understand. The thing I like most is all the unique things you can do here. For example, I take circus training classes from folks who used to perform for Cirque du Soleil!
Any favorite artist(s) or album(s) at the moment?
BEYONCÉ. She is a mother and a creator and a beautiful woman on the inside. I love her so, so much. She is hardworking and inspires me every day. She is an incredible performer. I am also inspired by Rico Nasty. She is similarly a mother and a genuine incredible soul. I hope one day to meet these women!
As an artist, what is your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to create work that grows with me. Honest work that stands the test of time, go listen to Nina Simone’s work. Those songs are still brand new today. That’s what I want.
How do you want to be remembered for?
Telling my truth, even if it wins me nothing.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
What do you think would make the world a better place? How about we each act out our answers and see what happens!
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
Ask questions. Of yourself. Of others. Of the work you’re doing. Even if there are no immediate answers, or the answer is gross, keep asking.
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