Sydney electro-pop artist St. Humain has been releasing a slew of singles this year on the lead up with his sophomore EP, METADRAMATIC, which is due for release early next year. The latest track to be unveiled is “Pillow” which is being labeled as one of his most honest and personal songs to date. Narrating the toying of emotions in your head when piecing together the foundations of a potential new relationship, St. Humain gives us a totally relatable track, perfect in helping us feel a little less alone during these sometimes tumultuous times.
“Pillow” doesn’t just tell a recognisable story, it also provides us with the ultimate dance worthy anthem, where soaring synths and colourful melodies are certain to brighten up your day. Staying true to his signature sound of iridescent soundscapes, bouncy beats and impressive falsetto vocals, “Pillow” gives us another taste of what to expect from the upcoming EP.
Noctis Magazine spoke with the Singapore born, Syndey based artist about the new release, the iminent EP, his own merch brand and much more!
Congratulations on the release of “Pillow”! This is the fourth single to be released off of your upcoming EP, METADRAMATIC. Can you give us an idea of what we can expect from the rest of the EP when it drops next year?
Hi & thank you so much for having me! Yes I’m looking forward to dropping the EP in January — I think the whole project will reveal more sides of the story. These songs are about feelings and things from my life and I think with the full EP, listeners will be able to explore the different emotions. Sonically I think as well there’s good variety, definitely more than my first EP. I’m evolving slowly and METADRAMATIC is another chapter.
“Pillow” speaks of the inner battle of emotions when you begin to get feelings for someone and is an honest look into your own mind. Do you ever find it difficult to be so open when writing, or do you use it as a form of release and therapy?
That’s a good question and you know what? To be honest that’s all I can write about. It’s definitely a form of release and self-therapy and it’s funny because when I don’t really have anything to say, like nothing to get off my chest… That’s when I find myself hitting writer’s block.
Do you have a favourite track off of the upcoming EP?
Ooh this one’s not an easy answer… I think right now it’s track 1, which is the brand new song “Wanna Talk”. It’s so self-examining but in a funny ironic way, and it’s on top of a fun track as well.
Your previous EP, EMOTIONAL SAUNA was released in 2019. Do you think your sound and style has changed since then and if so, how?
Definitely. As an artist I’m always looking for the new thing, the next thing, and I can say for sure since 2019 I definitely have moved away from skinny jeans, ha. Musically though I’ve gotten less producer-y and more songwriter-y, and definitely been listening to way more R&B and less EDM producers and I think that’s coming out in my songwriting too.
Can you tell us more about your merch brand EMOTIONAL SAUNA?
I can’t say I’m the most stylish, but I love digging into art and fashion and wish I had all the money in the world just to buy everything cool I see. Making music for me isn’t just about sounds but also about art visually – and my merch brand is about this. I see each song as its own planet in my universe, and so I’ve designed merch inspired by and unique from each song specifically. No reprints ever so they’re all limited run, and all available at emotionalsauna.com!
Based in Sydney, are there any local artists that you think we should be keeping an eye on too?
I really like what Lara Andallo is doing! She makes R&B and I think she’s severely underrated. If you’re reading this… Go check her music out!
You’ve stated that artists such as Lauv, Dua Lipa and Post Malone have influenced your sound. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Wow this is a tough one. I don’t know how I would even fit into her universe but Ariana Grande hands down. Everything about her sound, artistry, music, aesthetic, her own make up line… I love it.
You were born in Singapore, currently based in Sydney and have spent time in Los Angeles. Would you say your surroundings influence your sound at all and if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I think we’re living in such a globalised world right now and honestly my main influence is what I see online. But definitely, my surroundings do affect what I make but more in kind of a lifestyle way I think. I think how and where I live affects the kind of mood and energy I’ve got and later on that affects the mood of the songs I write. Oh and if I could live anywhere in the world… Right now it’s London or Paris actually – just to try something new.
What else does St. Humain have lined up for 2023? Can we expect to see any live shows?
Looking forward to dropping the METADRAMATIC EP that’s for sure, as well as more merch from my brand from the EP. No word on live shows yet but I’m planning to make some trips, to my home country Singapore and also at least to visit Europe and Korea if all goes well!
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Photographer: Spare Truth
Words: Alexander Williams