Santigold’s Mixtape Memoir:
The Shapeshifter
This episode got me thinking a lot about labels. From a young age we are both labeled, and too often, asked to label ourselves. We are often subjected to binary systems that can feel like we must choose between one thing or another, and the thing we choose always seems to come with rules. We are arty or sporty, girly or a tomboy, and developing our musical tastes and paths can similarly feel restrictive. It was refreshing to learn that growing up, Santi White, did not subscribe to those limiting beliefs. She was ALL things, and anything she felt drawn to was where she felt at home. And when you find out that Santi had that type of freedom to be whatever she wanted to be, listen to whatever she wanted to listen to, and dress however she wanted to dress, to become as she puts it, a shapeshifter, it’s easy to see how she was able to synthesize it all into the visionary genre-busting, multidisciplinary artist that we know as Santigold. Born in the mid-seventies in Philadelphia, Santi grew up in a household where music was not only a form of entertainment but also a means to talk about real world issues and social justice. It also became foundational. We’ll hear how her sister introduced her to the punk sounds that she would eventually carry into her first band, Stiffed, and before that, in true punk spirit, she navigated being a music major in college without playing an instrument. Santi’s first album as Santigold, Santogold was a critically hailed release the year it came out, almost unanimously hailed as one of the best of 2008, and now considered one of the best of the decade, Santogold was nominated for multiple awards including a 2009 Brit Award, and she toured with Bjork, M.I.A., and the Beastie Boys, to name a few. She followed it with Master Of My Make Believe in 2012, 99 cents in 2016, I Don’t Want in 2018, and this year, Santigold returns with an anticipated new release called Spirituals. Of course, Santi’s nature has extended her creativity outside of albums and touring, with a list of collaborations and writing credits way too long to name here, but some highlights include Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, and Tyler the Creator. And her collaborations aren’t just musical - she’s worked with visual artists, brands, and cosmetic lines, and even dipped her toes into TV acting. As Santi says, she does what she wants, and as you’re about to hear, her inspiring refusal to be boxed in has been intact from the very beginning, and perhaps is the very secret to her success.
LISTEN HERE:
Episode Credits:
Host/creator/creative director - Carmel Holt @carmelholt
Editor/Mixing/Mastering - Phoebe Wang @feebswang
Theme music - Lucius @ilovelucius
Cover art - Merle Cooper @m.c.cooper
Art direction - @carmelholt
Guest: Santigold / @santigold
Label: Little Jerk Records