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@santigold-blog

172 posts

How do I deal with unfair treatment and racism at school? I love your music btw proud fan since 11 years old

You have to be strong and confident. Unfortunately people are flawed in that they often fear difference. You have to rise above the ignorance, and surround yourself with those who value, understand and respect you for who you are. Know your history and your value, even if you have to seek it out on your own. Try not to dwell on it, recognize it, call it out for what it is, then keep moving towards wherever it is you’re aiming for. don’t get bogged down by it, you know. Don’t let people put their own bullshit on you for you to carry, or put you in a box. Literally, brush it off, and break all the rules. Keep being unapologetically who you are. And show them all!

Where can I find an actual shadow eraser?!

Ha, I wish! I need that! That’s why I just wore the mask!

What is your favorite part of touring? Any cities that stick out to you? (Milwaukee 😏)

My favorite part of touring is having the opportunity to see the world. I am so grateful for that experience. It really changes your whole perspective on life. There are so many beautiful people and places on this planet. A few of my favorite places that I have toured are, Boracay Island in the Philippines, Brazil, and Moscow. There are so many great cities I’ve played, the list is quite long actually. I love how each city has it’s own energy, it’s very special.

Did you ever go through a phase where you felt you couldn't write or create music? If so, how did you overcome it?

I have definitely felt creatively blocked at times and it’s really hard. There’s a book called “The Artist’s Way” that I found really helpful. I also find it helpful to keep a journal and to write down your feelings, or anything on your mind, even if just to clear out space in your brain. And to seek out things to do that make you feel inspired. Anything that all that somehow stimulates your creativity from hiking, to going to a toy store.

What's the one piece of advice you would give to young girls today?

I would say know your own power. Know that your thoughts and ideas matter. Know that you have way more to offer than just your appearance. Dare to be different and create your own path.

Please Describe your self care routine. I want to be fly like you!

Please, I am so low maintenance with my self care routine! I basically shower, put on lotion and get dressed! I try to get sleep, eat well, take vitamins regularly, and excersise. I like to do yoga and chi gong. I don’t wear much makeup, and keep my skin moisturized. When it’s time to get dressed up for show, I put on some cool eye make-up and a fun outfit that’s creative but still comfortable. And that’s about it.

what drives santigold? what are your plans for the future?

I love creating, and I think that is mostly what drives me. I have so many ideas all the time, ideas of making everything, not just music, like insane ideas that I want to bring to life. I just want to be able to keep creating beautiful things across all mediums in the future.

As a very visual person/artist, I've always found the correlation between your music and your music videos to be the perfect visual-auditory sensation. I've always wondered how you construct your vision into such fantastic videos, and how much of a part you play in the design work and filming process.

I usually get my ideas for my videos in dreams or when I first wake up. I literally get a vision that pops in my head and I go with it. The hard part is turning that vision into a reality with the restrictions of time and budget. Making videos is really tricky, and I am still learning how to navigate the process. But I have started directing a lot of my own videos in the process . I love directing and it’s honestly easier to bring my visions to a reality under budget restraints and time crunches when I am at the helm. Though I love working with great directors as well

What advice would you give to someone struggling with depression? What do you do to help get you through tough times? 💛 thank you in advance for your time. You're a beautiful, talented woman.

Depression is hard, and I know so many people, especially creative people who struggle with it. I know exercise helps, literally getting up and getting moving and sweating. You feel energized and new afterward. And meditation. Meditating always helps put things in perspective for me, in the toughest moments of my life I have made it through by meditating every day, and it just makes me remember that my spirit is bigger than all the little things holding me down, and they all away. Also, I always try to find new sources of inspiration, go on little artist dates by yourself to anywhere that makes you feel inspired or excited, or hopeful in any way.

Your positivity is contagious! What do you do to find your happiness and inspiration in life?

Well, sometimes I have to work at being positive. But all I do to keep myself grounded is remember to be grateful for everything, and focus on everything that has happened in my life, good and bad, to make me who I am. And I remember to always be grateful for who I am as well. I also try not to read too much shit on the internet.

Your music really crosses boundaries, i'm wondering do you just go in the studio with a plan and have fun, or is it something very structured? you also use a wide range of beats and instruments, has that helped your creativity?

I usually go into the studio with no plan at all, and just start. That way I feel that anything that wants to come out, can find it’s way out, rather than me trying to direct all my creativity and not being fully open. I love the fact that my music really has no rules, so anything I come up with, I can make fit. It makes it so that the process never feels stale.

when it comes time to write new music, where do you find yourself getting inspiration from? is it something you're able to turn on and off? or do you really need to naturally be in that specific creative state of mind?

I draw inspiration from everywhere, from things that I love or hate, from beauty, or eyesores. That’s why I love living in New York. There is creative stimulus everywhere. I do find though, that there are moments when the inspiration has to come from within rather than from the environment around you. At those times, it is nice to get away to somewhere more silent, so that you can hear your own voice.

Would you rather be a pirate, or a ninja?

A Ninja! I’ve been secretly wanting to be a martial arts expert my whole life. I used to study Wing Chun, and now I study Chi Gong, but damn, if I had the time.

What song have you had the most fun performing?

I think Creator has been one of my favorite songs to perform because it’s always a wild card. we bring audience members up on stage for that one, and so many spontaneous and crazy things have happened during that time. I’ll never forget the bonaroo when it seemed like the whole festival came up on stage. It’s a real moment where I get to share the experience of the music in a physical space with my fans.

I danced with you on stage at an RHCP concert in 2012! it was so much fun; your performance was amazing! but on a serious note; waffles or pancakes?

Waffles!! Especially the chewy Belgian kind with strawberries and chocolate sauce.

What was it like working with The Lonely Island on the song after party? It was hilarious. Btw i love your voice, so unique

Thanks! I love Lonely Island, they are the some of the funniest nicest guys I know. I met them when we were working in the same studio for a while, and that’s when we recorded that song. It was hilarious because I had to sing those crazy lyrics like I was 100% forreal, and with them making blow job gestures in the background (if my memory serves me correctly). They are the most fun to work with. One of my favorite shows since then was one where Andy Samberg came on stage and made a cameo as Shy Ronny from SNL, and sang my song “Fame” with me.

Best moment since becoming a musician? Like what has been something that's happened that made you really glad to be making music?

There have been so many amazing moments and so many things they have made me so grateful. But one moment recently was playing to elementary students at a school in New Orleans as part of the Save The Music Campaign. The school had just been given funds to start the first music program there in over a decade, and we went to do a surprise performance. When I pulled some of those 11 or 12 year olds up on stage, they stole the show, best dance moves I’ve seen in ages. The energy was overwhelming and literally brought me to tears.

It was the VH1 Save The Music campaign

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