INTERVIEW: St. Humain — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

St. Humain

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WITH Fever Vibe out there…

St. Humain has been talking about the song and what its story is. I ask whether there is more material coming next year and what the next steps are; why the Singapore-born artist moved to Australia – he recommends some rising artists to watch.

St. Humain talks about his influences and some albums that have impacted him; what advice he would give to artists coming through; how he spends his time away from music – the songwriter tells me what he hopes to achieve before the end of this year.

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Hi, St. Humain. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m doing good. This week’s been absolutely crazy in a good way – every release week always is and it’s such an exciting time getting the song out!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m an artist who tries to tell my honest stories; songs of human experiences and connections that hopefully relate to everyone. I mostly make all my own stuff: singing, songwriting; producing…the whole lot.

Fever Vibe is your new single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

Yes, it is! I’m so pumped for everyone to hear it. It’s inspired by young love. I believe that there’s that common exciting feeling throughout the early stages of all relationships and Fever Vibe is my attempt at capturing that in a three-minute song. Something for all of us to dance to!

Do you think there might be more singles coming next year? How far ahead are you looking?

Next up is my debut E.P. called EMOTIONAL SAUNA coming in January - it’s an eclectic mix of songs that will tell the story thus far. We’re getting things finalised on my end here in Sydney and it’s looking to have seven tracks!

You were born in Singapore but are based in Australia. What was the reason for the move?!

I moved to Australia some years back for my studies and haven’t really left! It’s so lovely here and I guess you can say that I’ve got two homes now. Sydney is a lovely place and the weather is great when it finally makes up its mind. Haha. The coffee is stunning as well; you should totally come visit!

What sort of music did you grow up around? Were you subjected to a wide range of sounds?

Definitely. I grew up listening to the radio actually! Pretty much every night going to bed I would have the daily countdown on and wouldn’t go to sleep till I found out who was number-one. Back then, it was Britney with I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman and the Backstreet Boys fighting it out for top spot. I also listened to Ryan Seacrest and Rick Dees’ top-40 on weekends. Yeah, I know: I’m such a sell-out.

But, listening to the charts made me have an appreciation for the Pop world…only for me to learn the guitar at fourteen and going into Blues, Jazz and Soul. I think this combination has led me to my sound, at least for now!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

If I could, I’d wish for world peace. But, since all I’ve got are songs…I’d hope that as many people hear them but, more importantly, that my music connect with others on a personal level. To make others’ lives better; to remind them that they’re not alone feeling what they feel; to make everybody dance along to life.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

I still remember the first time the industry took notice of me - I know it’s not the goal here but it gave me some sense of validation that what I was doing actually was worthwhile to some degree. On a personal note, an old friend of mine heard a song of mine and shared that it actually helped them move on from a break-up. That meant so much to me.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Oh, gosh; why would you do this to me!

John Mayer’s album, Continuum, is on the list for sure. It marked the time in high-school for me; getting all emotional over this girl I liked.

Another one is perhaps more curious: Westlife’s Coast to Coast. Don’t judge, but it’s the first album I ever bought and it brings back thick memories of falling in love with music.

Lastly…I know she calls it a mini-album but Julia Michaels’ Nervous System is one that means a lot to me right now. It’s raw, honest, and solidly so melodic. I get the feels.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Julia…if you ever see this I’d love to come along! I’d also totally support Maroon 5 right now. I think their new album is amazing.

My rider would definitely also have plenty of water, gin and tonics on the Hendrick’s and cucumber please…and Italian pizza.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t give up. Find your vision, keep refining yourself and persevere. If music’s your thing, brave the world; the industry; the people around…and don’t stop creating.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I’m working on it! None just yet but, hopefully, I can take my E.P. live after it releases in January 2019.

Might you come to the U.K. and play? Do you like the music here?

Yes. I’d definitely love to come to do some shows in the U.K.! I love the music that’s been coming out too - acts like Anne-Marie, Dua Lipa and Jax Jones immediately come to mind. A close artist friend of mine, Sätilä, actually just moved to London the day my new single got released and it would be lovely just to go there to visit him if anything!

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve been heavily reliant on 6LACK’s new album. But, for something more poppy - Clara Mae, Sigrid; Leland and… is Lauv still considered new?

IN THIS PHOTO: Clara Mae

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I think I’m kinda obsessive so I actually need to get better at chilling out. But, I often unwind with food - eating it, cooking it; watching Bon Appétit videos. That’s my thing.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Hey, Alexa. Play Say My Name by Tove Styrke. Cheers; thanks for having me!