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Photo credit: SAMUEL HORDEN

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the song writing bug?
Definitely – I grew up with cassette tapes and would spend hours recording weird little melodic guitar songs by dubbing tape to tape. After about 3 overdubs the quality would start degrading so you had to be economical! I was in instrumental bands for ages but felt myself drawn to the singer-songwriter thing. It took a long time for me to find my lyrical voice, and my early lyrics make me cringe, but it’s all part of the journey and I like what I create these days.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
Dreamy and shoegazey, with some indie rock/folk mixed in. I love melancholic music, it actually makes me feel uplifted and purposeful, so maybe people are getting that same sense when they listen to my music.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
So many, it’s hard to pick one. Bruce Springsteen for his narrative-based lyrics, The Cure for their lush textures, and more recently Adrianne Lenker for her sublime, nostalgic, and incredibly moving solo works.

Your new Single The Black Bull has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution
As I explain in the next question, all the songs on my upcoming album originated from dreams, and for this song it was (unsurprisingly) one about a black bull. I took that for its obvious metaphor (a black animal as depression) and told the story of someone taking matters into their own hands – in this case to train as a matador and overcome it (as grotesque as bullfighting is). Production-wise, I was inspired by the textures and sounds of bands like Slowdive and The Cure who often weave pulsing bass with shoegaze elements along with a bittersweet, melancholic atmosphere.

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What can we expect from your forthcoming album?
I have hundreds of dream journal entries with an exceptional (or perhaps disturbing?) amount of animal appearances. I took these dreams and turned them into narratives, moralistic tales and reflections on the subconscious. There are chiming guitars, swirling keys, and sprightly drum rhythms. The melodies are melancholic but optimistic. It’s a concept album of sorts, and as the songs are borne from sleep it makes the perfect soundtrack to close your eyes to, and lose yourself in. Oh, and the album title is ‘Dream Animal’!

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’ll have a launch gig after my album comes out (on March 1st). I’ll play as much of the new album as possible and throw in a sprinkling of older songs (for my long term fans ). I get some musical mates to fill out the sound when I play – drums, bass, keys etc. I also like arvo gigs so my friends with kids can come and I can get to bed on time.  

How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events?
During lockdown I did a few online gigs (that also helped raise money for refugees) – these were a really great way to stay connected and keep playing. I loved the Isolaid Festival too, I would tune in every week. Now we can play again in person though, there’s nothing quite like it.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Sitting down with Robert Johnson, sharing a whisky and jamming on the 12 bar blues would be pretty great. I would just hope the devil didn’t show up to buy my soul too.

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist?
I’m at a point now where music is clearly something I’ll always make, and need to make… It’s a true passion. I have a 9-5 job in mental health/social work that I love, so I’m quite content with music as my hobby – I’ll keep putting out albums out every few years, for anyone interested to listen.

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
I love the unexpected, like when someone laughs at a lyric that you thought was maybe funny, but you weren’t sure. At that point you’re like “they get it”. Playing to a quiet and attentive audience is almost overwhelming, especially as someone who is fairly self-effacing. At the same time, it’s a truly special and fulfilling experience.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Disintegration by The Cure
Artist – Bruce Springsteen
Movie – The Assassination of Jesse James
Place to visit – Nature
Venue to play – I’ve always liked cosy venues, like Long Play
Food – Chicken tacos at Mexican Street Food in Westgarth
Drink – Dr Pepper
Person in History – J.R.R. Tolkien
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I have a small arrow on my arm. One day I have plans for a Studio Ghibli No Face and maybe something guitar related.

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The Black Bull is out today, Friday February 2. Stream: THE BLACK BULL

Dream Animal is due out on Friday March 1.

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Follow SAINTHILL
YouTube – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Press Release 6th February 2024 (below) HERE

SAINTHILL
shares astral new
Single + Video
THE BLACK BULL

Stream: THE BLACK BULL

New album
DREAM ANIMAL
set for release March 1

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AMNPLIFY – DB