Bristol-based rapper SAINT is releasing his brand new track ‘One In The Chamber’ on the 10th June 2022 the leading single from his upcoming full-length EP ‘Laws of the Jungle’. A genuine man of the people with lyrics that will resonate across society, SAINT is preparing a project of immense personal significance and self-reflection, looking back at his turbulent past, living with autism, and the lessons learned along the way. ‘One In The Chamber’ comes out through Spinnup, the distribution division of Universal Music.

A memorable visit to the Vatican's Sistine Chapel left a lasting impression and gave birth to the alias SAINT, removing religious connotations but preserving deep personal meaning, inspiring him to believe in himself and always do better. Rising above the challenges life had presented him from a very young age, SAINT delivers a passionate single, backed with moody samples, crisp beats and sharp lyrics. Embracing Hip-Hop and Grime as his saving grace through the grind of everyday life, the rising rapper provides an escape and guiding light to others, bringing people together through shared experiences and emotions. Confident in the power of his sleek beats and gritty lyrics, SAINT says: “This project is important to me as it is about reflection and evolving. I've got passion and love for music, and this is more than a career or a hobby. It's my life and how I choose to express myself and to do anything else would be a disservice to my purpose.”

Saint sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Well, this is actually one of my core memories. I was quite young maybe 3 or 4 years old and my Grandparents had this huge old piano, whenever the other grandchildren came around they would all bash the keys with no interest in the sound. However, when my Grandad sat me in front of this piano I would play each key one at a time and was interested in all the different sounds. So, I guess you could say my love for music has always been a part of me and the love has just grown and developed with age.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

It goes without saying that Eminem has to be top of my list, the way he articulates himself and his ability to piece together lyrics in such a unique way is so profound to me. The way he annunciates his words and almost uses them like an instrument is genius. In terms of subject matter, I would love to work with Dave. I think the way he puts himself in other people’s shoes and delivers their perspectives is inspiring. He also touches on taboo subjects fearlessly which gives me the courage to be able to address delicate things I have experienced, like I do on my upcoming project.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’m just about to release my second EP Laws Of The Jungle, which I am extremely proud of. It was written and produced by me and engineered with the help of Thomas Hickman and Joshua Patel. The project is about defiance, going against the expectations that were set for you, evolving from one form of yourself into a better one and coming to terms with your past, no matter how negative it might be so you can create a better future for yourself.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Unique, dark, vulnerable and real. I like to talk honestly about life and inspire our generation to push past these dark internal/external obstacles, perfection is unattainable but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for it.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’m proud of being able to use my words to tell my stories, being neurodivergent reading and writing was something I really struggled with, so for me using words in the way I do now with my music reaching so many people is a really proud moment for me. Also showing people who might be in a similar position that anything is possible, is a really good feeling.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Don’t give up, keep pushing. It’s so easy to quit, you have to be ready to put your all into what you’re creating, be prepared to make sacrifices which give little rewards, these little rewards will accumulate to a monumental sense of achievement. Keep it real keep it you, don’t try to be other artists, find your own style.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Phiz and Black Sherif are two artists that I’m listening to right now which are unique and talented. Across the pond you gotta check out Millyz who has just done a song with Dave East, enough said.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

The Off-Season by J Cole is something I’m listening to constantly along with Psychodrama, I listen to every track start to finish, they’re un-skippable. I like to keep one ear in the past with The Infamous by Mobb Deep and Illmatic which to me is one of the most iconic hip hop albums ever.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I like to go to the vinyl store, I’ve got a killer collection of vinyl’s that I need to keep up to date. My girlfriend and I love going to live music events together which is something cool and musical that we get to share.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Definitely my journal, which I use to write a lot of lyrics and all the random ideas that I have, my APC keyboard, I use this for when I’m creating melodies and lastly a clear mind, which arguably is the most important for me because if I’m wasn’t focused my tracks would lack substance.