NOT to be confused with Santo Gold, an infomercial king that sells fake gold, Santogold is a nickname given to Santi White. From an interview on Trash Menagerie, she explains, "It was a nickname that I got when I was younger cuz I used to wear these huge gold name earrings. My friend who made it up said she got it off an infomercial for cheap gold, and that was it."
Santi first went to Wesleyan University and studied drums, particularly Caribbean and West African. Before she moved to Brooklyn, she lived in Philly, where she was the lead singer for the band Stiffed. After doing that for awhile, she pursued a solo career. Just last year, she appeared on Mark Ronson's album with a cover of The Jam's "Pretty Green".
With her former bandmate John Hill, who has co-producing credits, Santogold now has come out with her long awaited self titled debut album. And believe it this time when you hear that this is a sound you haven't heard before. It's got reggae, punk, electronica, eighties, and dub all mixed together! I've heard not much else but rave reviews, too. Hypebeast says, "In fact her soaring catchy choruses and her firm grasp on solid song writing seems to be spearheading a new musical trend that combines pop melody with indie sensibilities." You can't tell me that doesn't sound exciting! Also, Rolling Stone has named Santogold an artist to keep your eye on this year. I mean, evenKanye likes her! Plus, she's already toured with Björk and worked with Lily Allen. I've heard tons of comparisons to M.I.A., who she's also toured with, but I don't see it. Maybe a little bit, but personally I like Santogold better. I instantly liked her music, where with M.I.A. it took a little while for a few of her songs to grow on me and even then I don't like all of her work.
The album's first single, "Creator" has been heard in new Bud Light commercials, and on the show Gossip Girl. Her songs have also been featured in HBO's Entourage and ABC's Grey's Anatomy. And my favorite track, "You'll Find A Way," appears in the FIFA 08 video game. If you haven't heard her yet, give her MySpace page (of course!) a looksie by clicking here.
