Santigold

The first time I heard Brooklyn-based Santigold‘s music, my immediate reaction was: “what is this girl saying?”  While working at a home goods store over the summer, Santigold’s “You’ll Find a Way” came over the loudspeaker; it was a refreshing burst of energy on a daily soundtrack that consisted mostly of 70s disco and 80s pop. (Photo courtesy of Kent, J on Flickr)

Santigold performs at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon in 2008.

Santigold – born Santi White and originally nicknamed Santogold – began her music career as a record company executive and writer/producer for R&B singer Res‘ debut album “How I Do.”  She spent some time fronting the Philadelphia-based punk band, Stiffed, which released a pair of albums in 2003 and 2005.

In late 2007, Santigold began to receive Internet exposure through MySpace for her lead singles “Creator” and “L.E.S. Artistes.” By April 2008, she released her debut album, “Santogold,” to heavy critical praise and modest commercial success. 

In their “Best of 2008” issue, Rolling Stonemagazine listed “L.E.S. Artistes” as the number two single of the year, and “Santogold” as the sixth best album.  If that was not enough recognition, her songs have appeared in Bud Light advertisements, EA Sports games and Ford commercials. 

By February 2009, her public profile was so well-known that the TV-infomercial jewelry company Santo Gold threatened legal action if the singer did not change her name.  Thus, Santogold became Santigold.

Santigold is often compared to friend, collaborator and touring companion M.I.A.(who, coincidentally, played Bonnaroo last year) for her fun lyrics, electronic beats and vocal style. Honestly, at first listen to “Creator,” I thought it was M.I.A.; the main distinction between the two is that M.I.A. is a better producer and beat-maker while Santigold is a much better singer and lyricist. 

Though Santigold does not have the recent commerical success of M.I.A. (you couldn’t go anywhere in the summer of 2008 without hearing “Paper Planes”), her staying power lies in her ability to blur genre lines and redefine what is considered pop music. 

“L.E.S. Artistes” is a modern pop classic that expresses Santigold’s hope that her sacrifices will eventually pay off, while I could see “Say Aha” and “Shove It” playing in clubs across the country. On the other hand, songs like “I’m A Lady” and “Lights Out” show the softer side of Santigold and reveal her vocal range and playful lyrical nature.

The perfect mix of trip-hop, dance, funk and electronica, Santigold will undoubtedly set fire to the Bonnaroo stage come June. Pick up “Santogold” – it’s one of the best, most well-rounded albums I have heard in a long time. (Photo courtesy of Richard aka Dave on Flickr)

Santigold performs at the Roadhouse in Manchester, England in 2008.