A Quick Chat with St.James

Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Aquarius’

I wrote it as kind of a dedication to all of us. We’ve collectively been through so much the past two and a half years. The veil is off, we know more than ever how mad this world is, and we’re just handling it! It’s about sitting in our emotions and feeling it and understanding ourselves and what’s going on. If you believe in this stuff, you’ll know we are leaving the age of Pisces and entering the age of Aquarius. No more blindly worshipping people in power and following old, outdated rules in the name of religion. We’re moving into our own truth.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

As much as I gain inspiration from other writers and artists, I get a lot of inspiration just from observing what's happening around me. Even when I write a love song, I compare my feelings to my friends, to people in music, books and what I see online. I really love how music connects people and so I try to find similarities between us all. It’s something I think about whenever I write something new.

What’s the creative process like for you?

I have pages upon pages in my notes app on my phone. Phrases, sentences and even just words, when I’m driving or going for a walk and a cool idea pops into my head. When I feel like I have the creative brainspace to write I will jump on my laptop or piano and start to go through my notes, find something that has potential and work around it. I’ll often have several songs I’m working on at once and move certain lyrics from one song to another, or even cannibalise several songs into one if I think it fits. Then when I think I have something worthy to show my producer I send it to him and we workshop the track together.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

I love Australia but from what I have experienced, there’s a lot of tall poppy syndrome here, not only in the music industry but in most creative spaces. I feel sad at the lack of support and interest in Aus pop music, that in general Aussies will support a pop artist after they’ve made it big overseas. I would love to see more Aussies cheering on local artists who are striving for pop stardom, rather than treating them like an embarrassment. 

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I think about this a lot. I get a lot of joy helping animals and so I think that would be my saving grace. My other loves are English, history, language and literature. If I didn’t make music I would definitely study to be a linguistic anthropologist and maybe be a beekeeper as my hobby.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

My dream collaboration would be to write an album with Jack Antonoff and have Max Martin produce it. Pop music perfection!

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

You have to really love it, first of all. Because it’s a tough industry to be in. You should be doing it because you love it and not for any other reason. Then find your people, the ones who believe in you and can help get you there. And then just work, work, work. And don’t stop.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

I have this friend in Melbourne. Actually he started out as my manager in a band I was in. His name is Johnny and he’s a musician too. He was a pop star in the 80’s and started the club Revolver. He has a music studio downstairs at Revolver and we’ve spent many nights there working on music together. I can’t explain what he’s really like to people who haven’t met him. But he is just so sweet and interesting and funny and mystical. He is really good friends with huge artists like Grace Jones and people in the industry but is so down to earth. We have a beautiful friendship and he’s been such a huge part of my musical career and helping me get where I am today. 

Favourite hangover cure?

I don’t understand how my friends will cure a hangover with greasy food. I have to eat soooo clean the day after a drinking session. Sweet potatoes and green juices are my go to if I feel sick. It’s like I have to undo all the alcohol and give my kidneys and liver the best chance at detoxing!

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

I’d love to but for the moment it’s just getting more music out. Once I have a good collection of songs released I most definitely will!