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Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Santi White studied music and African-American studies at Wesleyan University. The singer-songwriter subsequently worked at Epic Records as a A&R representative which is where she earned her original nickname Santogold. Before focusing on releasing music herself, White co-wrote and produced the singer Res’s debut album “How I Do” in 1999, and was the lead singer in the punk rock band Stiffed alongside John Hill. Following two successful albums and a string of live shows, White caught the attention of Lizard King exec Martin Heath, who offered the singer a solo recording contract.
Working with John Hill once again, with contributions from the likes of Freq Nasty, Disco D, Clifford Moonie Pusey and M.I.A., Santogold, as she was still known, began working on her debut. The resulting collection of songs represented a host of eclectic influences from tribal rhythms, soul and reggae, to ska-punk, new wave and electro indie-pop. Initially titled “Creator”, the album was later renamed “Santogold”, it earned rave reviews from the critical press and took the budding blogosphere by storm. Led by the singles “Creator” and “L.E.S. Artistes” – the latter of which made many end-of-year lists – the album catapulted Santogold to success and led to opening shows for Coldplay and Jay-Z.
After a year of heavy touring and an impending lawsuit with the wrestler Santo Gold, White announced she was changing the project’s name to Santigold. In 2008 she released the well-received mixtape “Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub” and toured in support of M.I.A., Björk, and Coldplay. Shortly after Santigold embarked on her own headlining tour entitled the Goldrush tour, after which she opened for Jay-Z and Kanye West, the Streets, and the Beastie Boys.
Ahead of her sophomore album Santigold released the single “Go!” with vocal contributions from Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Produced by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio “Master of My Make-Believe” was released in April 2012 to praise of the highest order. The album impressively charted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200, No. 33 on the UK Albums Chart, and No. 16 on the Australian Albums Chart, aided by the preceding singles “Disparate Youth” and “The Keepers”.
Santigold and Theophilus London at 9:30 Club on June 18, 2012
The opener was Theophilus London, who is an alt-rap darling of the indie scene. I get that he is pushing the normal boundaries of rap, but not enough to make it compelling to me. I could see why some people like him, even though I didn't.
Santigold was AMAZING live. That woman knows how to put on a good show. It goes without saying that she is an excellent singer, but she also hired a couple dancing girls who kicked ass. They went non-stop, the whole show. There was also something so appropriate about the choreography, so fitting to Santigold's music and messaging. Even the costuming had that same "What you looking at?" vibe to it. Ridiculous, but not trying to make you laugh - more like they were making a point about stereotypes, but without hitting you over the head with it. The show was also fun - they brought a bunch of audience members onto the stage to dance with them, and I think there was an audience participation song, but I'm a little fuzzy on that. Verdict: Santigold is a must-see.
anita-wiler
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