South London’s vibrant music scene is witnessing the ascent of an artist who is conquering the industry. Mixing R&B sounds with pop influences, Croydon-born Saint Joshua brings cinematic sounds and evocative lyrics to his craft. He paints vivid pictures and shares narratives about the highs and lows of life and dating through his music.

Having launched his career in 2021 with his debut EP, “Pilot,” he has since released two more studio EPs, “EP2” and “EP3,” amassing over 8 million streams and earning numerous accolades. These include a performance at Latitude Festival on the BBC Introducing stage in 2022. Now, he presents his latest single, “Blah Blah Blah,” and celebrates his nomination for “Best Independent EP/Mixtape” for “EP2” at this year’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards.

Here, we sat down with Saint Joshua to discuss his musical inspirations, his new single, and what fans can expect from him in the future.

Listen to the single…

Read the full interview…

Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by hard workers. I love hearing stories of where people come from and their journey to become who they are. It always reminds me to keep going and keep striving – my friends and family help me with that.

What’s good to do in Croydon?
I love Croydon. There’s legit so much to do! You can really eat to your heart’s content, my favourite place that I take everyone to is The Dutchie, a Caribbean restaurant hidden in Central Croydon (hint: try the Dutchie Burger). For light hearted fun, there’s the Ludoquist which is a board game cafe bar and The Tree House or The Fern for drinks. There are just so many things that I could list!

How did you first find your love for music and creation?
I’ve always loved music. I was surrounded by music growing up with my mum and sister who are avid music listeners (not so much singers though, ha) and high school nurtured my desire to get involved in music. The first time I ever recorded anything was for a salsa project in my music class syllabus. When I finished school, I still had the bug to do music and as much as I tried to ignore it, it never went away so I pursued it. I got an A*+ for that salsa project by the way!

How would you define the essence of your smile?
It’s wholesome and contagious.

To you, what is the importance of the PRS Momentum Fund?
PRS Momentum Fund is an amazing opportunity to help to take your music career forward in the right direction. It really helps bridge the gap for independent artists like myself to receive funding at a critical stage where most would stall due to lack of resources. It also felt like a form of validation and recognition for a job well done, so it felt really good to be a recipient. I was able to record EP3 Live at Bush Hall which was such a unique and fun experience.”

How does it feel to be nominated for “Best Independent EP / Mixtape” at the AIM Awards for “EP2”?
It feels really bizarre! When making the project, I didn’t consider that it had the potential to be nominated for anything but I’m so glad for this 4 track project of mine to be in consideration.

How do you feel about the project in reflection?
I did that! Hahah, I listened to EP2 again shortly after I got the news about the nomination. It was the first time where I enjoyed it just as a listener as opposed to a creator critiquing every part of the project. I love EP2, I think it’s quite ambitious with the variety of genres especially in such a short project, but I feel at peace with the record.

EP3 was filmed and recorded at Bush Hall, what drew you to that iconic location?
It’s a beautiful venue! I remember watching on YouTube some of my favourite performances that were in Bush Hall – Jessie Ware comes to mind – and I loved how it looked and so when the opportunity came up to use the venue, I immediately grabbed it!

Talk us through the creative process and meaning behind your new track, “Blah Blah Blah”?
Don’t tell them, but my friends are a huge inspiration behind this one. We are so brutally honest at times it’s crazy. We were at the height of the cost of living but we were acting so unaffected by it when I knew the reality was different. Blah Blah Blah is a bit of a fun shade to call that out.

Is the track a sign of things to come from you?
It’s definitely a sign of more fun, more shade and more love to come. I’m calling people out this season, everyone is on notice! Ahaha

Where do you want to take your artistry?
My aim is to really bring out the fun in my soul. I’ve found a pocket of music I make that blends neo-soul and pop in my own unique way and I’m continuing to explore and harness that as well as exploring other genres to convey my world.

What’s to come from you this year?
My headline show on November 14th at the Grace London! Woop woop. I’ve recently had to delay my UK tour which was originally scheduled this September so I look forward to announcing the new dates. I have another song coming out before we close out the year with Mariah Carey and Michael Buble on repeat.