When it comes to an artist on the rise, no one is doing it quite like Saint Joshua – and his newest track, “Fake Friends”, proves it. Featuring sun-soaked production and the artist’s emotion-drenched tone, the new release from the Croydon-based artist boasts an infectiously relaxed R&B-meets-soul tone, one sure to render listeners enchanted. And, while the track itself is hype-worthy in nature, its status as a song from the artist’s upcoming EP ensures that the excitement surrounding Saint Joshua only continues to grow.

When speaking on the upcoming EP, the artist claimed, “my mindset was to go in and have fun! I feel like I came across so seriously and lovestruck in my last EP, and it really isn’t that deep! I remember being told after one of my gigs that I’m way more lighthearted and upbeat when I’m talking in between my songs than people expected, which admittedly I get! So, I wanted to make music that matched my energy on and off stage.”

Upon the release of “Fake Friends”, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss his new EP and the influence that Frank Ocean has had on his career. Head below to enjoy our interview with Saint Joshua …

Hey Joshua, how are you! How has this past year been for you?
Hello! I’m blessed, thank you. This past year has really been amazing – it was a year of many firsts in music for me: my first single, “I Like”, my first music video for “Love is…”, my first EP, “Pilot”, and for the first time, just feeling like I know what I am doing and working towards.

With everything that happened last year was your creativity affected in any way?
100%! And my creativity was affected for the better. Before the pandemic and quarantine, I was lost and caught up in life and when we were all forced to stop and self-isolate, it opened an opportunity to reflect and realise what I really wanted to do with my life, which was music. So, tapping into my creativity and others that I collaborated with felt special because we were all seeking an outlet to be creative, especially after everything. So, I’m proud of the art we made.

How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
I’ve always been interested in music for as long as I can remember. It’s something that defined me all my life. I can’t put my finger on what sparked the interest, but I imagine it was probably the unhealthy amount of screen time I had with MTV – blame my sister!

You’re from South London, which has a very diverse scene for music, do you think your area impacted your sound in any way?
Absolutely. Like you said, as diverse as the music scene is in South London, it exposes you to so many different genres and sounds. That has really made me eclectic and multi-faceted, and I look forward to expressing those sides of me through my music.

And now you’re soon to release your second EP, what was your mindset going into this project?
My mindset was to go in and have fun! I feel like I came across so seriously and lovestruck in my last EP, and it really isn’t that deep! I remember being told after one of my gigs that I’m way more lighthearted and upbeat when I’m talking in between my songs than people expected, which admittedly I get! So, I wanted to make music that matched my energy on and off stage.

How do you think this project differs from your last? Do you think you approached it differently?
The two projects sound different sonically, and that was intentional. I don’t want to have projects that sound the same; I always want to show progression and growth. I approached this one different from the last because I collaborated musically with so many talented individuals, which makes this project sound so refreshing with a blend of genres.

Looking back on the project, which song means the most to you and why?
From the “Pilot” EP, “I Like” always stands out for me as it was the first release, and it came out a day before my 26th birthday, and I really enjoy performing that live with my band. As for my next project, I love all the songs, but there’s one called “Palo Santo” that may be an all-time favourite of mine.

What do you want people to take away from your music?
There’s sexiness in authenticity and vulnerability.

You cite Frank Ocean and Solange as inspirations, what about them inspires you?
I consider both Frank Ocean and Solange as auteurs. They have created such a strong signature style where you can identify a Solange song or visual before seeing her name, and that’s what I aspire to achieve someday.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
I have my next single, “Fake Friends”, which is out October 15th! I’m so ready to embark on this next journey towards my second project. I’m excited to try new ways to share my music and capture new audiences.