From an early age, Saint Klawd found passion in music through dance, vocals, and a hands-on approach to instruments. Driven by a deep need to channel emotion through sound, he has developed a distinctive musical style that fuses hip-hop, soul, and R&B, all while drawing from a diverse palette of genre influences. After the release of Saint Klawd’s new single ‘Rendezvous’, we caught up with the rising artist to discuss all things music.
Let’s start at the beginning—how did your journey into music first begin?
My journey into music started really early in life. My mom had me in dance classes by the time I was two, so rhythm and movement were just part of my world from the beginning. I’d spend hours watching music videos on MTV and listening to whatever was playing on the radio — I was fascinated by the way music could make you feel something instantly. For me, it started as a tool for emotional survival. Even as a kid, I used music to process my feelings and make sense of the world around me. It helped me express what I didn’t always have the words for. Over time, it became more than just a coping mechanism — it became a way for me to feel fully myself, to feel comfortable in my own skin.
What inspired the name “Saint Klawd,” and what does it represent to you?
Funny enough, Saint Klawd wasn’t my original pick. I was going to go by Knottyourbae — it had this cheeky energy that matched where I was at the time. But as I grew, creatively and personally, it stopped feeling like me. I wanted something that still had style but felt more true to who I was becoming. Saint Klawd came to me naturally — it sounded clean, memorable, and had this contrast I liked. ‘Saint’ hints at grace, growth, maybe even protection, while ‘Klawd’ adds edge and texture. It reflects that balance in me — soft and sharp, light and raw. It just fit.
“Rendezvous” feels deeply emotional—was it drawn from personal experience?
Rendezvous isn’t necessarily about one specific moment in my life — it’s more like a collection of moments. For me, romantic love has sometimes felt just out of reach, like something I could feel deeply but not quite hold onto. The song came from sitting with all the thoughts that come with that — the highs, the lows, the happiness, the ache. It’s not just about loss or longing, though; it’s also about learning to treasure those moments for what they were. Even if something doesn’t last, it doesn’t make it any less real
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
I’d describe my sound as raw — in every sense of the word. It’s unfiltered, emotional, and deeply human. My goal is to create a space where listeners can feel things they maybe haven’t found the words for yet. Whether it’s through the lyrics, the tone, or just the energy, I want the music to hit somewhere real. It’s about emotional freedom and full expression — no masks, no polish, just honesty
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistry?
As cliché as it might sound, Michael Jackson was a huge influence for me. It wasn’t just his music — it was the way he made people feel. His sound carried so much emotion, his charisma was undeniable, and despite being larger than life, there was a humility in him that I always admired. Sade Adu is another major influence — her voice, her presence, the way she could say so much with so little. James Brown taught me the power of performance — that raw, relentless energy on stage, giving it everything every time. That’s something I really aspire to.
With more modern artists, I’d say Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar. They showed me how vulnerability could be powerful — how emotional storytelling can create a real connection with people. All of these artists shaped my artistry by showing me that music isn’t just about sound — it’s about soul, about reaching someone where they live emotionally.
When you’re writing, do lyrics or melodies usually come to you first?
For me, melodies and words usually come at the same time. It’s like they’re having a conversation — the melody sets the emotional tone, and the words just start to form naturally around it. The feel of the melody tells me what I’m trying to say, even before I fully realize it. I don’t really separate the two — they grow together, and that’s what makes the process feel honest and alive.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Rendezvous”?
With Rendezvous, I hope listeners walk away feeling seen — like their emotions aren’t too much or too complicated. The song is about those in-between moments, the ones that are beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I wanted to capture that feeling of wanting something deeply, even if you can’t quite have it. It’s about honoring the connection, even if it’s fleeting. If someone listens and feels less alone in that kind of emotional space, then the song has done what it was meant to do.
You blend several genres in your music—do you feel the pressure to define your style?
In the beginning, I thought my sound had to be one specific thing in order to reach people or be successful. There’s this pressure to pick a genre and stick with it — like that’s the only way to be taken seriously. But as my journey has continued, I’ve realized that’s not the case. I’ve learned that I don’t have to limit myself to connect with listeners. I understand what people want to hear, but I’ve also found ways to stay true to my creativity at the same time. It’s about balance — giving the audience something real, while still feeding my own artistic soul.
What’s a non-musical influence that deeply impacts your art?
Human connection, without a doubt. For me, to love is to understand — and I’ve always been fascinated by what makes us who we are. I’m quite philosophical in my thinking. I find myself constantly asking, ‘What does it mean to be me? Who are you? What shaped you?’ People’s life stories, the way they carry pain or joy, the things they hide or reveal — it all inspires me. That curiosity drives so much of my art. I’m drawn to the emotional truths that live beneath the surface — the things we don’t always say out loud, but feel deeply.
If you could collaborate with any artist—living or not—who would it be and why?
The person I would love to collaborate with is Tyler, the Creator. He has this raw emotional energy in his music that I really connect with. What inspires me most is his creative freedom — he doesn’t limit himself to one sound, one mood, or one version of himself. He’s bold, expressive, and isn’t afraid to evolve. I think we’d create something honest and unexpected — the kind of music that sits with people long after they’ve heard it.
