Artist’s Corner with Tom Saint
Exploring Creativity, Connection, and Inspiration
Can you share your earliest memories or experiences of The Roxy? What does the venue mean to you personally?
When I first moved to London my new housemates (all UCL students) would sit on the floor in our tiny kitchen in Camden and tell stories about a mythical Soho club equal in measure of throwback music, affordable drinks and loose morals known as The Roxy.
I finally got the chance to go when I scored a photography gig for Thursday nights there taking photos of partygoers in the heat of the moment for socials. What I was met with enthralled me, the vibe was electric and the sound system was the best I had heard in a London club that played commercial music.
How would you describe the atmosphere and energy of performing at The Roxy compared to other venues?
Performing at The Roxy as an artist has been a dream of mine for some time, I used to work my way through the dancefloor taking photos thinking how amazing it would be to play a gig here as an artist. Playing my own music through the recently re-configured Funktion One sound system in a room where so many of my formative years were spent was a beautiful full circle moment.
Are there any standout moments or stories from your time at The Roxy that have stayed with you?
After signing my first publishing deal in my old band, I went for a celebratory meal with all the people involved and then headed to The Roxy to DJ the closing set. I’d graduated from photographer to DJ 3 nights a week, much of my formative years were spent raging in the venue, I met a former flame here while she was working at the bar. The staff, management and security became so familiar I would take any job going and ended up occasionally working the door and the bar as well as taking photos and DJing.
In what ways, if any, has The Roxy influenced your artistic journey or shaped your approach to music?
The music that I was exposed to as a DJ/photographer and the audience reaction shaped the way I understand how hooks, beats, musical moments really affect a dance floor. There’s an intersection between the music ‘the man off the street’ would dance to and what your ‘coolest friend’ would like. I try to DJ so that anyone can come in and vibe out to what I was playing and I still work to that mantra when I’m making my own music – a skill I learned spending all those nights at 3-5 Rathbone Place (The Roxy).
What have you been working on musically lately? Are there any particular themes or sounds you’re exploring?
My new single Bleed On My Own comes out September 4th it’s a big electronic rock banger and the best song I have ever written. I’ve become a lot more direct in my song writing and lyrics this year, I want you to feel the emotion I’m conveying and know exactly who and what I’m talking about. I love the intersection between club music and rock music, I’ve found a home there, Bleed On My Own is the most sonically assured I have been.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing new material?
It can start with a melodic idea that comes to me in the street that I record as a voice note, or a lyric I write in my notes and take to the studio. Other times I start from scratch and vibe out on the synths/guitar or a drum machine and get to an exciting sonic place before coming up with vocal melodies and finally lyrics.
The songs often demand to be written. I have been swamped releasing, getting my live show together and doing production/mixing for other exciting artists recently, but the lyrics and melodies have started to plague my brain at the most inconvenient times so I know it’s time to start writing again.
Who or what are some of your biggest musical influences right now? Have your influences changed over time?
DeathybyRomy, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot
Are there any artists or genres outside your usual sphere that have inspired you recently?
Lou Reed, MGMT
What projects or releases do you have coming up that you’re excited about? Anything fans should look out for?
My new EP - SAINT comes out October 8th which is a culmination of everything I’ve been about for the last 18 months. I’ve also got some new tracks forming the project after this one that embrace a more rock rave direction that I can’t wait to start releasing at the tail end of this year. I’m not going to stop with the new music, the time is now.
How do you see your sound or style evolving in the near future?
I’m embracing a new rock/rave hybrid in the new tracks I’m writing – I’ve been listening to a lot of The Prodigy and getting into drum n bass (a new love for me) all blended with this deeper more meaningful lyrical content it’s headed to a bigger more emotional place.
Is there anything fans might be surprised to learn about what’s next for you musically?
I’m going to start playing with a full band, expect more synths, there’s also brand new live visuals coming.
Finally, what advice would you give to emerging artists hoping to play at iconic venues like The Roxy?
Send them an email - make something happen. With The Roxy the recent renovation + the sound system/location and staff make it the perfect place to put on a show.
