Q&A: meet Sarah Saint James, an icon in the making

Finally we get to introduce you to the saucy Sarah Saint James who is the mother to sassy tracks Big Boy, outta this world and her new born, DBE. Dumb Bitch Energy (DBE) is everything we needed and more to remind us it’s totally okay from time-to-time to be a dumb bitch, we all have our moments you know. DBE is a sexy little slice of electro-pop that started as a shower thought and has fast become one of our favourite tracks of 2020. 

Originally from Adelaide but now residing on the East Coast, the pop goddess channels her inner thoughts to conjure up anthems that make her feel empowered and excited. Sarahs music is an extension of herself, she’s tapped into this ability to be so raw and literal with her lyrics that they become so powerful but in the most playful and consumable way. We can literally sniff an icon in the making #watchthisspace.

What we love about this commanding independent artist is the energy and aesthetic she is bringing into the ANZ pop scene. She’s not your typical popster mysteriously singing about a lover, she’s straight to the point and calling it how she sees it. 

We caught up with Sarah to chat about her new track, sweating glue and the importance of self care.

Check out all the feels below:

HEY SARAH! Tell us about a defining moment where you knew music was what you had to be doing.

I actually started music super late, so really only got into writing 2 years ago and my artist project a year and a half ago, and what cemented that for me was my last trip to LA. There’s something about being in a city full of people who are that inspired that starts something in you, and meeting people who were doing it full time made it feel so much more attainable. When I wrote my first song I went back to my AirBnb and listened to the song about 50 times and was like ‘oh my god this is it’.

DBE is a mood and a half, can you tell us a little bit about how the song came to be?

Yes! I was in the shower when the idea came to me, cause I saw my phone go off and it was a Snapchat from an ex of mine and before replying I had to check myself. Then I thought of dumb bitch energy being a song title, I had the session with my friend and it’s surprisingly easy to list of your faults haha!

Your music is so sassy, where do you tend to draw inspiration from when you write?

It’s so funny cause I’m actually so unintentionally sassy, like I love listening to stuff that makes me feel empowered and excited so I think I just put that into my music. I also absolutely love the idea of really literal and visual songs, and I think that makes it sound a bit sassier.

What’s something you didn’t expect coming into the music industry?

I didn’t expect it to be so small! Even overseas, the industry is so small, and everyone knows everyone. I had a session on Zoom last month with a guy I wrote my first song ever with - he’s in LA but has worked with most of my friends, and the producer for our session has worked with everyone from me to Khalid. It’s seriously so tiny.

What makes a dumb bitch a dumb bitch?

Honestly I think DBE for me is about making fun of yourself. Being a dumb bitch does not discriminate, it’s any gender, race, religion. It’s just a mindset that we all get in sometimes, and I love it.

Would you rather fart every four blinks or sweat glue?

I’m gonna say sweat glue but also.... what?

Who was your high-school celebrity crush?

High school crush is a three way tie - Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance, Dean from Supernatural and Kesha. I still would die.

How important is self-care and learning to love who you are?

Self care is so important, I really learnt that this year like so many others. I have such a weird history with myself, so it’s been a long time coming to figure out who I was, and realise that you only get one body to live in for your life so you have to be friends with it. I am such a huge advocate for body neutrality - that you are not any more or less because of your abilities or appearance, you’re just a human going through life with experiences and you have to be comfortable in who you are or it’s a long road. It’s also super important to me to be living in your truth, in terms of self care. When you are authentically yourself you are living at your highest potential.

What’s next for you, headlining Coachella, releasing a visual album, what can we look forward to?

I mean, low key a visual album is my all time life goal BUT probably not until I’m off of Jobseeker, HAHA! I’m writing my first EP at the moment which will be out next year, and I dare say I’ll do a tour as well on release! I’m also looking at moving to London for a couple of months next year too, dependent on the world situation of course.

I think sweating glue was the right choice on this one, passing gas every 4 blinks would be unenjoyable at best. Also can we just say that when Sarah announces an album tour we will be lining up early at stadium so we can be front row of the mosh pit.

Check out  her new single below or head to our Day For It: Universal Store X FTM 🌞🍧 playlist to hear some more saucy songs.

By Samuel Seedsman.