Spotlight On: SANTIGOLD
ABOUT THIS WEEK’S SHERO IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
If you were around in 2008, you know the impact that Santi White’s first album as Santigold had. Almost unanimously hailed as one of the best of that year, and now considered one of the best of the decade, Santogold was nominated for multiple awards, including a 2009 Brit Award, and her first tours were with Björk, M.I.A., and the Beastie Boys, just to name a few. Born in the mid seventies in Philadelphia, her household was infused with music, including Fela Kuti and Steel Pulse, and later, her sister introduced her to punk, so music was not only entertainment, but a way to talk about issues of social justice and inequality. It made sense then that her first musical outing was a punk band called Stiffed, who had the good fortune of having two albums produced by Bad Brains bassist Daryl Jenifer. Santi has always had the ability to connect with amazing collaborators, as she did with Diplo on her first album, and since, she’s racked up a resume of collaborations and writing credits way too long to name here, but some highlights include Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, and Tyler, the Creator. And the collaborations aren’t just musical; she’s worked with visual artists, brands, and cosmetic lines, and TV acting. After Santogold, Santi released Master of My Make-Believe in 2012, 99¢ in 2016, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions in 2018, and this week Santigold returns with a brilliant and highly anticipated new release called Spirituals, which in some moments harkens back to her roots, using music as a form of protest, and navigating social injustices like the murder of George Floyd. And as usual, Santigold refuses to be boxed in. I am beyond thrilled to welcome Santigold as this week’s SHERO In The Spotlight.
Our playlist includes the latest from Lava La Rue, Danielle Ponder, The A’s, plus a new version of an old favorite Our Native Daughters track “You’re Not Alone” from Allison Russell and Brandi Carlile.
SHERO BIRTHDAYS: We celebrate the SHERO birthdays of Fiona Apple on 9/13 and the late great Amy Winehouse on 9/14.
This week’s Radio SHERO: Cindy Howes of WUNC Music out of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, joins us this week to share one from Lizzie No titled “Sweeter Than Strychnine.”