interview // Saint Mesa
After suffering from a rare disease at a young age and being hospitalized innumerable times over a span of two years, 21-year-old Danny McCook embraced his forced-isolation to sketch some ideas that would eventually become the sonic cornerstone and vision for Saint Mesa and his spiritual debut EP, Jungle. Thankfully now healthy, Saint Mesa’s tracks reflect lyrics of hardship, yet personal triumph, with uplifting melodies and choir-like vocals that help define his songs’ dream-pop atmosphere. Soon after releasing a single and rapidly garnering licensing synchs with brands like Wayfair, Puma, H+M, and Electronic Arts, McCook signed with Interscope Records, and infamous booking agent Carole Kinze of CAA (Radiohead, Maroon 5, Tori Amos, etc.). The Southern Californian, fashion-forward and self-taught musician has been making waves ever since with his EP title track “Jungle,” which has garnered over 1 million streams on Spotify, over 170 thousand plays on YouTube and landed TOP 10 on Spotify’s Viral Chart and TOP 10 Hype Machine’s Popular Chart.
How would you define your style both musically and personally?
I would say in terms of music, stylistically the best way I can describe it would be experimental alternative pop. As for my own personal style, I usually don't try and define it, I just do and wear whatever makes me happy.
What brought you to the realization that music was your path?
I think it was when I started teaching myself piano that I realized my love for music and how you can release emotionally into it.
In the writing process, do you find that it is easier or more difficult to let your songs be inspired by personal experience?
For me I usually just write the first thing that comes out. Whether it's a new narrative, or something inspired by my own life, I just let my initial instinct lead.
Musically, what artists are you inspired by?
People that inspired me starting out, were bands like Coldplay and Phil Collins.
Describe the experience of this current tour. What's been your favorite part?
Tour has been amazing so far. Definitely my favorite part has been going to Ann Arbor and playing the University of Michigan. That city is definitely the coolest city I've been to, awesome food, super welcoming community, and beautiful buildings.
When you aren't working on music, how do you like to spend your time?
That's a hard one because music is kind of all I do, haha. If I'm not doing music I'm usually spending time with family and my brothers. Either playing some form of video game or ninja tag or handball .
What are some other bands or artists you're really into right now?
I've been really into a lot of different stuff lately. Glass Animals, Radiohead, Tamia, The Acid, Rodrigo Amarante, Massive Attack, D.C.R. Pollock and a lot more.
Have you gotten to spend much time in Nashville? Do you have a favorite place in the city?
I've actually never been to Nashville, first time will be on this tour!
What do you hope the audience takes away from your live set?
I would just hope everyone feels welcome and inspired.
What's next for you musically?
I think the next thing for me musically would be putting a full album out, which is in the works right now. I'm very excited about it all.
Check out the video for 'Jungle' below
I would say in terms of music, stylistically the best way I can describe it would be experimental alternative pop. As for my own personal style, I usually don't try and define it, I just do and wear whatever makes me happy.
What brought you to the realization that music was your path?
I think it was when I started teaching myself piano that I realized my love for music and how you can release emotionally into it.
In the writing process, do you find that it is easier or more difficult to let your songs be inspired by personal experience?
For me I usually just write the first thing that comes out. Whether it's a new narrative, or something inspired by my own life, I just let my initial instinct lead.
Musically, what artists are you inspired by?
People that inspired me starting out, were bands like Coldplay and Phil Collins.
Describe the experience of this current tour. What's been your favorite part?
Tour has been amazing so far. Definitely my favorite part has been going to Ann Arbor and playing the University of Michigan. That city is definitely the coolest city I've been to, awesome food, super welcoming community, and beautiful buildings.
When you aren't working on music, how do you like to spend your time?
That's a hard one because music is kind of all I do, haha. If I'm not doing music I'm usually spending time with family and my brothers. Either playing some form of video game or ninja tag or handball .
What are some other bands or artists you're really into right now?
I've been really into a lot of different stuff lately. Glass Animals, Radiohead, Tamia, The Acid, Rodrigo Amarante, Massive Attack, D.C.R. Pollock and a lot more.
Have you gotten to spend much time in Nashville? Do you have a favorite place in the city?
I've actually never been to Nashville, first time will be on this tour!
What do you hope the audience takes away from your live set?
I would just hope everyone feels welcome and inspired.
What's next for you musically?
I think the next thing for me musically would be putting a full album out, which is in the works right now. I'm very excited about it all.
Check out the video for 'Jungle' below