Hella Single is a comedic podcast from Outthat uncovers the dating lives of queer creatives and influencers. Hosted by Lamont Baldwin, the show plunges deep into personal dating stories and funny questions to uncover the real reasons behind their single status. Listen above.
Saint Smith is offering a glimpse into his romantic life, that inspired his critically acclaimed debut album, Yours Saintly, on the Hella Single podcast. The Atlanta-based queer singer-songwriter and DJ, known for his exceptional vocals, is sharing insights about his love life and the creative process behind this remarkable project. The 11-track LP, produced in collaboration with his longtime partner Jay Abe, reached the number two spot on iTunes—a significant achievement for an indie artist—solidifying Saint's status as a rising star in R&B music.
His work has garnered award nominations and caught the attention of the Grammy community, where he now serves as a voting member. This role allows him to play a crucial part in shaping the future of music, adding extra significance to his insights. Reflecting on his experience as a Grammy voting member, Saint shares, “It feels amazing. I’m not going to lie. Watching the Grammys year after year and seeing one way to be celebrated, then entering the Academy feels really, really nice. It’s major.”
Saint Smith in 'Yours, Saintly' album artwork.Hamadi Price/Saint Smith Records
Creating Yours Saintly was akin to crafting a cathartic sonic time capsule for Saint. As a historian by training, he emphasizes the importance of archiving and documentation in his art. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to utilize music to immortalize where I was in life at the time. It was really important for me to tell the story the way I wanted it to be told,” he explains.
When it comes to his art, Saint has a clear vision—one that extends to his values in a partner. He shares, “Good guys. Good meaning consistent, considerate, and emotionally intelligent. That emotional intelligence is major for me.” He adds, “You’ve got to know how to have a conversation, how to resolve conflict, and how to fight above the belt.”
Saint’s songwriting approach mirrors that of Taylor Swift, transforming his dating experiences into evocative lyrics. He candidly shares that he informs past partners when they inspire a song. “Well, they didn’t tell me how they felt, but I did some sharing prior to the release. I held small, intimate listening parties to let people understand what the songs were about. I wanted to make sure they knew I was writing about our experiences before it hits the streets.”
Listen to Saint Smith’s debut album, Yours Saintly below.
