Episode 242: Santigold

“Ushers of the New World”


Santigold is a singer, songwriter, and producer. She’s put out 4 albums since 2008, and she’s been featured as a collaborator on songs with Jay-Z, Beastie Boys, Diplo, and more.

In this episode, Santi takes apart her song “Ushers of the New World,” from her 2022 album Spirituals.  She made it with collaborators she’s worked with before, including Grammy-winning producer Rostam, and producer Ricky Blaze. She told me about how she tries to channel her gut instincts, and how she wanted to transform some of the darkest feelings of 2020 into something galvanizing.

You can buy or stream “Ushers of the New World” here.

Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

footnotes:
Psymun, producer
Squamish, British Columbia
Disparate Youth
Nina Simone
Marvin Gaye 
Queen Latifah
Salt’N’Pepa 
Fela Kuti
Vampire Weekend (listen to their episode of Song Exploder here)