Renaissance 2.0: Curtis Santiago
Posted on January 27, 2010
Filed Under CULTURAL MUSINGS, LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC REVIEWS
Curtis Santiago is a breath of fresh air - the kind of creative visionary who steps onto the scene and revolutionizes the game rather effortlessly. You’ve probably heard his name bouncing off the lips of those kids who are always two-steps ahead when it comes to music, fashion, film and art. That’s because Canadian born-and-raised Santiago has made a name for himself in every field – he was a member of the Hi-Phoniqs soul band in the late 90s, has co-hosted CTV’s Fashion Television, has exhibited his colorful, “wild-style” paintings in galleries across the country, made his acting debut in a John Cusak film that recently wrapped in Toronto, and is now set to host the highly-anticipated RedBull 3Style DJ Tour. His music is as post-genre as he is, fusing slick rhymes with soulful rock. Santiago released his latest mixtape with Mick Boogie, “HAVE MERCY!” last April, featuring a collaboration with TRACE favorite Mickey Factz on a remix of The Killers hit track “Human”. TRACE sat down with Santiago to gain a little more insight into his eclectic music, personal style and future projects.
TRACE: How would you describe your sound?
CS: It’s not just my sound it’s our sound. I don’t like making records all by myself, painting is lonely enough J. At the moment the sound I am creating with Mike Schlosser is Glam Soul Stadium Rock. It’s meant to be played at major festivals and opening slots for U2 , Coldplay, those kind of moments
TRACE: Who are your musical and artistic influences?
CS: It started with Prince. I use to dream Prince would one day knock on my front door and tell me he needed a background singer and that would be the start of my bohemian life. Other sonic obsessions have been M.J, Iggy Pop, The Strokes, Bjork, Chris Brown, Sade, Tegan & Sara, Dylan, Bowie , Sam Cooke, Bo Diddley
TRACE: What is your role as a Canadian artist, and how do you seek to influence the Canadian music scene?
CS: I’m sooooooo proud to be Canadian EH! But I must say I’m seeking to be recognized as an international artist. I want to just be an example to other artists that following the heart isn’t just for hopeless romantics it’s for hoped filled romantics. And that Genre bending is the future!
TRACE: In your opinion, where is the music industry headed, specifically in the constantly evolving digital age?
CS: I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about where labels are heading. At this point I only care where my team is heading and that is towards content on mobile devices and touring. Live performance has been around forever. We will never grow tired of watching someone great entertain.
TRACE: How do you describe your personal style? Do you have a favorite brand or designer?
CS: I would describe my style as “instinctual freshness.” I don’t go looking for the latest pieces. I find things and when the time is right I get urges that then become images of shapes, colors, textures, era’s and often it becomes a trend a year or so after. For me its Alexander McQueen… to be dipped head to toe would feel like wearing a painting by Francisco de Zurbarán.
TRACE: Tell us a bit about your favorite in-studio or on-stage collaboration - and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
CS: Hmmmm I think best studio collab would be anything we have done with Mickey Factz. I would love to still work with Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara, Julian Casablanca, Kanye, Theophilus London.
TRACE: What’s next for you in 2010?
CS: 2010 is the year our sound, image, brand breaks worldwide. I’ve got a movie I’m in with Craig Robinson & John Cusack releasing as well. I start shooting my second film in April. Currently I am the face of the Canadian Redbull 3style tour, lots and lots of touring and last but not least 2 albums dropping this year. No sleep till I own a place in Brooklyn.
Curtis Santiago will be kicking off the RedBull 3Style DJ tour in Vancouver, British Columbia, TOMORROW, January 28th, at the Commodore Ballroom - be sure to grab a ticket for the show in your hometown:
Saturday January 30th: Edmonton
Thursday February 4th: Calgary
Friday February 12th: Toronto
Thursday February 18th: Montreal
Friday February 19th: Quebec City
Saturday February 20th: Moncton
Thursday February 25th: Winnipeg
Wednesday March 3rd: Kingston
Friday March 5th: London
Saturday March 13th: Toronto
For more on Curtis, check out his website .
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