We Speak Music

Saint Joshua: Enchant Audiences with ‘Nasty’ and Upcoming Mixtape Self-(En)titled

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2024

Rapidly rising pop and R&B singer-songwriter Saint Joshua captivates listeners once again with the release of his highly anticipated single, “Nasty.” As the fourth offering from his forthcoming mixtape, Self-(En)titled, slated for release on November 15, this R&B-infused pop track promises to showcase the depth and versatility that has characterised Saint’s burgeoning career.

Known for his soulful lyrics and dynamic vocal prowess, Saint Joshua has crafted a deeply personal and eclectic sound that resonates with audiences across the globe. His music seamlessly blends various genres, drawing inspiration from an impressive array of influences, including Usher, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, and Amy Winehouse. This unique amalgamation has positioned Saint as one of the most promising new artists in the contemporary music scene.

Self-(En)titled is a significant milestone for Saint, featuring nine compelling tracks that straddle the lines between R&B and pop. Produced by an impressive roster of longtime collaborators and co-writers—including Cashybear (Songer, Callum Beatie), Pears Macintyre, Jack Ducker (Warner), Geth, Edbl, and Blair Mackichan (Sia)—the mixtape represents a collaborative effort that showcases the full spectrum of Saint’s artistry.

Having already released pop-driven singles such as “Blah Blah Blah,” “Do U Ever Call,” and “Sweet Talk,” which have garnered substantial support from major national radio stations like Radio 1 and 1Xtra, “Nasty” diverges into deeper R&B territory, adding a rich emotional undertone to the mixtape. Other standout tracks include the harmony-laden “Waterfalls” and “Blessing,” as well as the vibe-driven “Next Flight to Paris.” This diverse range of sounds demonstrates Saint’s ability to connect with listeners through relatable storytelling and captivating melodies.

Saint Joshua has already amassed over 14.5 million streams, generating undeniable momentum that has attracted the attention of industry tastemakers. This recognition has translated into prime placements, propelling him into the mainstream music scene. With three successful EPs and numerous singles—including the acclaimed “Palo Santo”—Saint has received extensive radio rotation from major platforms like Radio 1 and Apple Music. His work has also been featured in prominent publications, including Wonderland, Clash, Rollacoaster, Man About Town, and Earmilk. Notably, Complex Magazine recognized him as one of the UK R&B artists to watch in 2023.

His growing popularity is further evidenced by his live performances, which have led to a sold-out debut London show in 2023, as well as a UK headline tour scheduled for February 2024. Recently, he showcased his talents on the BBC Introducing Futuretense show (September 19) and participated in a London Fashion Week event with Fame Magazine (September 16). Saint has also graced some of the UK’s most prestigious festivals, including Latitude, The Great Escape, Dot2Dot, and Live At Leeds. Additionally, he played his first show in Los Angeles in May of this year, with plans for an EU tour in January 2025 that will take him to Amsterdam and Paris, along with further shows and festivals planned for 2025.

As Saint Joshua prepares to unveil Self-(En)titled, “Nasty” serves as yet another bold introduction to what promises to be one of his most personal and accomplished works to date. With a sound that resonates on a global scale and a rising star on the music horizon, there is little doubt that Saint Joshua is poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry. His ability to blend R&B and pop influences, combined with his heartfelt storytelling, positions him as a significant artist to watch in the years to come. As he continues to break boundaries and captivate audiences, Saint Joshua’s journey is just beginning, and the world eagerly awaits what he has in store next.

We Speak Music

Col Darcy Unveils New Single ‘Pay Up’

Published

12 hours ago

August 4, 2026

Philomena Marie

Col Darcy’s ‘Pay Up’ arrives with the calm authority of an artist who has already learned that longevity is its own form of victory. The second single from ‘Redemption’, his forthcoming album, is a composed piece of independent hip-hop that places persistence, ambition and personal conviction at its centre. Rather than presenting success as spectacle, Darcy approaches it as something accumulated slowly, through experience, discipline and faith in one’s own direction.

That sense of earned perspective has been central to Darcy’s work from the beginning. As Caper, he drew national attention with ‘How Would You Like To Be Me?’, a politically charged anti-racism song whose influence eventually extended into cinema. Alongside ‘Opportunity’, the track appeared in Netflix’s A Second Chance: Rivals!, bringing Darcy’s writing to an audience well beyond the usual confines of Australian hip-hop. Yet his subsequent career has remained grounded in independence, with the acclaimed ‘Beautiful Hopeless’ further establishing his commitment to thoughtful writing and considered craft.

‘Pay Up’ continues that trajectory while revealing an artist interested in the emotional economics of perseverance. Darcy writes from the perspective of someone who has experienced the slow rewards of staying the course. The lyrics use sharp wordplay and layered metaphor to turn a familiar idea into something more personal. His delivery is particularly effective for its restraint. There is no need to overstate the message when the voice behind it sounds as though it has lived through the argument already.

The song also reflects the wider concerns of ‘Redemption’, a record shaped by travel, fatherhood, gratitude and renewed self-awareness. Much of the album was recorded in Bali, and the island’s atmosphere reportedly helped cultivate its more contemplative dimensions. That background lends ‘Pay Up’ an intriguing duality. It is a song about ambition, but not restless ambition. Its confidence feels less like hunger for external validation and more like an acceptance that the journey itself has meaning.

What emerges is a track that understands hip-hop as both music and testimony. Darcy’s influences, from Tupac Shakur and Eminem to Kendrick Lamar, belong to a lineage in which personal narrative can become social observation and self-examination can become communal language. ‘Pay Up’ honours that tradition while remaining contemporary in its presentation. As a statement of intent for ‘Redemption’, it suggests an artist who has found greater clarity without sacrificing his edge, and who understands that the most durable kind of success is the kind you build yourself.