Q&A: Saint Joshua Crafts an Eclectic Soundtrack for Modern Love and Adventure on “Sweet Talk”
BASED IN SOUTH LONDON — Saint Joshua is an emerging artist who masterfully blends pop, R&B, and singer-songwriter stylings to create a sound that is uniquely his own. With a rich lyrical talent and exceptional vocal ability, he uses his music as a medium to share deeply personal stories, drawing from an eclectic mix of influences such as Usher, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, and Amy Winehouse. His music is a seamless fusion of genres, imbued with his authenticity and individuality.
Saint Joshua’s rise has been marked by notable achievements, including the release of his standout track “Palo Santo,” which garnered significant attention from high-profile editorial playlists and curators. With three EPs under his belt and over 14.5M streams, his growing popularity culminated in a sold-out debut London show in 2023, followed by a highly anticipated UK headline tour in 2024.
His live performances, characterized by his magnetic personality and vibrant stage presence, have earned him spots at some of the UK’s most prominent festivals such as Latitude, The Great Escape, Dot2Dot, and Live At Leeds. Internationally, he has garnered recognition from influential platforms like Radio 1, Apple Music, Vevo DSCVR, Notion, and DIY Magazine. His work has also been celebrated with a nomination for Best Independent Mixtape/EP at the AIM Independent Awards 2023, and he has been highlighted in several "Artists to Watch" lists by Amazing Radio (UK and US), Complex Magazine, and IMPALA in collaboration with YouTube.
As Saint Joshua prepares for the release of his full-length project in November, he offers a taste of what’s to come with his latest single, “Sweet Talk.” Co-written with long-time collaborator Pearse Macintyre, who also produced the track, “Sweet Talk” was crafted in the intimate setting of Macintyre's home studio. The song is a lyrical journey urging couples to move beyond words and embrace the thrill of shared experiences, capturing the essence of spontaneity and living in the moment.
With smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and Macintyre’s impeccable production, “Sweet Talk” is a pivotal release for Saint Joshua, blending modern pop with soulful undertones. The song invites listeners to embark on new adventures, making it a must-listen for those ready to turn their sweet talk into sweet action. As he continues to captivate audiences with his authentic sound, his forthcoming project is set to further solidify his place as one of the most exciting artists to watch.
Continue reading below to find out more about Saint Joshua, his musical influences, the importance of songwriting, and what upcoming projects he has in the works.
LUNA: “Sweet Talk” has a powerful message about turning words into actions. What inspired you to explore this theme, and how do you think it resonates with your audience?
SAINT JOSHUA: We always talk about the neverending “talking stage” that perpetually haunts my generation when it comes to dating. I was inspired by that and my own failed talking stages, along with the prospects of the future untold. I think my audience can all relate to the story in wanting more for their love lives.
LUNA: You mentioned that you're an "overly cautious overthinker," and this song serves as a motivator for people like you. How did you channel that personal experience into the songwriting and production of “Sweet Talk”?
SAINT JOSHUA: Trepidatious, I am! It has always been a part of who I am, and it’s something I’ve learned to embrace rather than shy away from. When I was writing “Sweet Talk,” I wanted to capture the journey from hesitation and uncertainty to the desire to break free from it. The lyrics reflect that self motivation and courage buildup. In the production, I channeled that same energy. I wanted the music to have a balance between introspection and movement. The verses are more reflective, almost like the internal dialogue you have when you're trying to muster up courage, while the chorus builds into something more uplifting and decisive. It’s a mix of emotions: hesitation, excitement, and ultimately, the resolve to just go for it. I hope that listeners who relate to overthinking can find a sense of motivation in the song, just as I did when creating it.
LUNA: The co-writing collaboration with Pearse Macintyre on this track seems to be quite special, given your history of working together. Can you share more about how your partnership has evolved over time and how it influenced the creation of “Sweet Talk”?
SAINT JOSHUA: Pearse and I have evolved in so many ways as people and creatives. Our aim is to always be better than the last track, which in turn can lead us to greatly overthink when creating. Interestingly, we are at our best when we don’t overthink and just go for it. Our first song we created together was Palo Santo and that was created in a space with no expectations, so we try to emulate that as much as possible with tasks like speed writing, where we give ourselves a few hours to write, produce and record a song. “Sweet Talk” is a result of one of those sessions. We always stick close to the demo as much as he or I try to fight it!
LUNA: The production of “Sweet Talk” has a distinct intimacy, being crafted in a home studio. How did the setting impact the overall feel and direction of the track?
SAINT JOSHUA: Man, we are so comfortable at home! At this point, Pearse’s home is mine too (laughs). There’s something about being in your own space that makes the creative process feel more personal and authentic. I think that intimacy comes through in the track — there’s a rawness and honesty that might not have been as strong if I was working somewhere else. The result is a track that feels very close to who I am, not just as an artist but as a person, and I think listeners can sense that connection.
LUNA: “Sweet Talk” blends modern pop with soulful undertones. How do you approach genre-blending in your music, and what challenges or opportunities does it present when crafting a unique sound?
SAINT JOSHUA: Blending genres is something that comes naturally to me because I’ve always been drawn to different styles of music. I believe that music should reflect the complexity of our emotions and experiences, and sometimes that means drawing from various genres to create something that feels authentic and unique. When I approach genre-blending, I focus on capturing the essence of what each genre brings to the table. Pop is great for its catchy melodies and broad appeal, while soul adds depth, emotion, and a certain timeless quality. With “Sweet Talk,” I wanted to marry the two in a way that felt seamless, allowing the soulfulness to shine through the pop structure. The goal is to create music that resonates on multiple levels, offering something familiar yet fresh to the listener. When it all comes together, it’s incredibly rewarding because it feels like I’m not just following a formula but crafting something that truly represents my artistic vision.
LUNA: Your lyrics often delve into personal and relatable themes. What’s your songwriting process like, and how do you ensure your music maintains authenticity while also connecting with a broad audience?
SAINT JOSHUA: When I’m honest in my writing, it resonates with listeners who find their own experiences mirrored in the music. I always begin with introspection, and as I develop my ideas, I make an effort to universalise the emotions. It doesn’t matter who’s singing — girl, boy, anyone — the feeling is the same, and that’s what connects us all.
LUNA: You’ve cited influences ranging from Usher to Amy Winehouse. How do these diverse musical inspirations shape your sound, and can we hear any particular influences in “Sweet Talk”?
SAINT JOSHUA: Absolutely! Usher and Amy Winehouse have deeply influenced my music. Usher’s smooth R&B style shaped the melodic rhythm and Amy’s Jazzy ad-libs, raw emotion and honesty inspired the songwriting. By blending these influences, I create a sound that’s uniquely mine, yet pays homage to the artists who’ve shaped my journey
LUNA: With “Sweet Talk” being part of an upcoming full-length project, what can fans expect from the rest of the album? Are there any themes or concepts that tie the tracks together?
SAINT JOSHUA: What I love about my mixtape and music in general is the versatility. A big challenge was bringing it all together to tell a story with ups and downs in my own way. I think I’ve done that.
LUNA: Having performed at major festivals and headlined your own tour, how does your live performance influence the music you create in the studio? Did your experience on stage inform any aspects of “Sweet Talk”?
SAINT JOSHUA: Immensely! It’s crazy just how much my live performances have influenced the new music and will continue to do so. When I’m in the studio I’m envisioning how a song fits in not only my discography but amongst my setlist. “Sweet Talk” in particular is such an upbeat song and I didn’t have many of those, I fear! But what’s great is I have a choice of uplifting music that I can play for my audience to feel good. That’s a feeling I didn’t consider when starting my career.
LUNA: You’ve achieved significant milestones in your career, from streaming successes to critical acclaim. Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, and how does “Sweet Talk” fit into your vision as an artist?
SAINT JOSHUA: I want to be known as an artist that explores and evokes all human emotions through my music. “Sweet Talk” is a step in that direction, as it captures the joy and positivity I want to share with my listeners. I hope to continue to create art that resonates with people and build a community of people unafraid to be themselves.
