Tunes for Tuesdays: Santigold

She is one part elegant electro and one part smooth swagger with an undercurrent of punk mixed in for good measure. Santi White, reborn for the stage as Santigold, garnered critical acclaim and blurred genres for a fresh, compelling solo effort since she launched in 2008. Post punk sensibilities mix with a New Wave current to make for a fantastic introduction geared to listeners of all backgrounds.

And now, she takes the spotlight on this edition of Tunes for Tuesdays.

I admit, when I first checked out Santigold's music, I assumed she was British. There's such a powerful, gritty edge to her album -- heck, even right down to her fashion choices. I pegged her as a Brit before I even heard her speak. Ah, how I was mistaken.

Santigold hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she found her initial success with the punk rock group, Stiffed. The group released two albums together including the Sex Sells EP (2003) and Burned Again (2005) before our lady was offered a chance at a solo career with Santogold (2008). I imagine she developed that quiet, unpredictable spark from her time at the helm of a punk quartet.

Her tracks are deceptive in their minimalism -- it's as if she's reining in an explosive, devastating fire just about to ignite. Perhaps the description's a tad melodramatic -- I have been accused of such writing in the past. Still, there's a complexity embedded in her work that's important to note. She coaxes listeners into her songs before rewarding them with a slick hook and the aural space to wander through.

And so, the first track for the evening: "I'm A Lady." Seems appropriate for a blog of this nature. I recommend cranking this tune to add a touch of cool, calculated class to the night. The ideal time for listening coincides with touching up the eyeliner and sipping on the first drink of the evening.

I'm inclined to dub this track the Official Femme Anthem for Cute, Queer, Canadian. I tend to hum this one while in the car or while walking through the streets of this suburb of mine. Makes you feel ten stories tall, no matter the season.

Track two is Santigold's break-out single, "L.E.S. Artistes." This is the track that funneled all that popular interest her way. Similar to "I'm A Lady," it's sleek, suggestive, and pure attitude. Yes, all favoured traits of this blogette right here. Do indulge:

Hmm, graphic/artistic simulated violence? I know, it's what all great videos need. Looks like an art house rendition of a zombie flick. Oooh, ~representation~ and ~active gore~ -- cherish it, children. Serious, though, it's a solid song and I am thankful to have stumbled across it.

So, one album in and she's found the right niche to take her indie sound to the masses. She's an artist to keep your eyes on, ladies, synth beats and all.