Morena Santi, a 21 year old Singer-songwriter born and raised in the heart of East London has a unique jazzy soul tone to her voice and is an exciting emerging R&b soul artist that should definitely be on your music radar.
Growing up in such a diverse area and in an Italian household, she grew up listening to and taking inspiration for her music from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, Etta James as well as a range of Italian musicians such as Giusy Ferreri and Tiziano Ferro. Attending a theatre school from the age of 13 up until her late teens, Morena performed in various venues such as the Broadway Theatre in Barking as well as taking part in local singing competitions and participating in theatre productions throughout her time there. She has performed at various music venues around London such as Tileyard studios in Kingscross, Hoxton Underbelly as well as participating in various open mic nights. She tries to make her music as relatable as possible for her listeners as it’s a way to express deep emotions and feelings throughout her songs. Although R&b and soul are her main genres she is versatile, dipping in and out of commercial music and having sung on house tracks. She is planning the release of her debut EP ‘Santi Sounds’ towards the end of the year. Morena will be releasing her first single ‘Good Intentions’ under the new name on the 27th of May. This bright and captivating artist is one to watch out for in upcoming years.
Having been interviewed on BBC RADIO LONDON as an emerging artist in September 2020; being one of the top five finalists in Europe in the vans musicians wanted competition 2020 and performing for Anderson Paak. And JID with features on NME magazine courtesy of vans, Morena Santi will be bringing the heat.
‘Be proud of yourself for how hard you are trying as something good will come’
Thank you for taking this interview!
How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?
The new year has been great, I’ve been developing as an artist, going out to different events, making connections and making new music.
Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?
Starting out in the music industry is really hard. At the beginning I had less confidence going on stage and having people hear my music. Now I have passed all that my confidence has really taken a shine, I’m gigging at least 3 times and I genuinely want people to hear my music.
How did you come up with your latest project?
This latest project really came around as I wanted to write a summer feel good tune that everyone can relate to. Coming out of a really difficult two years we all just need an upbeat song that will set a positive mood for the whole day without fail.
Where are you from originally?
Originally my roots are from Sicily, Italy however I have ties in Scotland but I was born in east London.
Where do you live now?
I live in east London, United Kingdom
Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?
In terms of my music, my surroundings do impact what I write as I use my reality in my music to make it relatable to those who have grown up in this environment, however I also write about things that I enjoy doing myself.
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
I wanted a career that I enjoyed doing and could see myself doing 24/7, 7 days a week. I’ve always enjoyed singing and songwriting and really this path chose me and ever since the age of 13 I knew I wanted to be in the industry as music has always been a good way for me to express myself.
How do you want to shape your career?
I want to predominantly write songs that are radio friendly, however I enjoy writing all types of music and so I would want to dip in and out of different genres as my career progresses.
Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?
Timelines are important especially for me and it keeps my schedule in order and everything up to date. That way I know what I need to do every week in order for me to be that one step closer to my dream.
How did your latest title of your music come to be?
The name good intentions came about as the song really is self explanatory as It’s about people's intentions in life, in the case of the music industry and me beginning my journey as a musician.
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?
Not really as my purpose is for people to hear it and appreciate the time, effort and lyricism that has been invested.
Do you feel an emotional attachment to your music?
Of course I do, everything I write I emotionally invest time into so that people can enjoy my music and listen to it on repeat.
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?
Fun, energetic and feel good
Where do they go to listen NOW?
Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon. All platforms really
What has been the best fan reaction to your music?
When I was headlining at the van store in Oxford street last July, a young girl came over with her mum and asked me for a picture.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
At the end of the year my EP ‘Santi Sounds’ should be coming out, but before then there will be more singles coming out :)
Are you performing the song anywhere LIVE?
I’ve already performed the song live and the audience have loved it. Once the song is out I will be doing live performances all over London and they will be advertised on my Instagram page so make sure to follow to keep updated with the progress :)
Give us all your socials and links so fans can link up with you!
Socials:
https://instagram.com/Morenasanti_
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMK0X9cSBJOwPIkb73zfogQ
https://twitter.com/morenasanti_
https://www.tiktok.com/@morenasanti_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NzUcSPmWB2LADkzSkeMc6?si=fFcw3CB-S5i6oLrNri0YQg