Having already unveiled a wealth of smooth and enticing offerings over the last few months, producer Saint Paul Shepherd now returns with his latest sweeping release 'Thinking Of You (Thinking Of Me)'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new album 'Excessive Behaviour', which is out next month, 'Thinking Of You (Thinking Of Me)' is a warm and ethereal mix of RnB sensibilities and downtempo electronica. Filled with pulsing beats, enticing grooves, and guest artist Tiffany L's subtle vocal performance, this new delight showcases him as one of the more heartfelt names emerging on the scene right now.
So with his new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar - I wanted to be John Squire from The Stone Roses when I was growing up. My Uncle died and left me £1000 so I bought a sunburst Les Paul Gibson with it. I still have it and still use it to write with to this day.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Really my experiences growing up; a single parent family, my father going to prison, my relationships, the ups and downs of life but always set to a wonderful soundtrack; motown, soul, classic rock like The Beatles, Stones, Small Faces, and later in life classic rap albums like The Blueprint and The Chronic. Music has always been a massive part of my life and there’s nothing I like more than getting lost in the creative process of writing and producing a new tune.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I’ve always said there’s good music and bad music, regardless of genre. I loved the whole Manchester scene years ago and I’ve always loved classic soul like Al Green, and disco legends like Donna Summer. That said I loved great pop tunes from the likes of DeeLite, and TLC. There’s just something indescribable in my opinion that makes music either ‘have it’ or not so I’ve never really labelled the type of music that’s inspired me; it's so varied.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Strawberry Fields. I was about 15 and it came on a jukebox in a pub I shouldn’t have been in. I knew the tune and obviously the band that wrote it but hearing it that night at the age when I was seriously getting into my music, and probably with half a shandy in me I remember thinking ‘yeah this is what I’d love to do with my life’ (make music, not hang round pubs)!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m loving female artists like Baby Rose, Kehlani, Arlo Parks, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion right now. I think Billie Eilish is superb too. Jesse Ware’s latest album is awesome and I’m always a huge Mark Ronson fan. Dave, SZA, Tame Impala… like I say there’s no rhyme or reason I just love good music; whatever genre that takes!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
About half of them I could point to certain people that I had in mind or felt inspired to write about or for; usually people pretty close to me. The others are more about my putting myself in the shoes of someone else and taking their slant on a certain situation.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
My first time mastering at Abbey Road Studios, walking across that famous crossing with loads of tourists taking photos and watching me disappear into those studios.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I’m a big tech head as well and run a software business that creates artificial intelligence software. There’s a real connection between music and software and producing a track or writing computer code and I’m a huge fan of people like JayZ and Jimmy Iovine who’ve managed to combine successful music and business/ entrepreneurial careers and I hope I can do similar.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
As above really; I’m heavily involved in technology and software so this would be the path with or without music. I love being able to exercise both passions and make a living from them. They compliment each other and I feel like the business side of things helps with stuff like owning the label and all the business stuff that goes along with owning the label.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I honestly don’t think I’m very well placed to give advice; there are much better musicians, writers, producers out there than me who’ll know a lot more than I do. All I’d say is do it as long as you love it and don’t worry too much about what others say or think.
-
Saint Paul Shepherd's new single 'Thinking Of You (Thinking Of Me)' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.