This sexy fashionista and queer indie recording artist has just gotten his second ever GLAM nomination. It’s now time to pray at the Church of Saint Ahmad!
Thotyssey: Hello Saint Ahmad, great to be talking with you today! First off, congrats on your Best Male Artist GLAM nomination, just recently announced! You’ve been nominated before, right?
Saint Ahmad: Thank you so much for reaching out Thotyssey. Happy to be speaking with you. This is my second year being nominated for the GLAM Awards!
Congratulations! It would be amazing if you could perform onstage for this year’s ceremony. How can we make that happen!?
That would be lit!! I think I need to be invited, right? Lol. I would be honored to perform for this year’s Glam Awards. Let’s make it happen!
You did get to perform your newer single “LGC” at Bushwig over the summer, with Lolita Leopard! What was that experience like?
The energy in the Knockdown Center was incredible! I am very grateful that Lolita was able to join me on that stage. I had just came from performing for Ty Sunderland’s “Ty Tea,” so I was honestly just riding the high and living the fantasy of being a performer; the double performance was iconic.
Love that! Before I ask more about the music, I wanted to discuss your fashion! Where does it come from? Do you work with a lot of designers, are you hands on with its creation and styling, or are you just a savvy shopper?
So every year I make a mood board with fashion inspo, vibes, and colors that I wanna be inspired with. I have worked with some incredible designers and some incredible stylists. I am hand in hand with everything that I do. I also love the House of Bezos; they have some incredible fashions.
Where are you from originally, and were music and performance always a part of your life?
I was born in Tashikawahi-shi, Tokyo, Japan. I’m an army brat. My family resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. I grew up singing in the church, so music has been a part of me since I was little. I make jokes that my life is boring because my quest to becoming an artist has been ordained for me.
I know a number of kids from traveling military families who became performers. I wonder if there is connection?
I think so, because moving and traveling around so much gives you lots of inspiration and memories to pull from.
That makes sense! Who or what are some of your musical influences, and when did you start writing and performing your own music?
Tinashe, Tyler The Creator, Chloë, Kelly Rowland… 2020 during the pandemic. I began to transition from being a musical theatre performer to a trap star. My first performance was at Hush, New Years Eve 2021 (which is also my birthday).
What was your musical theatre life like? Did you have any favorite productions you were a part of?
Yes! One my favorite roles was playing one of the Wikersham Brothers in Seussical at the Wagon Wheel theatre company. I also go to do A Chorus Line with Mitzi Hamilton (she was the original Val); I did that when I was in high school, and it really taught me so much about rehearsal etiquette and being prepared for the stage.
You’ve been a nightlife performer and host for a minute now, and I recall you were even hosting a weekly party at Hush’s sister venue The Q with your sis Apollo. That was after all the bad stuff about that venue came out, and the staff and performers there were making a strong effort to fix things. What was your experience like there?
Honestly, I had an amazing experience at The Q; it started my nightlife journey, and I really feel like it created a renaissance within the industry. The Q birthed a lot of new nightlife starts.
That’s true! What’s cool about being part of nightlife in general?
For me, nightlife is about having fun and connecting with people. One of my favorite things is to go on the dance floor and just let the music take over my body, and just feel free. Nightlife is queer freedom.
You also have some gorgeous music videos on YouTube for tracks like “The Reason” (with Prince Harvey) and “Beast.” There’s also your sexy / messy collab with SuperNiRO, “Shit That I Do!” As far as your own videos go, are you very active in conceiving concepts for them?
Yes, I am extremely hands on with my videos as well. I love making music videos. I took a screendance class in college that really gave me a lot of knowledge about the camera.
Do you have a favorite video?
My favorite would be “SLOW.” It was just me and Kevin (the videographer / editor), and we made it in my apartment. We turned my living room into this sorta kind of sexy club with the stripper pole, and it was just so fun creating that video. Minimal budget, but high production value. Two artists who come together to really create together, and execute a vision.
“Minds” is a newer track and video that you’ve dropped. What can you tell us about the inspiration behind that song?
“Minds” was inspired by the OG club kids from the 80’s and 90’s, like Rupaul. Joe Cohen (the video director) was very inspired the DIY club kid tapes of the 90’s, and Leigh Bowery in the 80’s.
A very inspirational time indeed! Is there anything coming up for you?
I guess this is official announcement that my EP Minds is going to be released on December 8th!
Everyone mark your calendars to stream and download! Okay last question: what’s your best advice to a queer indie recording artist trying to make it big today?
Spend time with yourself, and really get to know who you are as an artist. Understand your voice, your point of view. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable; it’s not always up. In fact, when it’s down is when you will really rely on the trust and understanding you have of yourself.
Also, practice! Like, go rehearse. Get in the mirror, and get the choreography right. Make sure you’re connecting with the audience.
Wise words all around! Thank you, and congrats again on the nomination!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Saint Ahmad’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and music platforms.
Thotyssey 