a touch of gold

Santigold (born Santi White on September 25, 1976) is a musician, songwriter and producer from Philadelphia who formerly went under the stage name Santogold. She is perhaps best known for the song L.E.S. Artistes which became a hit in the UK and on American alternative radio. According to Songfacts, she was originally nicknamed “Santogold” by a classmate back in the 1980s because of her sister-girl style. In February 2009, she officially changed her stage name to Santigold as a result of infomercial jeweler Santo Gold threatening legal action against White and her label Downtown Records.

White was lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, but while in the band, she was offered a solo contract. Working with fellow Stiffed member John Hill as co-producer, she recorded her debut album, Santogold, which was released in April 2008. Upon the change of her stage name, her label Downtown Records issued this press release:

“Change the graffiti on the bathroom wall, get your tattoo fixed, get your T-shirt airbrushed and change the name on your year-end list: Santogold is now Santigold. She’s not telling you why, that’s just how it is.”

She oozes cool and is amazing live. She’s coming up playing Parklife, get your tickets while their still going. Fingers crossed we’ll get to meet her backstage for an interview!!!

Peace x