CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - In what ways have your upbringing and experience affected your perspective when it comes to your craft?

SAINT AHMAD - I grew up singing in the church. That’s probably where most of my love for music came. I feel that most of my singing church really taught me the importance of taking music seriously, working at it, and singing with authenticity. When I was in middle school I started to perform in musicals. Which also taught me more about performing: singing, dancing, acting combined. I went to college as well for BFA Dance which was a totally another level of training that I do not think I have processed yet. I would say all these experiences have really taught me the importance of hard work in my craft and focus. It's a daily grind

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - How would you describe your aesthetic?

SAINT AHMAD - Sexy, Masculine, Feminine, Black, Authentic.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - How important is your presentation(physical, aesthetics) to your identity as a creative?

SAINT AHMAD - Well I am an independent artist so I am the sole control of my image and the way that I am represented. Really the most important thing is being humble, gracious, and thankful. Everything else is whatever. I know I look good. Lol

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Who are your top three music artists of all time?

SAINT AHMAD - Destiny’s Child, Tinashe, Migos.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Would you call any of them inspirations to your own identity as an artist?

SAINT AHMAD - 100000%. Tinashe’s performance quality is insane. She also has always come off very authentic to me. It's like you see exactly what you get. Beyonce’s whole artistry top to bottom along with her business ventures. I also grew up as a child. I remember going to the store to buy Ms. Kelly by Kelly Rowland. Kelly is really a powerhouse and a staple for dark skin black artists who embody sex appeal. I would say Michelle Williams' ability to make secular and gospel music has also been inspiring to me. I could see myself making a couple of gospel records. Migos have always been the hype men for me. If you really think about it, they have kind of changed the rap industry with their usage of auto-tune as ad-libs. No one was really doing that before.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Do you remember the first project that you created? What’s the story behind it?

SAINT AHMAD - Yeah. So, in college I started to develop this idea of “Saint” and this character. It was heavily based on Dante’s Inferno. The story behind Dante was that he was excommunicated by the church for corruption. In a sense I relate to him because I experience a lot of negativity from the church.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What motivates you to create?

SAINT AHMAD - Depression or feeling alone. I always feel the need to challenge myself and prove to myself that I am capable.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What is it like being a Creative in NYC?

SAINT AHMAD - Exciting! I feel like being in NYC has really pushed me to be the best and to sharpen my craft. Work hard, show up and be about my business.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Many creatives start out with an idea of who they want to be when starting out. What are some misconceptions you had about who you would be as an artist? Are u a reflection of your original ideas or have you evolved in an unexpected way?

SAINT AHMAD - I don’t think there’s any misconceptions. I’m an out and proud gay black man that can sing, dance, and song write. The mic is always on baby. Honestly, it’s very rare. It’s who I see myself as and I don’t see many men who look like me that are performing at the same level as I.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Do you have any Projects you are working on now that you can let us in on?

SAINT AHMAD - Yes I am working on my EP. I’ve been saying this for like three years now. I have so many songs and demos that I haven’t put out or scrapped the idea.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Describe yourself in 3 words.

SAINT AHMAD - Humble, Powerful, Authentic

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Describe your work / art in 3 words

SAINT AHMAD - Fierce, Original, Heavenly

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What makes you HAPPY?

SAINT AHMAD - These days I’ve really enjoyed being in the ocean. I also really love making people smile.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - Who do you create for?

SAINT AHMAD - Little me who once had an Idea of creating at the level I get to. Young gay black men who may not have the ability to live freely or be themselves.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What are your dreams?

SAINT AHMAD - To have five kids running around while I’m performing around the world. To keep a healthy mind and always be grateful for where I came from.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What is your mission?

SAINT AHMAD - To show love to the people I care about the most.

CHRISTIAN RATLIFF-MASON - What is your vision?

SAINT AHMAD - I for sure wanna go on tour within the next year. Let’s start there.