Sin For Saints - Sad Songs
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN CANTELLO OF SIN FOR SAINTS
The brainchild of Christian Cantello, Sin For Saints recently released the music video “Sad Songs,” a song about trying to escape emotional pain through substances.
Sin For Saints
Poignant lyrics narrate overwhelming feelings of sorrow and anger.
“I don’t want to be sad / Sick of always being mad / I give up, cause I don’t wanna live / I know it, I show It / Tonight I might blow it / Cause my heart just can’t take no more / (So for now I’ll just keep singing).”
“Sad Songs” rolls out on low-slung, emerging tones, followed by exploding into a potent alt-rock tune rife with thick, hefty guitars riding crunching, Jovian percussion.
Directed by Galatian Morales, the video shifts from the band playing in the rain to Christian, whose melancholy and despondency are written on his face, along with disgust for his current declining condition.
Rawckus Magazine spoke with Sin For Saints to discover the inspiration for “Sad Songs,” his songwriting process, the urge to make his own music, and what he’s up to right now.
What three things can’t you live without?
Through my extensive research that be air, food, and water (audience laughs…in my head). Okay, if there was a fourth, it would be my Spector NS 5 String bass guitar. It was a gift from my sister for my 21’st birthday. I was playing in a local band that was getting some good recognition and feedback. She wanted to get me to that pro level and help support my dreams. My Father (a bassist of 30+ years) searched every music store around with her and played every bass till “The One” was found. I could never be without it.
What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?
I definitely go with melody first. The writing process is the fun part. I could go off a melody in my head, something I’m playing on a guitar, or maybe even a sample that I either want to use or just inspired me to create a left park new idea. By the time the music is done, I usually have scratch vocals and an idea of what I want the song to be about.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
Honestly. I just sing about things that I have gone through or still am. I can never pull myself to write about something just cause it's cool or sounds like what people are into at the moment. I just want to get out what I need to, cause it's therapeutic for me. Really, in the end, I guess just hoping someone can relate. I think everyone wants someone to care and say they know how that sh** feels too.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
My dad was playing in bands chasing the dream since I can remember. I’d be in his lap as a baby as he would play his Jet black Peavy 4-string Axe. When I got out of diapers, I got into music and that was that.
What’s the story behind the name Sin For Saints?
Was a thought one day - how all people have the ability to be good and evil. I remember thinking there are people that are not willing to go to hell to understand heaven. I am. So I’ll do it for them.
Who is in Sin For Saints and which instrument do they play?
SFS is a project I started to put music out that was a true reflection of my feelings and experiences. I always played in bands as a bassist from the get-go and loved it, but they were always someone else songs. Just another tune I put some tasteful bass licks to and rocked out. I never sang or made decisions. I honestly never felt like my potential was good enough. My friends or girlfriends would always tell me I should sing my stuff, it’s good. But I thought I was trash, honestly. I just wanted to know what I was capable of. Wanted to know the feeling and find out who’s that really inside me. I do have some old bandmates that are some of my dearest friends and they throw it down with me when they hear the horn of Gondor. Hahaha. Yes, I am a Lord of the Rings fanboy. They are awesome enough to play the music with me in videos or live events, but with people having lives and Covid times hitting, full band rehearsals haven’t been on the to-do lists ... yet. If you have seen the “Sad Songs” music video we did, then you will see Dusty Brogdon of “Set Me Free” on guitar, Devin Cantello, my brother, on bass guitar, and Casey Duke on drums.
Yes! I had a real addiction to donuts. So, I’ve had to demonize them in my head for years now.
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
Damn, that’s a thick one. My younger childhood was stuff like Ozzy, Queensryche, Metallica, Pink Floyd.” My teenage years were stuff like Linkin Park, Taking Back Sunday, Saosin, From First To Last, Armor For Sleep, and Asking Alexandria. I’m heavily influenced by all of them, I’m sure. Like I feel Bring Me The Horizon has influenced me possibly the most. I’ve listened to them from screamo-metal to MEGA rock band, to pop/rock band, to dance music. I love how they never put a limit or rule as to where they can go. That’s plain F****** badass.
Which artists are you listening to right now?
Hmm. I’ve found myself going back to my roots lately. Stuff like Taking Back Sunday, A Day To Remember, Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon, Nirvana, My Chemical Romance, From First To Last - just trying to stop over-processing my work so much and reach a more organic sound. I’ve just finally realized music is so much more musical when its humanized and imperfect. That’s my mindset right now working on new stuff
What inspired your new single/music video “Sad Songs?”
“Sad Songs” is about something very hard I went through. A time when I broke up with someone who I still loved but hurt me too deeply. At the same time, I was dealing with self-disappointment and drowning my broken heart in the wrong substances. It’s like thinking you want it all to end and just stop feeling altogether. But then you realize peace can only be found inside yourself and running away isn’t how you get to it.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Yes! I had a real addiction to donuts. So, I’ve had to demonize them in my head for years now. Every once in a while, I can have one but then gotta put them right back in hell, lol. I mean I’m all about Netflix and chill, but you might seriously find I’m just watching Dragon Ball Z Super in my underwear waiting for a badass Vegeta scene, haha.
Why do you make music?
I make music because it keeps me sane. It is the balance and therapy I need in my life. Only other thing that comes close is the gym or sex, but with music, you get a creative release of who you are and everything on your mind has somewhere to go and becomes fuel. I’m sure it is for all artists out there. I’m just not good at painting, so I just figured singing to a tempo might be a better fit.
What’s next for Sin For Saints?
I’m actually in the studio right now doing this interview. So yeah, haha, MORE MUSIC is on the way!! I’d love to play these songs live and am working on that next for sure! I’m always checking the SFS media platforms, so definitely reach out and tell us what you think of the music or how you’re doing!
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