San Joseph's debut single Blink Twice is out now! We caught up with the musician to chat about the release and more.
Image: Josh Pulford
Last month, Melbourne alt-pop artist San Joseph made his debut with Blink Twice. Co-written with close friend and collaborator, writer/producer Dylan Nash (Angus & Julia Stone, Dean Lewis, Gretta Ray), the genre-bending release documents the experience of running into a past flame at a party and taking it on board as a positive experience.
Blink Twice is out now! Watch the visual below.
Could you tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey, and your background in music?
I’ve loved singing since I was super young. I remember singing along to Winnie the Pooh songs in the living room when I was like 3 years old and haven’t really stopped since then. I started performing in high school when I joined a pop punk band that covered a bunch of classic emo tunes and started writing music at a similar time. Since then, I’ve bounced between a bunch of different musical projects, landing somewhere between them all with San Joseph.
Congratulations on the release of your debut single Blink Twice. Tell us a bit about the conceptual nature of the track and what prompted you to document on your debut single?
Thaaank you! The track explores bumping into an ex at a party and noticing that they’re acting a little strange. We tried to make a song about an ex that felt lighthearted and jovial, rather than the usual hostility that comes with a breakup song.
You worked on the track with your close friend and collaborator Dylan Nash. What was the writing and recording process like?
There’s nothing like working with Dylan - we have a lot of similar influences and get on like a house on fire, so the process is always enjoyable! The writing and recording process kinda feels like being trapped in an escape room with a best friend… where the “escape” is finishing a song that we’re both proud of.
What messages do you hope listeners take away from the track?
If they aren’t the devil reincarnated, why don’t you try being pals with your ex?
How did you arrive at the genre-bending sonic sounds we hear on the track?
The sound of Blink Twice was the result of a lot of different musical influences colliding head-on, and my attempt to create something a little less emotional than I instinctively do.
Can you walk us through your process when it comes to conceptualising the clip for Blink Twice and how involved are you with the development of the visuals?
Our filmmaker, Rome, came to me with the basement-poker-game concept and I was immediately sold. It felt like it perfectly matched the cheeky energy of the song. Since it was my first music vid and I love his work, I put a lot of trust into Rome to deliver his vision. I’m glad I did, because it allowed me to focus on my performance and vibing with the cast/the great set that the crew made.
How important are the visuals to you when it comes to portraying the stories and themes present on the songs?
I think visuals are a crucial part of any music project. My latest influences - such as MUNA, FINNEAS and Christine and the Queens - all have such incredible ways of expressing their projects visually, and it really helps fans connect with their artistry. Although it’s not something I’m completely comfortable with yet, I’m feeling more confident creating and exploring the project’s visuals as my career progresses.
What’s one line from the song you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“Na na na na na na”
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts and why?
I could go on for houuurs here. A few of my favourites include Eluera (fun, exciting pop that’s still sincere), Gretta Ray (stunning melodies marrying vivid poetry) and Hauskey (everything I wish I was).
Will we be seeing you hit the road with national dates anytime soon? Or any live show plans?
Due to the rollercoaster of modern life, I haven’t planned any live shows just yet. I am so wildly keen to hit the road and start sharing some music though. Follow me on IG (@sanjosephx) to stay posted!
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
I’m not sure I even know what to expect from one of my live shows at this stage… Maybe some FUN, interspersed with moments of self-reflection? Who knows.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Imogen Heap, The 1975, Eagles… to name a few.
Dream collaboration?
John Mayer or FINNEAS
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Speak for Yourself by Imogen Heap
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Introspective, personal, really-good.
Best song of 2021 so far?
Dangerous Levels of Introspection by JP Saxe.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
(500) Days of Summer
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley Cyrus… every day of the week
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Forever and Ever by Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Saves the World by MUNA
First concert you went to?
Simple Plan at Festival Hall. I think my ears are still ringing from it
Best concert you have been to?
The 1975: the perfect balance of rehearsed and casual, with some truly incredible visuals.
First album you ever bought?
Let Go by Avril Lavigne. “I’m With You” is a MASTERPIECE
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Definitely a Spice Girl. What on earth could be better than singing Stop onstage at a packed arena?
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Blink Spice (hahahahahah)
Guilty music pleasure?
The Corrs. But there is really no guilt involved.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Right now, it’d probably be Alexander 23 or Jeremy Zucker. Or Dominic Fike. Do I have to pick just one??
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
In terms of modern artists, I think The 1975 have been hugely influential in pop culture.
What advice would your current self give your future self, for a year from now?
You’re exactly where you need to be
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
The first time a crowd sung my own lyrics back to me, when I was 17 years old or so, in an old band of mine. There’s no other feeling like it.
Watch the visual for Blink Twice below!