Conquering Sorrow: How Saynt Ego Transforms Grief into Dance Floor Anthems
In the vast and evolving world of contemporary music, where boundaries have been dissolved and genres broadened, one name stands out with an enthralling allure: Saynt Ego. Will Retherford, a harmonious blend of mystique and sheer talent, is fast becoming a powerhouse in the music industry. Saynt Ego isn’t merely producing tracks; he’s crafting an immersive experience, a sonic journey where listeners can both lose and rediscover themselves.
The name "Saynt Ego" intriguingly reflects Retherford's deep connection to the church while simultaneously presenting a thought-provoking paradox. Traditionally, the ego is often viewed in a negative light, associated with arrogance and self-importance. However, Retherford challenges this perception, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the ego. He explains, "I think of the ego as neutral; it’s either off balance or it’s in balance. When we are in harmony with gratitude, love, peace, and sacrifice; our ego is in balance. When we are leading with greed, hate, deceit, or self-indulgence, we are out of balance. ‘Saynt Ego’ represents the ego in balance.”
Having made music since his childhood, Retherford’s sound is a reflection of the diverse phases of his life. His work draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres, with pop, dance, and electronica being the most influential. “It goes beyond just a simple instrumentation setup, within using synths and different types of piano sounds, getting creative with vocal chops you can have a lot of fun with creating really unique musical sounds that are just very unique and rare in that space,” Retherford states.
Retherford delves deeper into his latest project titled Limited Time, which is centered around the importance and non-linear process of grief. His music creates a paradox, blending fun, lighthearted melodies with the heavier theme of grief. This unique combination helps listeners accept grief as a natural, even positive experience, rather than something that is always dark or brooding. Through his music, Retherford encourages and normalizes the diverse ways in which grief can manifest, making it more approachable and relatable. He explains, “It’s important to allow yourself to feel the grief. No matter if you’ve lost a job, a friend, a relationship, a parent, anything—grief is not something to run from, but it’s something to embrace and learn from.”
This past May, Retherford brought his talents and passion to the public for the first time at MayFest. Balancing his roles as a father, husband, and podcast business owner, he seamlessly integrates music into his bustling life. His next major event will be his album release show at the Spotlight Theater in Tulsa on August 23rd, hosted by Pop House and opened by local artists Lexi Onyango and THE LINKS. Looking ahead, Retherford aims to perform at the neighborhood bar, Mercury Lounge, a venue he considers a rite of passage for many local artists. “It’s a good dive bar that lots of local artists play at consistently. It’s kind of one of those bars you have to at least do once. So, I want to try to get on the Mercury Lounge venue this fall.” He states.
You can find Saynt Ego’s latest album on all music streaming platforms starting August 23rd, along with his newest single, "Breathing Underwater" as well as the HeartWerk remix. For creatives looking to incorporate his music into their projects, his work is also available on MusicBed. Be sure to follow one of Tulsa’s rising stars, @saynt.ego, to stay updated on his journey.