_SANTI_ Baby

BY BILL GERRITY

Much of _SANTI_’s early life is reflected in his music today. Songs touch on his Latino culture and his experiences as an immigrant living in the USA, as well as being a flamboyant kid and misfit.

This month, he releases “PerreON,” the first single from his soon-to-be-released full-length album. It is a futuristic, fun, upbeat, and very sexy dance track that combines house music with reggaeton elements.

For the video, he sports some of today’s leading urban fashion design houses. He wears looks from Patrick Church, Lucas Stowe, Sho Konishi, and FBMT. “Fashion has always been important to me,” _SANTI_ says. “I love to sew and alter my clothing to express my individualism and to make statements. It’s a way for me to show the world that I can wear dresses, skirts, and heels and still be masculine. I can paint my nails and still be sexy as hell.”

We spoke with the Tik Tok star-turned-singer from his Miami home.

How many days a week do you work out?

I try to work out at least four times a week. Resting and eating well are big parts of the regimen. I’ve been working out since I was fourteen years old to build the muscle mass I have today.

Are you strict with your diet?

I try to be.

What part of your body are you most proud of today? My brain.

How long have you been recording music?

I’ve written songs for as long as I can remember. I used to dance in the mirror pretending to be a pop star. I’m proud of myself for chasing the dreams I had as a kid. I have been working really hard these past few months, making so much music and producing many music videos. I’m putting all my focus on music and coming hard for this, girlies.

Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Beyoncé, for obvious reasons, and Gaga, duh. I also love Rosalia. I think she’s such a unique artist who is pushing boundaries. SZA is one of my favorites, for sure. I’m also very inspired by the late Venezuelan rapper Canserbero. He was an incredible songwriter and storyteller, and he happened to be from my hometown of Maracay.

Growing up, were you obsessed with music videos?

I was definitely obsessed with music videos. Gaga’s especially. The way she captures culture and references art. It really inspires me. What pushed me to love music so much and want to make it is the artistry of it all, the music videos, and the art direction behind it. I’m very inspired by cinematography and film as well. They all make me wanna create iconic visuals.

What do you hope fans take away from the PerreON music video?

The whole project is a love letter to Latin culture. I wanted to make something beautiful that represented me as a Latino in a futuristic and modern way.

Please tell us a little about PerreON and how the song came about.

I wrote PerreON in Los Angeles while I was there working with my music producer, Sam J Garfield. We completed the record in two days, which is insane. I happened to be in top creative form in Los Angeles because I had just found out that a modeling shoot I had done a few months before had made it into the pages of Vogue Magazine in Japan. I think my good mood from that day reflects in the song. I was feeling myself, and it’s all about getting it ON.

How old were you when you first came out? I was fifteen and in love, or so I thought.

How was it received by your family?

My mom wasn’t thrilled at first, but she and my family fully embrace me now.

Did you experience any discrimination coming out in a machismo country like Venezuela?

Oh yes, I was bullied all throughout high school. I remember cars passing by with groups of guys yelling “faggot” at me from their windows.

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could have given to your young self?

I wish I could tell my young self not to pay any mind to other people’s nonsense opinions. I wish I could show him a mirror of what those losers were going to look like ten years later and what I look like. He needed to know that he was going to grow up to be a bad bitch and icon.

You sound pretty confident in yourself. These days I am so secure and proud of who I am. I am a strong independent gay man who gives no f***s about what people think about me. If they have a problem with how I present myself, that’s on them.

Sticky. Silky. Sweet. Salty. Which word best describes _SANTI_?

Definitely sweet. I’m a super loving and kind person at heart.

Now to the important questions. Growing up, what was your favorite cartoon? The Simpsons.

What was your first car?

I’ve never owned a car!

How do you get around?

I’ve had motorcycles since I was a teenager.

These days I ride a Ninja Kawasaki. What do you mean when you say you want to be treated like a slut?

Me and my girlies are taking the word slut and owning it as empowerment. A slut is a state of mind, a feeling. A slut is somebody who is in charge of their self. They are confident in how they conduct themselves and what they want out of life, and they do not care what others think or say.

What would be your idea of a perfect first date? Beach, blunt, sex.

What’s your worst habit? I sleep too much.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

Hosting at a restaurant. I hate greeting people, and I hate fake smiling. I was a stripper once, which was much more fun than hosting.

Who is your #1 fan? My mommy.