Inspired by dreams, spontaneity, impulse, energy and interaction, Santi has the essentials to write a song. “I don’t normally open my journal to create a song; writing doesn’t have to be premeditated.” Come to think about it, neither is life in the eyes of Santi White.

At sixteen, Santi interned for Philadelphia International record label. After a few record company gigs, she became disillusioned, and set off on a more creative path. Soon after, Santi executive produced and wrote much of the debut album of Geffen recording artist Res. After finishing that project in 2001, she began writing songs for herself, deciding to share her creativity with the world, and thus Stiffed formed. The Philadelphia based, punk-influenced rock band consists of White, Matt Schleck, Chris Shar and Chuck Treece.

First things first: while Santi respects No Doubt, she thinks “it a little simplistic to be compared to Gwen Stefani.” Since you don’t get to see the many Black women who don’t sing R&B, let alone female leads in a band, the comparison to Stefani seems to be
the only way to describe a vocal style unfamiliar to commercial listeners, which to White is thoughtless. “Just like back in 1997, everybody not singing like Mary Blige was said to sound like Erykah Badu. People need an easy reference point.”

Upholding the “rocker” identity is somewhat of a test itself. Santi considers herself an organic artist, which means music and art override style and persona. The pressure and expectations for performers to always be “on”, or that women should show more skin make it a bit difficult to focus on the artistry, which is what Santi maintains.

All you need to know about Santi White is that she is a true artist who wants her music and art to impact a lot of people. “I want to make a living doing something that will matter, that can change people”. Santi White may just leave a lasting mark on the quintessence of what the music industry has somewhat lost – a passion for the art.