Fake Saint (Sean McGrath) has released his new single, Flatline. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Fake Saint is an emerging alt-pop artist from Ireland, who can count Teddy Swims, Lewis Capaldi, and Sam Tompkins as fans.
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He says his name reflects his journey: "Fake" signifies "the imposter syndrome and personas he's adopted at times to fit in, while "Saint" represents his self-awareness, imperfect but always striving to improve".
Capaldi personally invited him on stage to perform at Dublin's Olympia Theatre, and Teddy Swims has repeatedly reviewed and covered his music.
"Flatline is about that terrifying dependence you feel when someone becomes your oxygen," says Fake Saint. "It’s like they reach inside your chest and pull you back every time you start to fade."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a Dad to two amazing boys; I became a dad at 17 and have been blessed with two of the most interesting and incredible boys imaginable
I’m obsessed with buying scented candles, so much so that some would say it’s becoming a problem because I have over 10 in the house at one time.
My favourite way to relax is sitting near the sea or a lake just listening to the water!
How would you describe your music?
I think my music is raw, authentic and emotional, the aim is to use my feelings, thoughts and words to try and connect with others on a deeper level and maybe to show that these feelings are normal and they are not alone in feeling them.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I’m influenced by so many artists but I would say my key influences are Teddy Swims because I have seen his rise from doing covers on YouTube to selling out arenas and he has been an incredible friend and mentor to me for years now and has been a huge advocate and voice for me in my solo career.
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Paul Brady is my second key influence as growing up my Dad used to show me loads of different types and genres of music in the car on the way to school and something about Paul Brady’s voice and storytelling captured me and gave me a huge push to start writing my own music.
Sam Tompkins is another key influence as he began as a busker and progressed through all of the different stages and levels it takes to get to where he is while keeping his story clear, his art true and wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout his music and his content.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever want to was Westlife in The Point, Dublin. It was a time that really made me feel like I wanted to be on stage when I was older. They put on an incredible show and the atmosphere in the arena was electric and I have always wanted to create something like that!
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I bought was ABC by The Jackson 5, such an amazing album and an absolutely huge impact for the band at that time.
What’s your favourite song right now?
A song I’ve had on repeat since it was released is - Some Things I’ll Never Know by Teddy Swims. It’s an incredible song.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Oh, I have to give you two!! "But the lights stayed on somehow, And love filled up our little house, Yeah, life ain’t always what it seems, Cause I thought all he ever did was leave" - All I Ever Do Is Leave by Luke Combs.
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"And, honey, I stay stoned, on your love, all the time" - Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Lakes of Pontchartrain by Paul Brady. It’s an absolute classic and every time I’ve heard him play it live, it just silences the room and leaves everyone in awe.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram: @fakesaint and TikTok: @fakesaint.
Alan Corr
