Start Listening To: everyday saints

Explore the dark allure and theatrical spirit of Brighton's occult pop innovators.

Brighton’s vibrant music scene has long been a cradle for eclectic and boundary-pushing artists, and everyday saints are no exception. Emerging from the coastal city with their self-described “occult pop” sound, their music is a collision of eerie yet catchy melodies, threaded with themes of devotion, obsession, and an unabashed nod to the supernatural. Their latest single, “guts/glory,” delves deep into the dichotomy of ambition and desperation. With lyrics that juxtapose violent yearning against upbeat instrumentals, everyday saints craft a narrative that oscillates between the relatable and the fantastical.

In this Q&A, everyday saints open up about the inspirations behind “guts/glory,” the dynamics of the Brighton music community, and their evolution as performers. Dive into their world to discover how this compelling band blends raw emotion, gothic flair, and relentless ambition into their art.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Jade: We’re everyday saints, from Brighton, UK! We make occult pop music.

Congrats on your new single, "guts/glory"! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track? What themes were you aiming to explore with it?

Pip: Thank you!! I really like having a double meaning in my songs. So on the surface it’s about being into someone who isn’t into you back; but my actual idea / inspiration was that it’s about someone trying to make a deal with the devil for success, and being ignored cus they’re too desperate. So themes of ambition, obsession, and a Faustian vibe. Obsessively pursuing a dream for the highs, in spite of the lows.

You describe "guts/glory" as a story of obsession and yearning. Could you share how those emotions play out in the lyrics and musical arrangement?

Pip: Yeah for sure! So it’s an upbeat sounding love song contrasted against quite dark lyrics. The obsessiveness comes in in the way that these feelings are described. It’s not positive, it’s described using violent and desperate terms: it’s meant to be pathetic and pitiful and unwell. I was really inspired by ‘#1 Crush’ by Garbage for that. In terms of musical arrangement, I took a lot of inspiration from similar kinda obsessive love songs. The one I remember most is ‘Head Over Heels’ by Tears for Fears, particularly in the synth breaks between chorus and verse. I also wanted there to be a kind of 60s do-wop energy, to bring to mind that kinda classic yearning “I’m in love with this boy and he never notices me” tune. (Except that boy is the devil and I’m trying to make a deal with him for fame and money, but he thinks I’m too desperate, help?).

The visual aspects of everyday saints seem very intentional. How important is visual identity to the band, and how does it reflect your music?

Jade: The visual aspects are somewhat intentional, but in terms of style and image we definitely just elevate our own individual styles. We’re all into this dark, spooky kinda vibe and we each bring a different kind of uniqueness to it. The dramatic theatrical elements are very intentional (we’re dramatic people).

Pip: I think super intentional! We also lean into a cultish vibe with our stage outfits.

From antlers to wedding dresses, you bring some striking elements to the stage. How do these choices enhance your performances, and what reaction do you hope they elicit from the audience?

Jade: We like to put on a show for sure. I think it makes us a memorable act. We also like to think of ourselves somewhat as ‘characters’ when we perform live. We’ve discussed our characters’ names, storylines and everything. So, the antlers and wedding dresses really help with getting into those characters. We’ve never had a bad reaction, people generally seem to enjoy it and understand the vibe as soon as they see the outfits.

Your live presence on the south coast has grown steadily. How has playing small festivals and supporting acts like Starbenders and Margaritas Podridas influenced you as a band?

Jade: It’s been really great being able to support such amazing bands and lovely people! The Starbenders gig is one of my favourite we’ve played. Nico from Starbenders’ label, who we met the night, had worked with Lady Gaga, so it was a bit of a starstruck moment for me!

Brighton is known for its vibrant music scene. What’s it like being part of that, and how has the local community shaped your journey as a band?

Jade: Brighton has a really great music community. It’s really great to see some really interesting and different new acts coming out of the local scene at the moment. Everyone is so interconnected here, you’re always bound to run into people from various bands at different gigs - it’s lovely to see everyone so involved and supportive of each other. I think that community vibe counts for a lot.

Your lyrics often dive into themes of devotion and obsession. Do you see these themes as reflections of personal experiences, or are they more inspired by fictional or symbolic influences?

Pip: Both! I think I like to write dramatised and in-character rather than as myself. Although I do also pull from my own feelings, because I’m a ruminator and a stewer. Moreso though I love pulling inspiration from [fiction with themes of obsession. Especially when it’s about personal ambition mixed with human aspects. So I love [films like Mulholland Drive, Black Swan, and Whiplash, because they really focus on the horrific nature of getting over-obsessed with something (or someone) you love, and paying the price.

What role does the occult play in your music and image? Are there particular myths, symbols, or stories that inspire your approach?

Pip: I’ve been really fascinated by the occult since I was little. Witchcraft is cool and fem. I’m really interested in wicca - Old English, celtic, and pagan mythology - and some Biblical stuff, because I was very into Christianity as a kid. For this band we keep it camp. I like to bring some horned demon energy to my stage clothes: so lots of antlers and horns. The imagery of a horned god is very common in witch-cult stuff, and it’s got obvious visual connotations for anyone new to us.

I bring a lot of occultism into the music and lyrics too. For the music theory babes out there, I love a tritone. Lyrically it depends on the song; our previous single ‘rumspringa’ for example is really blatantly about religious oppression - whereas I usually prefer to just throw in references.

Jade: I think for me it’s a combination of horror movies and an interest in spiritual beliefs. I love cheesy, over dramatic horror movies and I think this influences the performance style somewhat - definetly mine anyway. I’m also fascinated with the idea of believing in a divine being - and have read religious texts out of curiosity. These spiritual themes defintely show up in the music and image a lot.

What do you love right now?

Jade: Monster Energy, peroxide, Slag Wars, Percy Pig, and money.

Pip: Lemsip, pink guitars, Edgar Allen Poe, evil rituals, and my next door neighbour’s cat.

What do you hate right now?

Jade: Gas companies, Tesla, The Dare (sorry), and moving house.

Pip: Gas companies, Pepsi Blue, boys, and Jade’s cat (but she hates me more.)

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

Jade: The Fame Monster, by Lady Gaga. I saw her live supporting the Pussycat Dolls when I was a child, and she really inspired me to make music that’s a bit out of the norm. That meat dress meant everything to me. I still listen to her for inspiration now!

Pip: Clear Hearts Grey Flowers, by Jack off Jill. I remember finding it on Youtube when I was ten and being obsessed, because it was the first gungy alt girl music I’d ever heard. I got banned from listening to it because of the band’s name. Jokes on my mum, I still listen today.

Looking ahead, what can fans expect from everyday saints after "guts/glory"? Any new projects, tours, or collaborations on the horizon?

Jade: We’re currently organising filming a video for ‘guts/glory’ . We’re also hoping to get some new music out early in the next year, with the aim of releasing an EP later on in the year. We’re trying to book some more gigs in London and different places we haven’t played before and hopefully some festivals in the summer!