Q&A: Santiago on Building His Sound and Bringing ‘Fire Starter’ to Life
WRITTEN BY ALICIA ZAMORA
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For Santiago, making music has always been about chasing that feeling of wanting more. The New Jersey artist has spent years figuring out what he wants to say, what he wants his sound to feel like and what kind of world he wants to build around it. That curiosity runs through Fire Starter — a project that feels like a snapshot of where he is now while still leaving room for wherever he goes next.
A lot of Santiago’s story comes back to movement. After spending two years away in Oregon, he returned home with a different perspective on himself and the artist he wanted to become. Being back around his community and the creatives who inspire him brought him closer to the things that made him want to create in the first place.
With Fire Starter, Santiago is exploring what happens when you trust your instincts and keep pushing an idea until it becomes something real. The project carries the energy of someone who isn’t waiting for the perfect moment — he’s already in motion.
Read our full conversation with Santiago below.
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LIFE ON JUPITER: Before we talk about Fire Starter, I want people to understand Santiago — the person behind it. What parts of your life feel most connected to the artist you are today?
SANTIAGO: I moved away to Oregon for two years, and that time allowed me to learn a lot about myself and the artist I want to be. Coming back home and connecting with people in my community, as well as other artists who inspire me, helped me focus on the things that are important to me.
What experiences outside of music have shaped the way you create and see the world?
SANTIAGO: Growing up in Jersey, being outside, and causing havoc as a kid. Also seeing 070 Shake do her thing. Music has been the only thing I’ve ever truly wanted to do, so seeing her come up from where we’re from really helped shape that.
The title Fire Starter feels like a statement. What was the “fire” you felt needed to be started — creatively, personally, or emotionally?
SANTIAGO: Creatively, I’m constantly daydreaming and thinking about my next thing and how I can make my art better. Seeing my friends’ films, photos, music, and clothing is very inspiring to me and really pushes me to do and want more.
Each track on the EP carries a different idea. What was the conversation you were having with yourself while creating this project?
SANTIAGO: I kept asking myself if this felt new and if it would resonate with people. At the time, I wasn’t listening to a lot of music because I wanted what I was making to feel as pure and true to me as possible.
When you listen back to Fire Starter as a complete project, what do you hear about yourself that you didn’t realize you were saying at the time?
SANTIAGO: There are a lot of recurring themes in the project that have made me look inward and confront myself. It’s been interesting to see how my songs have taken on new meaning and life after everything has been said and done. I feel like I’m relating to them a lot more now than I did before.
Which song from the EP feels like it reveals the most about you, and why?
SANTIAGO: “SKY FALL,” without a doubt. I’m basically manifesting — singing affirmations and speaking to my ambition and hunger. No matter what, I’ll be good.
Was there a song on this project that challenged you the most emotionally or creatively?
SANTIAGO: None of them so far. I felt clear and knew what I wanted while working on this project. A lot of the new music after Fire Starter has been challenging in the best ways possible. Augusto, my longtime friend and producer, and I have been working on how we can elevate our base sound and make it better.
What part of yourself did you have to be the most honest about while creating this EP?
SANTIAGO: I had to be honest with myself about who I am and how I feel in my relationships. Whether it be romantic or platonic, making this project really helped start a dialogue with myself.
Creating a project like Fire Starter takes time and commitment. What was the most challenging part of bringing this EP to life?
SANTIAGO: Staying consistent and writing every day. I finally found my voice after years of exploring by making voice memos every day and truly manifesting my sound. This was the most challenging part, but it was a challenge I’m proud to have followed through on.
Were there any moments during the creation of this project where you questioned the direction you were taking?
SANTIAGO: No. We had a clear vision, and we just kept pushing.
What do you think artists today need to understand beyond just making good music?
SANTIAGO: Having a good support system and community around you. You’d be surprised how much being around great people who support you, and vice versa, can do for your life and well-being.
What advice would you give someone with a dream who is still waiting for the right moment to start?
SANTIAGO: If you feel ready, you have already taken too long. There will never be a right moment. Why walk when you can run?
If you could go back to the beginning of creating this EP, what advice would you give yourself?
SANTIAGO: I wouldn’t give any advice to myself because I probably wouldn’t listen to it anyway. I wouldn’t have the project I have now if I went back in time.
Before we end, what is something you want people to carry with them after getting to know Santiago through this conversation?
SANTIAGO: I hope I was able to ignite a fire in someone to just go chase what they want. Just be confident and move with love.