INTERVIEW

When I first sat down with Saint Heart, it was clear from the start that her story wasn’t your typical journey to stardom. Beneath her effortless cool, there’s an unmistakable sense of grit and determination—a woman who’s never backed down from the challenges thrown her way. As we talked, it became obvious that her rise in both music and acting was shaped by a deep connection to her roots and an unshakeable belief in staying true to herself. 

Heart’s life has been one of constant evolution, a series of bold decisions that, in her words, “called for something greater.” From growing up in Austin to finding her way in Los Angeles, she is now known for her standout roles in Babylon, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Offer, and her recent single, “GIRLS,”. With nothing but a dream and a small token of her mother’s love, Heart’s story is one of leaps of faith, resilience, and, above all, an unwavering dedication to carving out her own path in an industry that rarely makes room for those who dare to stand out. 

Despite growing up in the city, Heart always felt a pull toward something bigger. “I had more in my life than just what was in Austin,” she reflects. “I was doing a lot of modeling, but as a singer, I needed to be somewhere else.” That desire for growth led her to Los Angeles, but leaving wasn’t easy. “I remember telling my mom, ‘I’m leaving,’ and she didn’t believe me. She called both of my grandmas, which was rare because they’re never together. We all sat in my dad’s van, and my grandmas each gave me $1,000.” As the reality of her departure set in, her mother came to terms with it in a way Heart will never forget. “At the airport, she gave me a charm—this big heart with three little hearts that represent me, my sister, and my brother. She took it off and handed it to me. It’s my good luck charm. I know it sounds silly, but it reminds me of her letting me go to chase my dreams.” With $2,000 and her mother's blessing in the form of that cherished charm, Heart boarded the plane to LA, ready to pursue her destiny. 

Moving to Los Angeles was not without its challenges. Initially living with college roommates found through Craigslist—an arrangement made difficult by an endless stream of frat party visitors—Heart found herself navigating the early struggles of LA life. “Moving to LA was hell,” she recalls. “It was hard at first. I had no job, and I was afraid to drive, so I had to take buses everywhere.” But her persistence soon paid off. Modeling gigs began to roll in, including work for iconic brands like Ed Hardy and BCBG, where she quickly transitioned from model to assistant. “They really liked my attitude and asked if I wanted the job. It was a crazy job, but I was just being myself, that got me pretty far along.” 

But singing, her true passion, was never far from her mind. In a serendipitous twist, a karaoke night at a burger joint turned into her first break when a record producer in the audience noticed her performance. “He said, ‘You have a really good voice,’ and that was the start,” she recalls. From there, Heart’s musical journey took off, leading to a distribution deal with Universal Music Group. Her unique sound, which she calls "tribal pop," draws on her Indigenous heritage and love for distinctive musical styles.