“There’s something about saying their name out loud…” Tommy Saint pauses, then continues: “I love the direct intimacy in hearing the name of the person that the song is addressed to, yet being left with only the option to imagine them for yourself.”
That’s exactly the feeling kalila leaves you with — a soul-drenched R&B track that floats between deep intimacy and dream-like mystery. Released on July 31st via 10K Projects (home to the likes of Aitch, Trippie Redd, and Ice Spice), kalila marks the second step in Tommy Saint’s transition into smoother, moodier sounds, following June’s control.
For fans of the North London artist-producer, this direction isn’t surprising — it’s the evolution of an artist who’s never stood still. Whether it was the trap energy of SAINT SEASON, the virality of Elixir, or the silky vocals on billie jean, Tommy has long made it clear that his music doesn’t fit in one box.
Layered over a light acoustic-led production infused with hints of Bossa Nova and a dynamic percussive swing, kalila leans into a more vulnerable, introspective Tommy. His husky vocals melt across the track with a kind of effortless pain, making you feel every inch of the heartbreak he’s narrating.
It’s no wonder heavyweights like M Huncho, Nafe Smallz, ZieZie, AntsLive, and even underground king BlazeYL (who Tommy opened for recently) are paying attention. In an era where artists are often molded by teams, Saint is carving his space by doing it all, and doing it well.
And it’s not just the music. His visuals, often created with close collaborator and director Ilan Lampl, mirror the nocturnal aesthetic that’s become a signature for Saint. You feel like you’re being pulled into his world — one of late-night drives, echoing thoughts, and that one name you probably shouldn’t still be thinking about.
Raised on a combination of classical, noise music, and pop, Tommy Saint began rapping in his teens before formally studying music production — a decision that clearly paid off. His breakout moment came in 2022 with Elixir, a track that now sits at over 3.5 million streams. But instead of chasing virality again, he’s focused on building something more intentional.
He’s already landed on major Spotify playlists like New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, ALT R&B, and Melodic Rap, and is quietly gaining recognition for his ambient side project Saint Scores. It’s safe to say, the Tommy Saint universe is expanding — and kalila is just a stop on the journey.
As for who Kalila is? That’s between Tommy and the name echoing through your headphones.
Listen to Tommy Saint’s New Single kalila
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
