SAINT HEART

PHOTOGRAPHER: JAC WONG

Saint Heart is an unstoppable force of nature, effortlessly blending music, film, and advocacy in ways that defy convention. With over 20 films under her belt in just two years, and now releasing her latest single "GIRLS," she’s proving that her artistry knows no bounds. The track, which racked up over 41,000 Spotify plays in just two days, marks a powerful moment in her career as she publicly embraces her identity as a bisexual woman for the first time. "I believe we should feel free to love who we love and there’s nothing wrong with that," she candidly shares. It’s this authenticity and courage that drives her journey—whether on-screen or behind the mic.

Originally hailing from Austin, Texas, Saint Heart's rise to fame is a testament to her resilience and creativity. From tribal pop music inspired by her Comanche heritage to playing a lead role in Amazon Prime's *Deadly Western*, she’s redefining what it means to be a dynamic artist in Hollywood. “Making that first step was the hardest but best choice I ever made,” she recalls of her move to Los Angeles. Now, with an EP on the horizon and dreams of winning an Oscar, Saint Heart’s next chapter is sure to be nothing short of groundbreaking.

You transitioned from music to acting after signing with Universal Music Group. What was the catalyst for this shift, and how did your love for acting first surface?

I transitioned from music to acting by simply taking a new opportunity and giving it a shot. A movie producer heard my song, reached out, and asked if I could act. I said yes right away there was no way I was going to pass up a chance like that!

Having grown up in Austin, Texas, what part of your upbringing or environment influenced your decision to move to Los Angeles and pursue both acting and music full-time?

Making that first step was the hardest but best choice I ever made. Aside from my family, there wasn’t much keeping me in Texas. I had bigger dreams to follow. I always knew I was meant for something more, and the only way to make that happen was to take a chance. It was scary at first, but I learned about, hard work, and found my real passion along the way.

The pandemic was a challenging time for many, but it seems like it was a turning point for you. How did you navigate those challenges and still manage to thrive, booking over 20 films in just two years?

The pandemic was tough for so many, but for me, it became a chance to explore a new side of myself. It pushed me to find another way to express my creativity, and during that time, I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had. I had my love for acting. I bought all the books I could and learned so much, then joined a class. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work with film director Gregory Hatanaka on multiple films, where he gave me incredible opportunities to try out different roles, like a Russian assassin, a psychic, cowgirl, and even a YouTube ghost hunter. That was just the start of such a beautiful part of my career. It’s been a wild ride!

Your latest single, "GIRLS," marks the first time you’ve publicly shared that you are part of the LGBTQ+ community. How has embracing your identity in both your music and personal life shaped the kind of artist and actor you want to be?

I created my song "Girls" with Music, producer and songwriters, Angela Del Rey, and Nathaniel Levingston to show my love for everyone, regardless of who they are. In the past, I kept my relationships private, not because I feared judgment, but because I wanted to maintain that part of my life in silence until now. This song is my way of expressing that love. "Girls" has become a powerhouse record, achieving success quickly, and I’m so proud of it and happy that others enjoy it.

Being part Comanche, how has your Indigenous heritage played a role in your creative process, both in your "tribal pop" music and in the characters you portray on screen?

I'm proud of my heritage and all I've learned. I want to stand out in music by embracing my uniqueness. Native culture and its stories inspire me, and performing at powwows and working with Native musicians has been incredible. I haven't played a Native American woman in any film yet, and honestly, I feel more like a cowgirl myself. I'm excited to give back to the community!

When you stepped into the spotlight as a bisexual woman, how did your personal experiences influence the themes and emotions behind "GIRLS"?

Since I came out and said that I love everyone, I feel like the response has been amazing and so accepting I wish I would’ve been able to say this earlier.

You’ve worked with legends like Tom Arnold and Kevin Sorbo in *Alien Storm*, and recorded with music industry giants like Andrew Lane and Jess Jackson. How do these experiences with seasoned professionals impact your own creative confidence?

Working with professionals in the industry has helped me grow each time I get to learn something new. Working with Tom Arnold was a great experience he brought such a dad vibe to the set. Filming *Alien Storm* was a lot of fun. Andrew Lane feels like family to me; he was the first to believe in my talent and has always supported me. Jess Jackson was also cool to work with. Having collaborated with artists like Kanye West, he shared valuable insights about performance that I’ll always remember.

Can you describe a moment from your time collaborating with either Andrew Lane or Jess Jackson where you felt your artistry reach a new level? 

Working with Andrew Lane has been a dream come true. He’s incredibly professional and has taught me so much about pitch, delivery, and adding depth to my songs. The lessons I learned in the studio will stay with me forever. One of my biggest achievements was performing as the main act at Comic Con San Diego for 3 days straight, where I showcased songs I wrote with Jess, Jackson, Bud’da and Andrew Lane.

With such a diverse career in acting, music, and hosting, how do you balance these different creative avenues without feeling stretched too thin?

Staying busy is my main focus, and connecting with other creatives helps me grow. I believe that knowledge is power, and the more people I meet and experiences I have, the more satisfying my journey becomes.

Acting allows for a unique kind of storytelling, different from music. What do you find acting gives you that music doesn’t, and vice versa? 

Acting allows me to tell other people's stories in your own way. Creating characters is the best part because it helps you explore emotions you might not experience in creating music.

Having worked on projects like “Deadly Western” and “Alien Storm”, what’s one role that made you challenge your own perceptions of yourself, and how did you grow from it? How do you choose roles that resonate with you deeply?

My most recent role as Flora McAndrews in *10,000 Acres* was a real challenge since it’s a period piece. I love pushing myself, and after reading the book and script, I really vibed with her. The wardrobe and stunning location helped me get into character. I always pick my roles based on the script, and if I truly love the character, I can dive in way deeper. I can’t wait to take on more challenges in the future!

Is there a particular story or character that you dream of portraying one day?

I always love the question! Playing Catwoman, has always been my dream. I love her mystery, sexuality, playfulness, and how she embodies so much. Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, and Zoe Kravitz all did an amazing job with the character. I believe that with the right opportunity, my portrayal of Catwoman could be iconic.

What’s been the most surprising lesson you've learned since moving to Los Angeles and navigating both the music and film industries?

Rejection is tough, but it’s taught me resilience. It’s rarely personal, just part of the process. Every "no" brings me closer to the right "yes."

You’ve shown incredible resilience through the ups and downs of your journey. Can you share a time when you faced significant self-doubt, and what helped you push through?

I faced self-doubt in my music and acting career when bigger roles weren’t coming as fast as I hoped. Or booking more shows. What helped was staying focused on my passion for performing and trusting that persistence will pay off, proving to me that patience is everything in my career.

Looking back at the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self, knowing what you know now about the entertainment world and life itself?

I’d tell my younger self to be patient and trust the journey. Success takes time, and setbacks are just part of learning. Keep believing in yourself, stay consistent, and take risks you never know which opportunity will make a difference.

The pandemic forced a lot of artists to rethink their careers. How did that period affect your sense of identity as both a performer and a person?

The pandemic made me rethink who I am as an artist. With everything shut down, I found new ways to express myself and realized how important my art is to me. My songs and screen performances will last forever, and I want to create only what I'm proud to leave behind when I die. Overall, it was a tough but eye-opening time.

With your hosting work during the actors' strike, including interviewing Tim Burton and Guillermo Del Toro, what’s one piece of advice or insight they gave you that’s stuck with you?

During my hosting work during the actors' strike, Tim Burton and Guillermo Del Toro, both told me to stay true to my vision. Tim said that taking risks can lead to something special, while Guillermo said the importance of sharing stories that reflect who you really are. Their advice hit me hard staying authentic is key to really connecting with people.

In a world that often wants to box people into specific labels, how do you stay grounded and ensure that your artistic vision remains authentic to who you are?

I focus on what inspires me and trust my instincts. I love exploring different creative paths. High fashion, makeup, and wearing wigs set me apart from other artists, it’s so fun to be a chameleon! I really admire Lady Gaga and Cher for being true to themselves, and I look up to them as both actresses and singers. I hope to have that same longevity in my career. Also being around supportive people who encourage my individuality also helps me stay true to myself.

Being an Indigenous performer in the mainstream entertainment industry, what kind of cultural representation do you hope to bring to the forefront through your work?

I aim to share stories that highlight the traditions and challenges, proving that ALL Indigenous voices matter in entertainment.

How do you hope your career as an openly bisexual, Indigenous artist influences future generations who look up to you?

I hope my career shows future generations that they can be proud of who they are. I want to inspire them to express themselves and follow their dreams.

You’ve had a whirlwind journey so far, from acting to music and hosting. What’s one goal or dream you haven’t achieved yet, but you’re determined to reach in the next few years?

I want to work with Oscar-winning directors and producers, and hopefully win an Oscar one day. I know if I were given the right role or opportunity, I would shine and make everyone proud who believed in me from the start.

With your debut EP in production, how do you see your sound evolving? What messages are most important for you to convey to your listeners through this upcoming project?

With my debut EP in production, I’m excited to blend different genres and bring back tribal pop. I want to share messages of empowerment, sexuality and authenticity, inspiring my listeners to embrace their true selves and chase their dreams. It’s all about being fierce and fabulous and unstoppable!

How do you stay true to yourself while navigating an industry that can sometimes demand conformity or force artists into certain roles?

It means knowing my worth, understanding my values, finding real opportunities, surrounding myself with supportive people, embracing my uniqueness, being open to growth.

Music and acting are two incredibly emotional and vulnerable forms of art. How do you personally process and channel those emotions into your work without letting it consume you?

I set boundaries, often journal to clear my head, use my feelings to fuel my art, practice mindfulness, lean on my support system, and make self-care a priority.

Lastly, if you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I’d be “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz. It’s all about believing in yourself and going after your dreams, no matter what. I love how it inspires people to think big!