Saynt Ego: The Artist Rebuilding Identity Through Sound
TULSA, Oklahoma — Some artists begin with a dream of fame. Others begin with a story they have to tell. For Saynt Ego, the artistic project of Will Retherford, music emerged from the aftermath of walking away from an entirely different calling.
How it all started
Before producing cinematic indie electronic records, Retherford spent years pursuing Episcopal ordination, preparing for a life as a priest. Choosing to leave that path wasn’t simply a professional decision—it meant letting go of an identity he had spent years building. That deeply personal transition now fuels every piece of music released under the Saynt Ego name.
Rather than separating the sacred from the secular, Saynt Ego explores the space where those worlds collide. His music blends immersive electronic production, indie influences, and emotionally transparent songwriting, creating songs that feel equally suited for late-night reflection and packed live venues. The result is an artist focused less on trends and more on building a complete creative universe.
That commitment to thoughtful storytelling extends beyond music. Retherford is also the founder of Citizens of Sound, a nationally recognized podcast production company whose clients include TED, A Little Bit Culty, Vox, and numerous other respected organizations. His work has earned recognition from major publications and brands, including The New York Times, Business Insider, E! Entertainment, and Apple. Earlier releases under his own name amassed more than 500,000 streams, while his music has also been licensed through Musicbed for sync opportunities.
Trials and tribulations
Despite those accomplishments, Retherford describes his greatest challenge as internal rather than professional.
Leaving the church required rebuilding his sense of purpose from the ground up. When the identity you’ve envisioned for yourself disappears, there is no immediate replacement. That uncertain period became the emotional foundation for Liminal Space, an album centered on existing between who you once were and who you are becoming. Instead of avoiding uncertainty, Saynt Ego transforms it into music that resonates with listeners navigating their own transitions.
That philosophy shapes every aspect of the project. Visual storytelling, cinematic production, and carefully crafted narratives all work together to create an experience that extends beyond individual songs. Rather than treating music, film, and visual art as separate mediums, Saynt Ego views them as pieces of the same creative language.
The next chapter begins with the release of “Dissociate (Sleep Mode)” on July 3, followed by a reinterpretation of “Sign of the Times” on July 31. The cover release will also introduce a serialized comedic video series designed to complement the larger Liminal Space rollout in an unexpected way.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Saynt Ego’s ambitions reach far beyond traditional album cycles. The long-term vision includes major film and television sync placements, immersive live performances that feel more like cinematic experiences than concerts, and a body of interconnected work spanning music, film, and visual storytelling.
For Saynt Ego, success isn’t measured solely by streams or charts. It’s about creating meaningful art for people navigating moments of uncertainty themselves. In a world that often demands certainty, his music embraces the beauty—and the discomfort—of becoming someone new.
