Dea & Saint are the life and business partners behind “Lost in St. Pete” (LiSP), a free music and art festival they produce with Ian Tuma of Lost Creations, which is returning to the area this Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26.
DEA & SAINT photo by @franksbeendead Frank Dead
The two multidimensional artists originally met at a Geri-X show in St. Pete and found that they “really started vibing at a weekly freestyle cypher. Since then we’ve been making music together and partners for 11 years and counting.”
They formed the band DEA & SAINT, after a year of performing with a rap crew. The band’s sound is inspired by punk, hardcore, and hip-hop. “We blend a lot of different styles to create something that’s unique,” they shared.
They say they’ve experienced “many of the highs and lows this [music] industry has to offer. The most challenging part has been staying true to the mission and not getting taken off our path. The most rewarding part is when we are able to make an authentic connection with someone who resonates with what we create.”
They acknowledge that touring takes grit, but that they’ve found success in Atlanta, New York, and NOLA, to name a few, and they want to do more in the future.
Additionally, they add, “Recording is always great. We released an EP last year called “Joy and War” along with three music videos/short films we self produced. Next we are writing more music with the band!”
The duo produced Lost in St. Pete in 2022 with Tuma of Lost Creations and have recently founded the 501(c)(3) Lost Arts Foundation with the mission of creating more free public events that support and fund artists.
The duo formed Lost Arts Foundation to support keeping performances accessible, equitable, and inspiring, “while celebrating the artists that make it happen.”
They believe the non-profit will enable them to keep the festival going in a way that’s sustainable while keeping it free to the public, while ensuring artists are fairly compensated fairly. “Our mission has always been to create platforms that uplift subculture and marginalized voices, and the non-profit was a huge milestone for us in actualizing our vision.”
This year’s festival features 54 acts over 2 days, spread across 4 stages at Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, 33712 and Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
Headliners include Zeta, Cardiel, Onlyonetwo, and Big Deusa — who are “artists we’ve either rocked stages with or collaborated with before,” the duo shared. Additionally there will be vissual artists live painting, and tabling and speaking by community groups.
Full schedule at: schedule.lostinstpete.org
Website: org | lostartfoundation.org
Instagram: @lostinstpete | @lostartsfoundation | @deaandsaint