Tell us about yourself and your music

Let’s start with my name. Jastin Artis is my first and middle name. So, in many ways I was meant to create. But for a long time, I didn’t like my middle name. Never used it or would say it. Now, I love it!
My brand of music is called Hip-Hop Renaissance. It’s a blend of gospel, hip-hop, alternative, and spoken-word. Of course, I fuse a lot more such as R&B, funk, and soul. My music is growth through music. I discuss true human emotions and struggles with giving a spiritual sensibility, solution, and purpose to elevate. I am the bridge from where you are to where you want to be.

Talk to us more about your latest release

My latest release is a single called In the Moment. I created it for a producer contest. I don’t usually do any sort of contest with my music. But, certain times I go for it just to let the world know someone like me exists. This time I was looking to win, but I did not.

You got to choose from 5 or 6 beats and then create your song. In the Moment is what came out. What I love about this song is the instrumentation. It feels familiar with the current trend in hip-hop but it’s still different, which is my sound. And I challenged myself to flow continuously instead of having spaces in my flow.

And of course, I love my message. I wanted to acknowledge the stage I’m in for my life is truly my moment. I’ve conquered so much in the last few years alone but I still want to enjoy the moment, create moments, and be in the moment. So, I feel it’s something we all can relate to.

What inspired you to write this release?

I’m a very spiritual person. I always go for what I what I hear and see in my mind. The past couple years I typically freestyle words, rhythms, and go from there. I believe the title was called ‘moment’ or something; so, I always try to play off the producer’s title unless I feel or hear something different.
Then I instantly came out with ‘in the moment, it’s my moment…blah blah..”. I knew then it was it!

Any plans to release a video?

I would like to do a real video for this song. But here’s an unofficial video

Any plans to hit the road?

No plans right now. I’m trying to get back in the flow of performing again in the Dc Metro area coming from the NC market. Due to personal things and health, I haven’t performed in over a year. So, I must get back on the horse again. One step at a time.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

I believe branding is in everything we do from how we interact with people on all levels, showing up for a gig, meeting with producers, etc. Of course, this is inside and outside of music. Therefore, I have a standard that now many people know; that’s how I brand myself.

As for the music, most people can instantly hear the difference in my music from other artists; whether known or unknown. The best way artists should stand out is be true to who they are not what they do.
I knew at an early stage of my life my music was going to be different. Of course, it took time to cultivate and I’m still learning how I push the boundaries and challenge myself, listeners, and the industry.
The biggest way I try to stand out aside from my sound is what I talk about and how I present it. This is a challenge because it seems the majority want the same old topics so; the audience is slow to embracing new ideas and topics. But I stick to my guns.
Additionally, I offer more than just music. I have my blog A Man Elevated geared to help our young men. Also, with my Daddy Journal and Calling ALL Days ministry amongst other ideas.

Who have you been listening to lately?

I’ve been in a huge rock phase lately like Chili Peppers, Incubus, John Mayer…Black Milk, Ed Sheeran, Nas, Common, Chance the Rapper, Janel Monae, Dave Mathews, Biggie,
Jay-z, and my old projects of course lol …most of this is right off my Spotify LOL

Tell us about your passions

My other passions outside of music are education, father’s rights, development in our youth, film, branding, artist development, and so much more.

Of course, what gets me out of bed is God saw it okay to wake me up. Moreover, just purpose. I live for my purpose; the bigger picture though I may not always get it. Additionally, my son Jace. Before him it was just about music and the purpose in that.

Now, it’s about him. There’s some struggles with that as the co-parenting situation isn’t what I expected it to be so, I’m fighting for my rights and his too. It’s so easy to quit but again the bigger picture and purpose is to one day be involved like I’m supposed to and show other dads how to get through this type of situation.

What else is happening next in your world?

As an engineer, I have His Image’s second project Royal Mess album coming out soon. For myself, I have two projects I hope to have released in the coming months; The Separation 1 and 2; Love in Darkness EP. The EP is a taste of what my next full and probably final album will be about, Love Frequency.

I’m also hopeful to start my Calling ALL Dads/Daddy Journal video series in the coming months. The self-documentary is sharing my story yet giving other men the tools I’ve learned through my process of being a physically absent father but trying to be involved in my son’s life consistently.

Thanks for an awesome interview, Jastin!

Connect with Jastin Artis

Website: https://justapuppet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jastinartis
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jastinartis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jartisproject
Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/jastin-artis
Reverbnation: https://www.Reverbnation.com/jastinartis