It's the year of Artemas. The UK-based singer, songwriter and producer's life changed 10 months ago when his single i like the way you kiss me went viral - majorly. The underground track infiltrated social media and has amassed over 900M global streams (1.5 billion across his discography) and made waves on the charts. It's also established a solid fan base for the 24-year-old artist who has recently released his darkwave alt-pop mixtape yustyna. His music is dark, made for the night and unfiltered - just how we like it. The new mixtape takes off where his 2023 tape pretty left off. "It’s intentionally divisive," says Artemas. "You’ll either find it sexy or vulgar.” We spoke to the artist ahead of his world tour coming to Australia across November and December about leaning into the rawness and why he thinks he's resonating:

We love the mixtape. It’s refreshing to hear something darker and much more alternative than a lot of the pop we are being served. Tell us about crafting this project - where did you make it? Was there something specific inspiring you? What did you hope to convey through these songs?

Unlike pretty my first mixtape, we had more tools at our disposal and it’s my first real time in bigger studios. Originally I intended it to be the project around ‘i like the way you kiss me’ but my musical ADHD didn’t allow for it and I’m always trying to incorporate everything I like and make music I’d want to hear. These last 10 months it's been my goal not to overthink anything.  

Who did you work with who helped to further shape the Artemas world this time?

I make everything with my pal Toby, who’s an incredible musician. I also had the help of producer Kevin White who I’ve known for a few years. The origins of most of the songs came from a very fruitful two weeks when we also wrote ‘i like the way you kiss me’.

Obviously you have had major recent success with i like the way you kiss me. Why do you think this song specifically is resonating?

I think the lyrics are very brutally honest and the hook is very sticky. However for whatever reason the mob of people on the internet that decide what is going to be big really got behind it in its first few weeks and once it started moving it just didn’t stop. I feel very blessed.

Why did you choose to make this a mixtape as opposed to an album? What was your intention behind this collection of songs?

I’m only really 10 months into this journey and I think it would be wrong to start taking myself to seriously. I’m sure at some point over the next few years I will make a debut album, and sit down with the Zane Lowe’s of the world and go on talk shows but right now I’m enjoying just being very fluid with the process and enjoying how I’m putting it out.

Who inspires you musically and sonically? We can definitely hear The Weeknd’s House of Balloons era whether that resonates with you, but who has been a major influence for you that you can pinpoint?

[Red Hot] Chilli Peppers and Nirvana have definitely been big musical inspirations for me. House of Balloons I really got into, but when I was 17, not when it came out. I’ve always leaned towards the darker end of pop music.

What would you say are the three key ingredients for the perfect Artemas track?

Bait lyrics, soaring falsetto’s and fat bass.

What’s on the Artemas bucket list?

Doing a movie or TV soundtrack would be pretty amazing.

You’re going on a huge tour around Australia which has mostly sold out. What can we expect? How do you bring these songs to life on a live stage?

It’s been fun playing the first few festival shows with this new live setup. We’ve added a new band member, and it’s much more visual now. There’s a lot of energy in the set and hopefully we get the same from the people in the room.

Which song are you most excited to play live?

Caroline

What’s next?

I’m trying to keep everything pretty fluid, but I do know I want to put out one more project this year. We’re just about to set up a studio on the tour bus so looking forward to what comes from that.

Listen to Artemas HERE.

@artemas___