Today we’d like to introduce you to James Artissen.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey as a young kid from Queens, New York with aspirations to be in the music business. I had the honor meeting Michael Jackson at age 11, and it inspired me to want to pursue music as a career. Once I truly made the decision I never looked back, and made history.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it has not been smooth at times. I’ve been through ups, downs, trials, and tribulations throughout my career, but it made me who I am today. I struggled with anxiety, and many people not believing in my vision. Eventually I learned that I didn’t need anyones validation, but my own.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Grammy Nominated Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Audio Engineer from Queens, New York. I started pursuing music at the age of 16. During that time period I had the opportunity to meet the late great Michael Jackson at Webster Hall in New York City which inspired me to fully pursue a career in the music business. After that I moved to Atlanta, GA, and attended a music mentoring program in my high school where they provided a recording studio sponsored by Dallas Austin. My initial foray into music consisted of me learning the art of songwriting which later turned into music production shortly after. Growing up I was influenced by artists such as: A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams. While studying those artists I taught myself how to. To further my education I attended The Art Institute of Atlanta where I received a bachelor’s degree in audio production. This helped me begin working, and place work with mainstream acts, and songwriters. In 2017, I decided to transition from music production to artistry, and began recording myself. I joined a duo group named Kings X2, and we released our debut single “Wine For Me” in september of 2017. The single peaked at #10 on the US Billboard Hot Single Sales Chart for 5 weeks. Later in 2018 we disbanded, and I released my debut solo single “Move” which features the rap group Whodini. Following up to 2019 I released my anticipated EP “Blu Leisure” which became critically acclaimed upon its release. The project included guest appearances from: Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. After its great success I released my sophomore EP “Kaleidoscopes”, and in 2023 I joined forces with rapper Big Gipp of the rap group Goodie Mob to release our collaborative EP “Gipp N Worthy”. The lead single “TOTW” peaked at #91 on the US Billboard R&B Digital Sales Chart also charting at the #1 position on the Amazon Best Sellers Chart. Within all of my work I have been nominated for several Grammy Awards by working with names such as: Meek Mill, Justin Bieber, Robin S., 112, Raphael Saadiq, and so many others to name. In 2024 I launched my own label imprint called Humble Sound Records in conjunction with Sony Orchard.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It all starts with learning, and studying those who are better than you. Once you master that then you can seek out mentorship to help sharpen your skills. But you need to have something for them to help you grow with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamesartissen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesartissen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesartissenmusic
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jamesartissen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesartissenmusic
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/jamesartissen
Image Credits
Humble Sound Music Group
Verletta
Justin Kase
