Photo Credits: Humble Sound Music Group - Antoinne Duane Jones

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, record producer, audio engineer, and founder of Humble Sound Records James Artissen has made a name for himself in the music industry. Through his experience working in various areas of music production, he has been able to implement techniques into his own art that create a sound unique to him. Artissen also uses his platform for the betterment of others, often partnering with the mayor of Atlanta to raise funding for the homeless, HBCU’s, and benefit concerts for communities around the city. He is also preparing to launch his own music foundation to educate young musicians about the music and entertainment industry. To learn more about James Artissen and his music, read on.

Where are you based?
I am currently based in Atlanta, GA.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry?
Well I’ve always grown up around music, and entertainment. My father did security for many musicians, and different genres of music were constantly playing in the house. After a while I became interested in how to create art, and that's what sparked my interest in the beginning. Later down the years I had the opportunity to meet Michael Jackson, and I made the decision that creating music would be my path, and I never looked back.

A lot of the songs off of your debut EP “Blu Leisure” have some similarities to that of The Weeknd’s work. Where do you look for inspiration when making music?
The Weeknd is definitely an artist I admire. When I created Blu Leisure it was at a time when I just stepped into becoming a solo artist, and I wanted to release something that was creative, dark, passionate, but also a bold statement to the world that I am a true artist instead of just a producer or songwriter.

You released a collaborative EP with rapper Big Gipp titled “Gipp N Worthy.” How does your process of making music change when it comes to collaborations with other artists?
When I work with artists I always try to open up the boundaries, and take them where they haven’t been before. For the Gipp N Worthy project it was exactly that for both of us. He had never done a project with a singer or done R&B music, I had never done a project with a rapper before. It was a pure, and fun experience making it, because there were no expectations.

You’ve worked in several different areas of the music industry, including songwriting, music production, and audio engineering. How has having experience in each of these areas helped you develop your career and your sound as an artist?
It has helped a great deal, because I used those experiences to put into my own music, and implemented techniques that only I could have learned through trial, and error. The biggest thing was learning the art of collaboration within all of those attributes from engineers, writers, and producers.

You founded your own record label, Humble Sound Records, in Atlanta, Georgia. What inspired you to do this?
I’ve always seen myself as being a mogul so having your own imprint is part of that umbrella. I also wanted to give other musicians, and talents opportunities to grow and to have a home where they could be as creative as possible. I feel like the imprint gave me a sense of freedom as well to do things on my own terms.

You work alongside the mayor of Atlanta to raise funding for housing the homeless, HBCU’s, and benefit concerts for communities around the city. Can you tell us about your participation and what inspired you to get involved?
Yes, the city of Atlanta is lucky to have such a mayor who cares about the community, how people really feel about the changes that are being made, and also giving people hope and opportunities that most wouldn’t receive. I have done much work alongside him to continue that message using my voice, and influence to contribute any way that I can. We met through mutual musicians within the city, and began the collaboration from there.

You are also preparing to launch a music foundation later this year for young musicians to learn more about the music and entertainment industry. What inspired you to create this foundation? Can you tell us more about the mission of the organization and how you’ll achieve it?
I remember attending summits, and programs when I was a young aspiring musician coming up, and I admired the writers, and producers that visited telling myself I wanted to be like them. Fast-forward I became like them, and I want to inspire the young kings, and queens to go after what you want in this game no matter what just like I did. I want this to create a new generation and wave of new innovative talents that understand the music aspect, but also the business side as well.

Why is it important to you to give back to others?
It takes nothing to give support to those less fortunate so why not do what is in your power to do. I would want someone to do the same for me.

What advice do you have for young people who want to pursue a career in the music industry?
The best advice I’ve learned was to learn from those who are greater than you.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Yes, so many great projects. I have an upcoming collaborative EP called “THE ART DEALER” with rapper Bigg Baggz releasing March 6th, I have new music with Khujo Goodie releasing in April, and I will be releasing my debut album in the summer.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
Honestly just staying in my own world, and not letting other people or situations affect me in a negative way. If you give bad energy attention that is what you attract.

What is your motto in life?
Humble Greatness.

To learn more about James Artissen, please check out the links below:
Website

Instagram: @jamesartissen

Instagram: @humblesoundrecords

James Artissen: Making a Mark on the Music Industry