Today we’d like to introduce you to Jastin Artis.
Hi Jastin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It started before I knew it did. Band geek – poetry – then as a senior, “Stairway to Heaven” inspired me to play guitar. In my first year in college, I taught myself how to play guitar, and after a few months, I began to write songs. After that feeling of learning the process of writing songs, I went to the library and studied songwriting and the music business. From that moment in 2001, I haven’t looked back.
I’ve grown by doing the work, crafting, staying up late, being disciplined, and being focused to be where I am. And with a healthy validation, I get paid for what I create and what I know. And that keeps me going every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was raised by a single mother and my dad from a distance constantly being told anything worth having takes work and would not be easy. So I knew this new path from computer science to English, writing, and the music industry would not be easy. Furthermore, I was called to do something that wasn’t typical or normal for a guy who looked like me. Ya know, a Black male who raps.
The shift wasn’t easy with family or friends. But I didn’t care enough for it to stop or slow me down. I quickly found purpose in my shift and was prepared for a lifetime of crafting, hoping that each song, project, and milestone would bring me closer to where God wanted me.
In recent years, the challenge is dealing with autoimmune conditions like gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, chest pain, and shortness of breath. I’m still trying to confirm the cause. The understanding and new discipline are I cannot operate as I used to, or the pain that comes with performing or staying up late – is still an adjustment but – I press in good faith.
We’ve been impressed with ARS Publishing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In recent years, I’ve learned I not only love to create; I additionally love helping people create and reach their goals. In February 2022, I pivoted my artist development company to a subscription base service called A&R IN YOUR POCKET. This is an independent, personal approach, and support for all levels of artists. The goal is to let artists know they don’t need a big-time label to gain the A&R support they need and desire. They need A&R IN YOUR POCKET.
There are three artist packages: Up and Coming Artist, Indie Artist, and Emerging Artist. Services include monthly hours, feedback, administrative support, sync support, performance coaching, music production, mixing and mastering, strategic planning, and digital web copy. Additionally, we provide these services a la carte.
The mission is to be an authentic and personal approach covering all aspects of a release plan yielding results and most importantly teaching professional industry habits to the professional artist.
Other areas of service are:
- Digital Content Writing
- Sync Licensing
- Booking (performance, workshops, speaking)
The value of A&R IN YOUR POCKET brings:
- Personal & Authentic Artist Support
- Balanced Creative & Business Mindset
- Critical Developmental Feedback
- Collaboration/Business Network (Songwriters/Producers/Engineers)
- Monthly Strategy Sessions (Budget, marketing/promo, social media, web, release plan, etc.)
- Experienced, Diverse, & Open Perspective For All Genres
- Innovative And Visionary Pursuit
- Artist Development (Recording, Songwriting, Engineering, Performance Coaching)
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the music business and much of the workforce are shifting significantly to contracting, gig work, entrepreneurship, and independence. Hearing how the government is planning to offset inflation, I believe more people will dig into their creativity to find ways to start businesses, create music, and more tech to make it easier. I believe WEB3 will keep the focus for creatives on ownership and bring new ways to add to an artist’s revenue. But it all comes down to the music. Unfortunately, it’s 2022 and artists aren’t as knowledgeable and skilled as they should be (or think they are) and to some degree don’t want to be. So, that’s where A&R IN YOUR POCKET fills a need of many to give that support. I believe there will be a challenge all over but I think creatives will settle into something great in the coming years.
Pricing:
- Up and Coming Artist Package: $250 monthly
- Indie Artist Package: $500 monthly
- Emerging Artist Package; $1,200 monthly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jastinartis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anrinyourpocket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jartisproject
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jastinartis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jartisproject
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/jastin-artis
- Purchase Merch: https://jastinartis.threadless.com/
Image Credits
Tina Kent QT Photography
Art of Gold
ARS Publishing LLC
Tony Ventouris Photography
