IN CONVERSATION WITH ARTEMAS
interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Artemas isn’t just making songs. He’s defining a sound. The Oxfordshire born alt pop phenom broke through with the RIAA Platinum, Billboard Top 15 hit “i like the way you kiss me”, and has since amassed over 3.4 billion global streams by channelling desire, obsession and heartbreak into dark, atmospheric synthpop. With LOVERCORE, Artemas puts a name to the movement he’s been building all along, a seductive, emotionally charged subgenre that sharpens his identity and signals a new era of intention, confidence and creative control.
coat 8ON8
shirt and trousers BIANCA SAUNDERS
shoes LOUBOUTIN
jewellery SERGE DE NIMES
What does the word ‘LOVERCORE’ mean to you, and why did you choose it for this project?
It was just an idea I had very late at night, trying to define what it was that I was making at the time.
How did making this project compare to your earlier releases?
I had never toured before making the other projects, so I was definitely writing with the show in mind. I also feel less green than I did before.
full look DIESEL
shoes JIMMY CHOO
jewellery SERGE DE NIMES
watch AUDEMARS PIGUET
What do you enjoy most about performing live compared to making music in the studio?
They’re too different to compare. Playing live is a place to let go, and the studio is the grind.
How do you balance the darker, more emotional side of your songs with the pop elements?
They’re both part of my DNA. I’m always trying to write amazing melodies while talking about the most intense emotions. The darker, more sensual side of my music is kind of my comfort zone.
full look DENZIL PATRICK
watch AUDEMARS PIGUET
What’s one thing you always want listeners to take away from your songs?
I want the music to give people that goosebumps feeling. The best songs hit me physically, not just emotionally. That’s always what I’m chasing.
jacket GCDS
trousers DAVID KOMA
shoes LOUBOUTIN
jewellery SERGE DE NIMES
watch AUDEMARS PIGUET
How did playing big festivals like Coachella change your confidence as an artist?
I wouldn’t say it changed my confidence. It’s so hard to be present for these things. Reflecting on it now, it was pretty wild.
full look VIVIANO
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You’re known for honest and intense lyrics. How personal do you let yourself get when writing?
I unintentionally keep saying some very honest things in songs and leave them in. I think there’s a magic in saying things others might be scared to say.
top BIANCA SAUNDERS
trousers DAVID KOMA
shoes LOUBOUTIN
jewellery SERGE DE NIMES
watch AUDEMARS PIGUET
What’s been the biggest challenge for you since ‘i like the way you kiss me’ blew up?
It’s a battle not to let the numbers affect your writing. Trying to figure out why certain things connect with people is pointless, because that’s never why they happened in the first place. I just love creating, and that song was simply something I made one day and, for whatever reason, it connected.
full look PRADA
watch IWC
sunglasses ARNETTE
earring VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Who or what inspires your sound these days? Is it music, personal life, or something else?
I never sit down and say, “I’m going to write about this thing that’s going on today.” It’s all my subconscious. I’ve found that when exciting or messy things are happening in my life, I tend to write more interesting work.
What are you most excited about for your upcoming tour and new music?
I can’t wait to get into main character mode again. Touring is so good for the soul. You have all these fans screaming your lyrics. I have a new project I’m working on right now that I’m really excited about. It’s very dark and vulnerable, but super up tempo. Really in your face, Berlin warehouse vibes, with great songs underneath. I don’t think anyone has made something quite like this before.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ARTEMAS
photography DAVID REISS
styling BETHANY FERNS at the Only Agency
makeup and hair CARO GRUSZECKA using LANCOME, DANESSA MYRICKS and YSL BEAUTY
photography assistance STEFANIA CARLI
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial direction JANA LETONJA @JANALETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN
