In the dynamic world of music, few artists have managed to capture the essence of modern pop while simultaneously challenging its boundaries quite like Artemas, a 24-year-old British singer-songwriter-producer whose latest work is reshaping the landscape of dark bedroom pop. The release of his mixtape “Yustyna,” following closely on the heels of his hit single “I Like the Way You Kiss Me,” has cemented Artemas’s position as one of 2024’s compelling musical acts.
“I Like the Way You Kiss Me” is not just a song; it’s an anthem that has quickly ascended to become one of this year’s ubiquitous tracks. Its pulsating beat paired with a dark vibe, juxtaposed against a seemingly happy chorus, serves as a perfect introduction to Artemas’s unique sound—a blend characterized by murmured, echo-drenched vocals, throbbing beats and bass, piercing guitar work, and an array of lo-fi effects and samples. This distinct style continues unabated in “Yustyna.”
The new mixtape kicks off with its predecessor’s energy but takes listeners on a more varied journey through Artemas’s musical psyche. It alternates between upbeat tracks and moody songs reminiscent of The Weeknd’s seminal 2011 debut mixtape, “House of Balloons.” Lyrics exploring themes of sexual prowess and intimate encounters present an ultra-NSFW narrative that is as intentionally divisive as it is captivating. According to Artemas in press notes accompanying the release, this dichotomy in reception is by design: “You’ll either find it sexy or vulgar.” Notable tracks such as “Wet Dream,” “Ride Me Darling,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Kiss My Middle Finger” underscore this provocative approach.
Despite its strengths, there is a moment mid-way through where the songs risk blending into one another—a challenge for many artists producing work at such prolific rates. However, Artemas showcases his ability to evolve artistically with later tracks like “Slow Dance” and “I Always Knew You’d Be the Death of Me.” These songs exhibit not only growth in terms of musical complexity but also in lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
What sets Artemas apart is not just his inventive production techniques or his daring lyrical content but also his capacity for introspection and reinvention within his craft. His journey from “Pretty” to “Yustyna” illustrates a conscious effort to explore new territories while remaining true to his artistic vision—a vision that includes challenging conventional narratives within pop music.
Engagement with fans beyond music releases plays a significant role in Artemas’s burgeoning career. Through social media platforms like Instagram and streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music , he creates spaces for connection and dialogue about his work, further solidifying his presence in both digital realms and real-world conversations about contemporary music’s direction.
As we look toward what comes next for Artemas, it’s evident that his trajectory points upwards. Each release brings with it anticipation not only for what sounds he’ll explore but also for how he’ll continue shaping conversations around music production, thematic content, and engagement in an ever-evolving industry.
In summing up “Yustyna,” it can be said that Artemas does more than build upon the success of “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”; he invites listeners into a multifaceted exploration of sound and sentiment that defies easy categorization. As divisive as some may find his lyrics or as distinctive as others may consider his production style, there’s no denying that Artemas stands at the forefront of redefining pop music’s capabilities—making him not just an artist to watch but one to listen to closely as he charts new territories both musically and culturally.
Published by: Martin De Juan
