Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
HeIsTheArtist is a multiple award-winning and chart-topping Christian R&B singer songwriter from New York. His music has topped the iTunes and airplay charts, both in the US and abroad. With the release of his latest EP, “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)” in February, the enigmatic crooner has seen his profile explode across the web. Now, HITA has taken some time to answer a few questions about his faith, his music, and his upcoming releases.
Congratulations on the February release of “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)”! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this EP and how it pays tribute to “The Wizard of Oz” and “The West Side Story”?
Thank you! Yes, “The Wizard of Oz” and “The West Side Story” are two of my favorite musicals (which is why I chose those musicals to pay homage to). My covers (such as my cover of “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows”) pay homage to “The Wizard of Oz,” and my Latin original song “Mi Amor” pays homage to “The West Side Story.”
“Mi Amor (City Pop Remix)” is the latest single from the EP. What made you decide to create a remix for this particular song, and what can listeners expect from this fresh interpretation?
In particular, the “Deluxe Edition” of my EP is a tribute to the 1989 musical movie “Teen Witch.” This added remix gives that 1980s pop vibe that was musically a standout in the movie “Teen Witch.” The EP features a mix of Broadway style vocals and neo-soul elements.
How do you navigate blending these different musical styles to create your unique sound?
As a kid, I took musical theater vocal lessons (I also went to musical theater summer camps), so the blending of the two was pretty easy because I’m well versed in both genres.
The overarching theme of the EP seems to focus on empathy and embracing love in its various forms. Can you elaborate on how these themes influenced your songwriting process?
Self-love and empathy are the two overarching themes of the musicals “The Wizard of Oz” and “The West Side Story.” Being that both musicals were the inspiration behind the EP, the themes of self-love and empathy naturally influenced the songwriting process without much thought on my part.
Your cover of “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” by Judy Garland opens the EP. What drew you to this classic song, and how did you approach putting your own spin on it?
Lo-fi music is very popular now, and the song naturally fits into that nostalgic genre (so I didn’t have to do much on my part except sing it in my vocal range).
“Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)” includes covers of songs by Minnie Riperton, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, and India.Arie. What made you choose these particular songs, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative of the EP?
All of the covers on my EP were songs that I already loved to listen to growing up, so choosing them was very easy. Those four songs are naturally the epitome of love songs, in my opinion. In the words of Minnie Riperton, “Lovin you is easy cause you’re beautiful.”
“Mi Amor” reached #2 on UK iTunes R&B charts, and “I Believe in You and Me” reached #9. How does it feel to see your music resonate with audiences on such a global scale, and what do you think contributed to its success?
It feels great to know that people are resonating with my music on a global scale. I would mostly have to thank my great manager, Michael Stover at MTS Management, for the increasing global success of my music.
You have upcoming releases like “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)” and a full-length rock EP. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect from these projects?
Both are definitely my most raw projects to date. They can definitely expect that both projects are going to be very exciting, raw, and edgy, while still maintaining the message of God in between the lines.
How has your journey as a Christian R&B artist evolved over time, and what role does faith play in your music?
Over time, the musical themes I have explored as a Christian artist have expanded. However, all of my themes are taken straight from the Bible (from themes of love to themes of forgiveness taken straight from God’s glorious mouth).
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your music career, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience through your music?
I hope to spread the gospel through my music to as many people as possible around the world and also convey deeper biblical messages as my career progresses.
http://www.artistecard.com/heistheartist
