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Meeting HeIsTheArtist
HeIsTheArtist is a trailblazing Christian singer and songwriter who has had hit songs across the globe. His catalog of eclectic releases has enjoyed over 400K Spotify streams, also topping international iTunes charts from South Africa to the United Kingdom. Formerly a secular neo-soul singer signed to “Bentley Records” under his biological name “LeeMann Bassey,” Heistheartist discovered that his true calling was with the Lord after hearing an inspiring sermon by TD Jakes online one day. That day he was inspired to teach the world about the Lord, like TD Jakes did with his Sermon, but through music. 1 In Music got to interview the artist.
HeIsTheArtist: The birth of a unique Sound
My calling is to spread the Word of God through music
1 In Music: Really nice to meet you. Let’s dive into it. What do you think makes you and your music unique?
HeIsTheArtist [H]: I’m a New-Age Christian Singer-Songwriter. However, I blend multiple styles of music together. From Lo-fi music to Dream Pop Rock music, all styles are fair game when I’m creating music. My blend of musical styles is definitely outside of the traditional Christian artist mold (which makes me unique).
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
H: My mother definitely shaped my musical style. She exposed me to Smooth Jazz music at a young age (she always had the radio station Smooth Jazz CD 101.9 playing in our home when I was a kid). She also sent me to voice lessons as a kid so I could be trained professionally as a musical theater vocalist. Both experiences helped shape my sound as an artist to this day. She still is one of my biggest supporters.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
H: Definitely when my Christian Original song “Boom” went number 1 on iTunes’ South African charts. It showed that my music was being well received internationally.
HeIsTheArtist: Inspirations
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
H: I listen to all types of music, however I listen mostly to Alternative R&B and, of course, Gospel music.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
H: India.Arie, because she is one of the few artists who, no matter what, preaches self-love. Self-love is very much missing in today’s music market and India.Arie deserves her flowers.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
H: I usually meditate before performances while listening to Gospel music. Meditation helps relax my nerves and brings me closer to God, while also reminding me that everything will be alright because God is with me always.
Getting inspired by HeIsThe Artist
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
H: I watch a lot of documentaries on underprivileged populations from around the world. Watching those type of documentaries helps me to brainstorm ways that I can help the poor in the future.
I’m also a big gamer and love watching and playing tennis.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
H: Success to me is my music reaching as many people as possible around the world. My calling is to spread the Word of God through music, and the more people my music reaches, the closer I am to fulfilling my life purpose.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
H: That finding great management takes time. You have to get to know yourself as an artist and that takes time.
The better you know yourself as an artist, the quicker you’ll be able to find management that fits you and your goals.
I went through 5 different managers before I found my current manager Michael Stover (CEO of MTS Management) who is the perfect fit for my musical goals.
What’s next for HeIsTheArtist?
everything will be alright because God is with me always
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
H: Yes, the Wicked Deluxe Edition of my EP “Dreaming In Emerald City” debuts on Valentines Day 2024.
1 In Music: Thank you for your time for this interview. Before we part, where do we find you music?
H: My music is available on all major digital music outlets.