Can you tell us a little about your musical background and how you got started in the industry?

Growing up, I was always in some type of choir and band. I didn’t take music seriously, however, until I was an adult, when a music producer from my hometown discovered me online singing covers for fun on my Instagram page. He loved what he heard and invited me to his studio to record a single (now titled “Honey”). The rest is history.

Your new EP, “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition),” is a tribute to two iconic films. What inspired you to create this project?

In recent years, musical movies have grown in popularity. That alone inspired me to create this project, which mixed the essence of my favorite two musical movies with R&B.

How do you infuse elements of Broadway and neo-soul into your music? 

I was deliberate with the nostalgic instrumentation to give an old-school Broadway sound. I mixed in the Neo-Soul element with my soulful vocal delivery.

The theme of empathy and self-love is prominent in this EP. Can you speak more on the messages you hope to convey through your music?

This EP is about self-discovery (which is the theme of “The Wizard of Oz” as well). The EP takes you on a journey, from love of others to self-love. By the end of the EP, I hope listeners have a little more love to give in their hearts.

Your cover of Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You” has gained a lot of attention. What made you choose this song and how did you put your own spin on it?

I chose “Lovin’ You” because it’s the epitome of earthy love songs. I put a spin on it by just being myself while still honoring the original.

The EP also includes a remix of your original song “Mi Amor.” Can you talk about the inspiration behind this song and its remixes?

The song itself was inspired by “The West Side Story” (which is why the lyrics are mostly in Spanish). The song is about falling in love in a world that often times breaks lovers apart.

The retro remixes were inspired by the 1989 musical movie “Teen Witch” where the main character had trouble finding love until she realized she always had the power to find love, she just had to find love within herself.

Your music has reached international success, particularly in the UK. How does it feel to have such a wide audience for your music?

It feels great that my music is reaching larger audiences. It shows that my God-fearing music is being embraced in a world that can be so heartless at times.

You have been described as a Christian R&B artist. Can you tell us about the role of faith in your music?

God is everything in my music. God is love, which is why every song I sing is about love.

Can fans expect any live performances or tours in support of this EP?

Yes, towards the summer, I will be doing various live performances. Stay posted to my social media for performance dates!

What can we expect from HeIsTheArtist in the future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations to look out for?

On May 10th I will be releasing a cover of “(At Your Best) You Are Love” by The Isley Brothers paired with a cinematic music video. I call this project “Dreaming In Emerald City 1.5” because it expands on the concepts that my EP “Dreaming In Emerald City” touched on.

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