Hidden Gems: Meet Jastin Artis of A&R IN YOUR POCKET

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jastin Artis

Hi Jastin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started in the school band (clarinetist, 2nd chair – sometimes 3rd) and being around a family who was involved in the industry as a DJ, a Hip-Hop artist, another being a support to Jay-Z’s team in the early days, and an Uncle who was in radio for 20+ years. But I never knew or had a desire to be in the music industry until I heard “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. That song changed everything for me. It led me to teach myself guitar as a freshman in college to write a song with only poetry experience; 23 years later proven music, leadership, and a love to develop listeners and creatives to better is my purpose.

I evolved from only focusing on songwriting, producing, and engineering to becoming an A&R teaching artists what I knew, and shortly after being an artist creating my lane of Hip-Hop Renaissance. This is a blend of Hip-Hop, Gospel (I love God), Spoken-word layering guitar as long as I can.

The story is still evolving.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy and at this point, I am used to it not being “clear-cut.” I get asked this question often so, I’ll add something new this time. I think one aspect I don’t talk about much is not having the support from friends and family I desire. Sure, people could see the talent but I don’t think people believed it or believed enough to support me to cultivate it.

Then when people showed they believed, from my perspective, it ended at this one time. Of course, there are some outliers who no matter what supported me, listened to me, bought tickets, downloaded songs, shared the music, etc. But I think many creatives experience people closest to us who say they support but don’t show it until we win an award or are on TV or radio; something of the sort. Then, want to take credit. Honestly, that’s not the best way to support.

I didn’t realize this lack of support until later in my journey because I accepted whatever anyone gave me. Additionally, I didn’t feel I needed the support to know I had something, there was purpose in it, and I wouldn’t allow anything or anyone to take my focus away from that. Ultimately, I was okay walking this alone or being told I was crazy or you’ll never be Jay-Z or Kendrick.

Now I understand there are levels to support. And with an industry that is saturated and extremely accessible, unfortunately, the closest people to us will not support us in the way we desire. But we can’t allow that to stop us.

I appreciate any level of support but it’s amazing to know the few day ones and the strangers who instantly get what you do and show a high level of support.

In recent years, a major struggle is my health. I deal with fibromyalgia and several GI conditions that challenge me each day. This is where I’ve realized how trauma affects our bodies and as much as we play a part in that trauma, there’s only so much we can do to prevent how our body reacts to said trauma. But like any challenge, I take it in stride, take it day by day – in some cases, a few minutes by a few minutes – take my time, be patient, communicate, and give myself grace. Also, I learned to pivot as often as I need to.

Finally, I want to mention the challenge of not being involved with my son Jace. Hey Jace! I’ve never needed a reason to motivate me or be inspired to make my mark on life. But when Jace was born eleven years ago (His birthday was 9/7!) it pushed me to another level of work ethic. And not so much I wanted to provide for him but to show him how to live life with purpose. Being an alienated parent at no fault of my own makes each day challenging; I’m grieving for someone alive. And though we lost Jace’s little brother, Jamis (rest in heaven JD), I’ve struggled not being able to do what I could do for Jace. So, subconsciously it’s’ hard to create or feel I’m focused on something else rather than him but when you’re not allowed to parent and kept a bay, it’s a weight many cannot carry.

As you know, we’re big fans of A&R IN YOUR POCKET. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A&R IN YOUR POCKET is transforming the landscape of artist support with our innovative, personalized approach to A&R services. Our company offers a range of services, including A&R coaching, music production, audio services, and sync licensing support, all designed to meet the unique needs of independent musicians.

At the heart of A&R IN YOUR POCKET is a commitment to providing real-time support and resources that help artists navigate their careers as both creatives and entrepreneurs. The subscription options, available in three-month and six-month plans, offer tailored coaching that aligns with each artist’s budget and goals. This ensures that every artist receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed regardless of their project or skill level.

One of the standout features of A&R IN YOUR POCKET is its focus on sync licensing through our Sync Craft division. Sync Craft aims to pivot artists’ mindsets towards the sync world, emphasizing the importance of quality and confidence in pitching to sync libraries and agents. By prioritizing sync opportunities, artists can build a sustainable career foundation, potentially generating revenue and establishing a solid industry presence. This approach empowers artists to use sync licensing as a stepping stone, potentially creating a reliable income stream while they continue to develop their craft and pursue additional opportunities within the industry. Also, we offer Spotify Ads, press in top publications, radio campaigns, charting, radio interviews, and more.

The coaching program at A&R IN YOUR POCKET is designed to foster independence in artists by teaching them both the business and creative aspects of their craft. This holistic approach ensures that artists are not only prepared for independent success but are also equipped to handle potential industry partnerships and opportunities with confidence. Our professional independent network provides additional support, connecting artists with experienced industry professionals in all areas of the music business.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Wow, this could turn into a “thank you” speech so, if I miss names or mentions please don’t charge my heart but my fibro fog! LOL

Big thank you’s:

✅ To my mom for showing me a dope work ethic

✅ My twin sis for buying my first computer which changed everything

✅ My dad recognized my spiritual gifts that I embraced early in life and my career

✅ My Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Joe for buying me my first guitar; this changed everything

✅ My cousins who allowed me to watch them and sit in with them; it’s my foundation

✅ My uncle Curtis who worked in radio – your support and feedback showed me I can do this

✅ My high school friends Jerad and Chris – Jerad, I probably should have known music would be my path from watching you play guitar and us writing poetry together. I was ready to be your A&R lol Chris, you always asked for feedback. And you cutting me from your label was the best thing for my career.

✅ Teachers from band, college, and early mentors who showed me something I still use today in some fashion

✅ My guy Demione Louis, my graphic designer, longest client to date, and my brotha!

✅ My guy Jordan Alston for teaching me and believing in me to support and lead Inviktus. Another person I call my brotha!

✅ My guy Brian Maurice, who supported me at the start of my artist career and who saw the mission. Though things aren’t what they used to be or maybe what we wish they would be now, your support, creativity, and humor always will be special to me.

✅ To Fallon Ukpe, wherever you may be, I miss you and appreciate the value, POV, and support you added to my life sometimes on the simple things to things that blew my mind. when you said it.

✅ To the startups, nonprofits, sync agents, and everyone that gave me a chance to rock with you and helped push my career forward.

✅ To every fan and person who supported me at any level especially if you supported me with action.

✅ Thank you to my wife, Kellie. Your sacrifice and support allow me to be completely in this crazy industry.

✅ To Jace and Jamis – rest in heaven – you both shifted me as a man, a father, and a creative.

✅ To all the producer, sync, and artist communities that keep me focused and inspired.

✅ To all my collaborators, partnerships, and clients.

✅ To myself.

There are many people, organizations, job roles, and more I wish I could list but know, if listed or not, I recognize I didn’t get here alone and I will get to where I’d like to be without you – no matter how big or small of a role you played or “think” you played in my life.

Pricing:

• We create packages to fit our clients budget.
• We offer payment plans and financing to make it easy on your budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jastinartis.com/pocket-a-r
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocketanr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/tyEsN4cXdCk5rym1/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jastinartis
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jastinartis
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/jastin-artis
• Other: https://jastinartis.com

Image Credits
QT Photography
Demione Louis for Art of Gold
A&R IN YOUR POCKET