Artemas Caps Off the Year with Tantalizing Dual Singles “fancy” and “xvideos”
Born on the cusp of the new millennium, Artemas Diamandis, or simply Artemas, is a child of the late-stage post-grunge phase that led us into the rock revival of the early 2000s. His influences, however, live in the heart of grunge and have formed a symbiotic relationship with modern electronica and dance to define his sound. His double-trouble singles, "fancy" and "xvideos," put a definitive stamp on it. The double release closes out a beyond-eventful year for the rising star and paints the year ahead in neon-bright hues.
The first of the singles, "fancy," is a sonic pill of possession, administered to anyone within earshot and highly effective at animating even the most reserved listener. With lyrics so adventurous, the song jolts and sparks with its galloping beat and layered pre-choruses. The mechanics of the track are both dynamic and atmospheric, akin to riding through a light show inside a cavernous tunnel. The euphoric theme is escapist by nature, a hallmark of the kind of unplugging that Gen Z artists craft so well—music for the senses.
On the other hand, "xvideos" is a bubbling, rotund composition that wobbles its bass and stacks its harmonics to reveal a guiding voice chanting, "So let's fall in love for the cameras / Make 'em all imagine, pretty like an actress," in the refrain, like hypnotic syrup cascading. This sensory-rich experience is part of Artemas’ allure—elements of grunge and dance melded to create an alternative indie-pop sound that feels distinctly relevant to the 2020s. It’s perhaps this unique style that helped Artemas' breakout single, "i like the way you kiss me," clear one billion streams on Spotify this year.
Preparing for a monster 2025, highlighted by an imminent Coachella debut, Artemas is connecting with his generation in a way akin to how Kurt Cobain resonated with his in the '90s—using the language of the times to evoke feelings that make the present more enjoyable. Given that Artemas honed his craft during the pandemic, it makes sense that his music, tailored to his generation, aims to heal through thoughts of lavish adventures, loose compromises, and sharp criticism of a modern age under the constant eye of a camera.
Listen to "fancy" and "xvideos" below:
