Artemas Takes a Spellbinding Joyride in "southbound" / "test drive"
Photo: Reuben Bastienne-Lewis + Creative Direction: ISSTUDIO
It's going to be a hot year for dark pop-R&B sensation Artemas. The multi-instrumentalist's first release of 2025 is a sensual pair of singles, "southbound" and "test drive," which also mark the first anniversary of his viral release "i like the way you kiss me." With their blend of indie pop and electronic elements, these singles feature his signature sultry vocals and dopamine-rush-inducing production.
The first of the singles, "southbound," is a dark, brooding effort that opens with a collage of beats and synths that give off the aura of a sweaty, early 2000s warehouse rave. Artemas croons over the grimy, vaguely nu-goth sonics, "Baby likes it messy, yeah, she loves to cause a scene / Touchin' me in public like she wants the world to see," admitting that he's intoxicated by all the things she does to him. On the invigorating chorus, he admits to all of his desires, asking her to put his faith in him and begging to be violated.
The second single "test drive" is an equally dark addition to Artemas discography. While the former serves as a proposition, the latter dives more into the throes of passion. Breathy vocals narrate a night spent together with the BRIT Award-nominated singer-songwriter, proclaiming amid the charged production, "Only I can feed the flame that's burnin' in your eyes / No one has to know the things that make you lose your mind."
The two new songs follow the success of his latest releases, including his chart-topping yustyna mixtape and two sold-out headline tours in 2024. This year, he's slated to perform at several major festivals, including Lollapalooza, The Governors Ball, and Coachella.
Listen to "southbound" and "test drive" below:
