“I mean, you know how it was with Michael. And when I heard that phrase, it was just... He saved my life. Like, what? He just sung a song, right? Like, but, you know, take probably one of my favorites, ‘Man in the Mirror.’ Man, it still gets me. So, just from an experience standpoint, and I’ve done some travels in mental health and, you know, talking to people, I do understand how important music, or how powerful I should say, music is. So it absolutely feels like that being a musician, and then, I think, if you’re a musician in church, it’s… I’ve had some moments, Jodi.” – Jastin Artis

This episode’s guest is a multi-faceted artist, producer, engineer, and indie A&R who bridges creativity with leadership. With twelve albums to his name, his work in sync licensing includes placements with the NBA alongside agency and micro-sync representation. His company A&R In Your Pocket empowers independent artists with industry knowledge and opportunity, and he inspires audiences worldwide as a keynote concert speaker teaching leadership through music. As a chronic health warrior, husband, and father of two, he embodies both artistry and perseverance.

His name is Jastin Artis, and in this episode we’ll be exploring his creative journey, the lessons behind the music, and how he believes the music industry can survive and thrive into the future.

As always, if you have questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes. If you have questions for me, visit audiobrandingpodcast.com, where you’ll find a lot of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter will let you know when the new podcasts are available, along with other interesting bits of audio-related news. And if you’re getting some value from listening, the best ways to show your support are to share this podcast with a friend and leave an honest review. Both those things really help, and I’d love to feature your review on future podcasts. You can leave one either in written or in voice format from the podcast’s main page. I would so appreciate that.

(00:00) - How Sound Shapes Our Emotions

As we start things off, Jastin tells us about his early musical influences, from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to growing up with Michael Jackson on the radio. “I would say I was probably four or five,” he recalls. “It was when the movie came out, Moonwalker, and I used to go to my mom’s friend’s house who was in the neighborhood every day after school and watch that movie.” We talk about the power of sound and music, and how easy it is to lose touch with our musical side as adults. “Everybody who has a guitar that’s for decoration, that’s sitting there,” he says. “I’m telling you, please pick it up. Play it while you’re watching your favorite show, whatever. That little time adds up.”

(10:45) – Harnessing the Power of Music

Our conversation focuses on the healing power of sound, and the impact it’s made on Jastin’s own life. “If it weren’t for music,” he tells us, “I don’t think I would be here… if I didn’t have access to these records, if I didn’t have that, just, I don’t think I would be the man that I am.” He shares his perspective as producer and A&R executive, and how hard it can be to shake off that perspective sometimes when it comes to just sitting back and enjoying music. “I’m listening and I’m like, wait a minute,” he says, “what did they do, know what I mean? And then other times you’re just, let me just chill.”

(18:30) - The Intersection of Sound and Branding

As the first half of our conversation wraps up, Jastin tells us more about his A&R work and what it’s taught him about the sound industry. “I like to call being an A&R is like the cool uncle or auntie,” he explains, “while being the manager is the parent. There is some separation there.” He talks about his role as a teacher of sound and music, and what it takes to turn musical talent into commercial success. “I was just telling someone today,” he explains, “what good is it learning music production and writing and all this other stuff… [if] you don’t know how to run your business?”

Episode Summary

Jasten shares some of his formative experiences with music and artists.
We discuss how music influences emotions and even impacts mental health.
Jasten talks about the importance of nurturing talent in the music industry.

Tune in for next week’s episode as Jastin explains the financial language of the music industry, such as PRO payments and split sheets, his advice on how to sell yourself as an artist on social media, and his observations as an industry veteran on the growth of AI and what it means for musicians.

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The Healing Power of Music: A Conversation with Jastin Artis – Part 1