HeIsTheArtist is a multi-talented musician known for his unique blend of
Christian R&B and contemporary sounds. His music is characterized by its
deep spiritual themes, drawn directly from biblical teachings, and his
commitment to delivering messages of faith through his art. HITA aka
Leemann Bassey is on the cusp of releasing his updated version of his
Christmas Hit, “Holly Jolly;” called ” Holly Jolly 2.0.” He’ll be
releasing a new single, EP and album in the first quarter of 2025, too.
The enigmatic artist took time out from his busy schedule to answer a
few questions for us:
Q: Congratulations on your new Christmas single, “Holly Jolly 2.0”!
How did you approach reimagining a classic Christmas sound for this
track, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
A: The song is a fun Christmas rock song. The approach came naturally to
me because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays (so having a
carefree, happy vibe was easy for me to create). The message that I
hope listeners take away from the song is just to enjoy the quality time
with your family during the holiday’s while you can because Christmas
only comes once per year.
Q: You’re releasing a cover of “Out My Mind, Just In Time” in
January with Virgin Music Group/Universal. What drew you to this
particular song, and how did you infuse it with your own unique artistic
and Christian perspective?
A: The first thing that drew me to the song is how it was the ultimate
confessional song. Erykah Badu did an amazing job in the original
conveying the hardships in her toxic relationship (the song greatly
mirrored a confession to a Catholic priest, which is what birthed the
name of my upcoming EP, “Confessions of a Fallen Angel.”
Q: Your upcoming EP, “Confessions of a Fallen Angel,” dives into themes
of addiction and grief recovery. Can you share more about how you hope
this project will resonate with listeners, especially those who may be
facing their own struggles?
A: The EP delves into both hardship and love. The hardship portion
reminds the listener that they are not alone in their road to healing.
The love portion of the EP is to showcase the light at the end of the
tunnel (which is the end result of successful recovery).
Q: The EP is meant to be listened to chronologically as a
storytelling device. How did you craft the narrative within the music,
and how does faith play a role in guiding this journey of truth and
recovery?
A: I feel a lot of music now is very superficial, and while
superficiality is ok sometimes, I feel offering music that can help
someone struggling is also important. That’s how I began crafting the
EP, after reflecting on Matthew 10:8 in the Bible:
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and
drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Q: You mentioned that “Confessions of a Fallen Angel” continues
your mission to lend a helping hand to those in need. Can you tell us
more about how your music serves as a vehicle for your Christian
mission, and what specific causes or communities you’re aiming to
support through your work?
A: My music is meant to be uplifting and supportive for people during
their time of need. Helping people to heal is what the Lord asks us to
do, and therefore I am following my faith in doing so.
Q: Your full-length album, Confessions of a Fallen Angel (Wanted
Deluxe Edition), will explore an alternative rock style—a departure from
your usual sound. What inspired this shift, and how do you feel this
new style will align with your message and identity as a Christian
artist?
A: I felt that to properly evoke the agony that someone struggling is
feeling, the most appropriate way to do so was to have a more aggressive
sound for the album, which is what spawned my new alternative sound. I
want to show the world that God knows the sound of agony and listens
(and that there is no need to mask the sound of pain with joy when
speaking to God).
Q: “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)” has already gained attention.
Can you tell us more about the creative process behind this track, and
how it fits into the overall narrative of the upcoming album?
A: The song is another “confession” type track. The lyrics are the type
of hardships that you would tell a Catholic priest during confessional.
It’s also relatable to anyone having a bad day in general who wants a
song that vents their frustration.
Q: Your music often blends deeply personal themes with your faith.
How do you balance sharing your personal journey while also making sure
your songs inspire hope and healing for others, especially in a world
that often feels divided or uncertain?
A: My personal journey has been all about following God’s word, and
God’s word is about helping others, so naturally my songs inspire the
healing of others and help to bring others together. That’s the beauty
about God and us all being God’s children (God is for all and the
healing of all).
For more information on HeIsTheArtist and his upcoming releases, please
visit www.heistheartist.com