Last September, I had a long talk with Garrett Dutton aka G. Love, as he prepared to perform at the first-eve Sea. Hear. Now Music Festival in Asbury Park. A lengthy part of our conversation was about a relatively unknown artist he had to discovered named Ron Artis II.
The renowned purveyor of Philadelphonic delights was effusive in his praise of Ron Artis II, referring to him as a Hawaiian Gary Clark Jr. (as a reference point), and a multi-instrumentalist who is both “amazing” and “blows him away every time he sees him perform. High praise, for sure.
And it makes sense for G. Love to be so high on Artis — the man is amazing. His intoxicatingly soulful voice, his simple yet spellbinding arrangements, and his heartfelt lyrics are simply undeniable.
So what better way to kick off our third year of the Jams on the Sand Interview Series than with this exciting artist you need to be listening to. In this interview Artis talks about his meeting with G. Love, how much family means to him, his new record, Hawaii, and a special video he did with his daughter.
The first time I heard about you was when we interviewed G. Love last year ahead of his performance at the Sea.Hear.Now Music Festival. He showered you with praise. Can you talk about how you two ended up meeting?
The first time I met Garret [G. Love], was in Hawaii. ‘Dove Presents’ brought him over for a New Year’s Concert Series and [they] scheduled me as the opener. I hadn’t heard of G. Love and I didn’t yet know his music. The rest is sorta history.
Two years later we did the show again in Hawaii, this time I opened for him with my band ‘Ron Artis II & The Truth.’ He came backstage after our set shouting, “That’s it man! You guys are going on the road with me!” I thought he was joking or just giving a compliment. The next week, my agent had an offer for two months of touring.
And did he impart any wisdom on you about being a musician?
Of course! One of the most important things he taught me — SLEEP! The road can be an exciting place, when you’re touring to new places for the first time. I learned the hard way, “No Sleep = No Voice.” That’s right, I lost my voice on the third show [of the tour]. Garret kept saying get you 6-8 hours of sleep man. The body needs it. Since then I’ve been fighting to keep that habit.
I just watched the video you did for “Love is Love” where you sang with your daughter. How was it performing with your daughter?
I have to say, I was holding back tears the entire video. I don’t have words to express how special it was to do the video with her. Ida, my daughter, is very sensitive, so she usually won’t do any singing or anything in front of people. I’m happy she made an exception.
How important is family in the music you create?
Family is very important to me. We as a family, do everything together. I thank Jesus for my family every chance I get. The world is exciting and distracting, but we make sure to always make space to spend time together. My Father passed 9 years ago. He was always my best friend growing up. What really touched me after he passed, was how many memories I actually have of him. My parents spent nearly everyday with us. They believed that memories are more important than anything money can buy.
In the article I saw the video, it mentioned Love is Love is the title track of your new album. The album is expected to drop on September 1. How do you feel this record stands out from the rest of your catalog?
The album will be released “sometime” in September haha. It’s not “sticking” to schedule (laughs). This album is very Emotional. It’s much more acoustic than ’Soul Street’, but has a blend of mellow and groove. This one is all about telling a story. I really hope everyone enjoys it.
You will be playing Jams on the Sand which is literally in front of the Atlantic Ocean. What’s the most unique venue you guys have ever performed at?
I am really looking forward to Jams on the Sand! We have a ton of new songs we’ve been testing on the road and can’t wait to share them there. “Unique” is an interesting word (laughs). I really enjoyed the Cape Cod Roots Festival last year, in Orleans, MA. It’s right by the ocean and feels like the last festival of the summer. So everyone gets out there to dance.
We also once played at “an event” that put us (from Hawaii), in a gazebo, in Whistler, Canada late October Brrrrrrrrr. Snow on the ground and the Sun on my mind. That wasn’t nearly as fun (laughs).
At Jams on the Sand you’ll be performing as the opening act for The Main Squeeze then headlining the after-party at Wonder Bar across the street. Is there a different mentality or way you perform if you’re an opening act or a headliner — and how do you that in the same night?
Great question! Short answer — yes. As an opener, we try and make space for the headliner. It’s a respect thing. Soundcheck will be fast, load-in and out even faster (laughs). We also try to build out the stage layout around the headliners. It’s a tech/stage plot thing too. Mostly it’s respect. When we open for someone, we want to show gratitude for them having us, As well as introduce the audience to our music. The set time will usually be around 30-45mins. So shorter solos, etc.
Heading shows (laughs) … we’ll have quite a few more instruments on stage and play well over two hours. We take time to share some background on the songs and introduce new material as well. It’s also fun to headline, because we usually will bring friends for the local scene on stage to jam a song or two as well. You never know what will happen (laughs).
[Editor’s Note: As of press time the show, due to rain, both shows will be held inside at The Wonder Bar]
You’re from Hawaii, a state I’ve visited and absolutely love. How much has coming from Hawaii impacted your sound, and your songwriting style?
Hawaii is Home. I really loved growing there. Everyone local to Hawaii knows to “Take Your Time”. Aloha is so much more than a word, man. It’s more than coconuts and palm trees in Waikiki. It’s about being present, giving and feeling love.
There are so many talented musicians in Hawaii. Most don’t tour or travel with their music. So, you’d have to go there to experience it. When songs and stories have been passed down, for generations something else is passed along with it.
My parents moved to Hawaii when I was 4yrs old. They told me “This place is alive, there’s so much real love here.”.That still rings true.
What are you most excited for in 2019 outside of the new album being released?
There are quite a few things I’m excited for this year. But the number one by far is meeting my soon-to-be-born-baby. The due date is July 15th. So after this tour, I’m at home for a while. Swinging my baby and singing lullabies.
