Meet Rem the Artist: Bay Area’s Picasso (Interview)

The beauty of music is that it comes in so many different shades and shapes. The blank canvas the artist stares at before he or she begins to paint turns into this object that can’t be touched but can be felt. I wonder if artists’ ever know how attached we grow to their work. How significant that replay is. Sometimes it’s the beat. Sometimes it’s the words. Or that one note. Or just the sentiment. 

I’m not going to pretend like I don’t know Rem the Artist prior to this interview. Because I do. We never met in person. But that’s the homie. I never know what to expect from him when he releases clips. He seems to be from another world. He gets in this Benz. You see his fingers f*** around with the dial until he finds that joint he’s going to tune out to. Then he glides. Not sure if this is actually him or if this is my imagination taking one of his Instagram posts and coalescing it with tracks like “Make Up Your Mind” off of his latest 'RTA' project. I lied though. This isn’t a track. More of a spell. The Jamaican accent, catchy as hell. The guitar is hypnosis at its finest. 

I thought ‘RTA’ was going to be some A Tribe Called Quest inspired album with some funky guitar breaks. So yeah, throwing this project on when Rem sent it threw me off. When the music is real, you really have to listen. And if you dont want to, you don’t want real music.

Rem sings. Not Tyrese-style but alternative-soul style if that makes sense. You don’t need to major in Music Comparison to know what I mean when you hear it. Rem rhymes. Rem plays the Goddamn guitar. (Not sure if there’s such a thing but if there isn’t I want to copyright that). I just have to put out there that Breezin’ II has no words but it speaks. “A Story...” pays homage to Slick Rick the Ruler. Rem takes on his best Ricky D impersonation on this one. RESPECT! Especially when that electric storm comes on at the end. Y’all know ima fan of superbly ad libs right? His “TIME’S UP” is killer. 

I had the chance to listen to ‘RTA’ and ‘RTA Deluxe.' The first release holds the self-titled track and if you suckers never get the chance to soak that song up, you missed out on audio gold. From the oh-so undeniable 90’s introduction on it. To the production. To the Hook. That “Straight from the Bay, I said now listen to him listen to him plaaay”. Now I’m not from the bay. But I felt this track in my soul. The funk. The funk. The Motherf***** FUNK Though !!! Go check out the Deluxe version of REM’s new release 'RTA' now out on all major platforms. His name is a perfect fit and I must say this goes to show the real gems have yet to be heard.

Origin of your name.

Ah.... The many stories about the name. I’ll give you Story A.... The origin lies in my persona. People would tell me things like, “You know, you have an old soul” or “You’re taking me back right now to a place that’s good.” 

Story B: It’s further inspired by 1/3 of my favorite Hip-Hop producers DJ Pete Rock. 

When did you start taking music seriously?

About a decade ago. With further inspiration from discovering my music idol Prince. 

Though I’ve spent my whole life immersed in the waters of music. Did some things when I was little. From joining choirs to dubbing blank cassettes tapes from a karaoke machine. I was the kid walking around the neighborhood with a tape in hand. I was the guy to come to for a mix cd in High School. Whatever you want, I can get it!

What song did you have the most fun creating?

For this album, “Make up Your Mind” definitely was a lot of fun. I’m a big fan of early 90’s Dancehall from artists like Shabba Ranks to Supercat. You know that moment when you’re having so much fun recording takes you don’t want it to end and the mixes are coming together? That warm feeling you know? Yeah.... “Make up Your Mind” gave me that.

You seem to be able to do it all. What can we expect from Rem the Artist's next project?

Internal Intimacy. 

The calm of getting to know what self-love means and what it is to have it in your life.

Who did you grow up listening to or wanting to be like?

My listening range has always been wide. I noticed my musical senses kicking in around the age of 5 when I would put on my late uncle's tapes from his duffel bag. I was exposed to a lot of Golden Age Hip-Hop, Jazz and the R&B of that time in the 90’s. My Grandmother also had music playing consistently and would be harmonizing over and under melodies. I feel that’s where my touch comes from when singing. You know how grandmas from the old school be pullin’ ya ear when you get into something?! Well, she whipped mines into shape at an early age! Haha

If you could work with 3 artists right now to dead or alive who would they be?

#1 Chaka Khan

More than anything, I’ve always wanted to be an iconic singer. I definitely am grateful to have that as to add to my repertoire. Chaka is the definition of Limitless.... Her jazzy vocal runs and the way she can widen her voice is a courageous act and I look up to that along with her. 

#2 D’Angelo

I’ve always felt akin with his vibe. Like is he in my head or am I in his? (Laughter). I can say the same for Q-Tip.

#3 Teddy Riley

I see you boss! Keep riding the wave!

It’s 2021. Would you rather be Independent or under a label?

Independent. I have my own label so I’m always on top and not under anything. 

What do you love about California?

More than my independence..... The diversity and weather switchups (pun intended). Currently, I reside in Los Angeles. The greatest thing about this city is that it’s so spread out you can always relocate and start over. 

1980s or 1990s ?

80s..... Can’t have a middle without the beginning.