If Artemas wasn’t on your radar, it’s time to recalibrate. With over a billion global streams and a string of anthemic hits, the Oxfordshire-born, self-taught wunderkind landed in New Zealand for the first time to headline Auckland’s iconic Powerstation as part of his You’re Early… The Tour.
And what a debut it was.
The show was billed as an all-ages event, and initially, the venue felt a little sparse. However, as time passed, the space gradually began to fill with eager fans.
While waiting, I was struck by an unexpected choice from the sound engineer. Blue Monday by New Order, a classic from 1983.
Considering the average age of the crowd was closer to 17, it felt like a curious, almost anachronistic selection. Until it dawned on me that some tracks are simply timeless.
When a Depeche Mode song followed, I couldn’t help but wonder, Am I at an ’80s gig?
Opening the show was Pōneke singer-songwriter Lontalius, who stepped onto the stage armed with nothing more than an electric guitar.
Initially, the crowd seemed disengaged, with most chatter drowning out his performance, save for the attentive front three rows. However, by the end of his first song, he’d managed to captivate the room, somewhat.
Lontalius’ bass-baritone voice carried a weight that perfectly complemented the tone and structure of his songs. His laid-back, hypnotic style created an air of familiarity, like rediscovering an old favourite with a modern twist.
Sparse on small talk, his lone introduction was a subdued. My name is Lontalius by the way, delivered with an understated charm.
While his set maintained a consistent, almost monotone quality that wasn’t quite to my taste, it’s clear his sound resonates with many. His 600,000 monthly Spotify listeners are proof of that.
There’s no denying Lontalius has a knack for creating introspective, soothing soundscapes. He’s clearly doing something right, even if his flavour of tea doesn’t find a spot on my shelf.
With Lontalius’ haunting final notes fading, the wait for the main act began. Strangely, it took longer than expected.
With the opening act relying solely on a guitar, effects pedal board, and microphone, clearing the stage should have been a swift operation. Yet, line checks began ringing out, a curious delay considering these are typically handled during soundcheck.
The anticipation in the room continued to build, fuelled by an expertly curated pre-show playlist.
Tracks like No Church in the Wild by Jay-Z and Kanye West, Opr by Gesaffelstein, and Girl You Look So Fancy by Atyria had the crowd already buzzing. Groups were hugging, jumping in unison, and breaking out into impromptu dance moves. The energy was electric, the air thick with excitement.
The entire room was now shrouded in smoke so dense it had been pouring from the venue an hour before Artemas even hit the stage.
Surprisingly, it didn’t draw the attention of the local fire brigade. Word was the smoke-filled aesthetic was a Lontalius request, a fittingly atmospheric prelude to the night.
Finally, after a 40-minute wait, it was showtime.
Artemas emerged like a shadowy figure through the fog, opening with I Always Kinda Knew You’d Be the Death of Me.
Immediately showcasing the raw energy of his live sound. The polished, pristine production of his records gave way to a visceral, full-band performance that was both gritty and exhilarating.
His voice pierced through the haze, rich with emotion, proving that this is no studio wizard hiding behind Pro Tools magic. This is an artist in command of his craft. As he hit the chorus, his voice sliced through the haze, revealing a talent even more impressive in person.
Next came Ur Special to Me, and suddenly a sea of phones lit up the venue, capturing the moment as sub-bass rattled the walls and my ear filters all at once.
Girls screamed with unbridled joy while the drummer, in a whirlwind of energy, dislodged a cymbal mid-song, only to recover seamlessly and continue smashing his kit with ferocity.
Caroline followed, a song that turned the room into a collective lovefest. Fans embraced tightly, belting out every lyric like a personal anthem.
The stage lights, reminiscent of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, added an otherworldly atmosphere to the performance.
At just 24 years old, Artemas has rapidly ascended into the realm of alternative Pop royalty. His relatable lyricism and knack for crafting melodies that stick like glue have propelled him into the global spotlight.
A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, spending countless hours honing his craft in the solitude of his bedroom.
Since his debut in late 2020, he’s racked up over a billion streams with tracks like if you think i’m pretty, and shattered records with i like the way you kiss me, which soared to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard 200 Ex-US chart.
He’s a testament to the power of the YouTube generation’s DIY ethos.
Artemas proved he’s more than a streaming sensation. With highlights like the keyboardist doubling on bass, and the guitarist’s ripping solos adding depth and texture.
Even the production, thick smoke, dazzling lights, and a meticulously balanced sound mix, felt like an extension of Artemas’ immersive aesthetic, with heavy delay effects,
Artemas’ vocals shone through, mirroring the studio versions and underscoring his legitimacy as a live performer. This wasn’t just a pop show, it was a showcase of artistry.
The live arrangements felt dynamic and purposeful, backed by a band that brought grit and raw energy to his polished pop sound.
At one point, the band performed a rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s global hit Crazy.
True to Artemas’ unique style, it wasn’t merely a cover but more of a reimagined homage. The choice of this track felt deliberate, as midway through their inventive version, they effortlessly transitioned into Artemas’ own track Good Girl.
The shift was seamless, showcasing sleek musicianship and a knack for creative storytelling through sound.
As hit after hit reverberated through the PA, Artemas launched into If You Think I’m Pretty. The crowd erupted, instantly singing along as a sea of phones lit up the venue, eager to capture the raw, unfiltered magic of this standout track. The energy was electric, and the song’s live authenticity resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
Dressed in all black and sporting dark sunglasses, Artemas exuded effortless cool as he took command of the stage.
He didn’t just perform, he connected. All night roaming from side to side, he ensured every corner of the room felt his presence.
The front rows were especially spoiled, with Artemas leaning in close to their outstretched phones, delivering an intimate, up-close experience that left fans beaming.
It was a masterclass in audience engagement, with every gesture and glance making the crowd feel seen and appreciated.
As the anthems kept coming, an impressive 19-song setlist led to the grand finale. Artemas’ massive hit, I Like the Way You Kiss Me.
The moment the first notes rang out, the crowd erupted. Girls screamed at the top of their lungs, torn between belting out the lyrics and losing themselves in the sheer euphoria of the moment. Dancing, jumping, and shaking, the audience was swept up in a frenzy of Beatles-like hysteria, a tidal wave of pure, uncontainable emotion.
This is our last show on this tour, Artemas told the crowd, and what a finale it was. From the emotive ballads to the euphoric anthems, he left no doubt that he’s a bona fide star on the rise.
As the evening ended, we exited alongside a wave of smoke that spilled from the stage, carrying with it the echoes of an unforgettable performance.
Artemas’ live delivery wasn’t just a representation of his music, it was a revelation. The grit, the energy, and the authenticity made it clear this is only the beginning for Artemas. His future is as bright as the lights that lit up the Powerstation.
Paul Marshall
Photography by Chloe Tredgett
Artemas
Lontalius
