When TheARTI$T (born Erica McCauley) released her viral single “Sober” in January 2023, it marked the moment when audiences first recognised her musical abilities. The reflective track, which became the anthem for leaving toxic situations, was one of many from the New Jersey- born fast-rising R&B singer, songwriter, and performer that would go on to propel her into the music scene as a newcomer to watch out for thanks to her vulnerable lyrics, smooth vocals, and warm tones. “It felt scary at first, but over time, it began to feel right,” TheARTI$T explained, speaking on the early days of sharing music. “I believe I was always meant to be doing something that involved pouring into people, and that music happened to be the thing God blessed me with to do that.” It’s this strong belief in herself and her talents that took her from being a preschool teacher in Newark to receiving cosigns from legends like Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, Maxwell, and more. 

Building on the impact of “Sober” and the projects like ARTchives, Together Again, and Who I Am that followed, her latest, DND,  joins the ranks. The 12-track EP showcases her consistency and determination to be more than just a viral sensation. Her ability to craft cohesive projects with a distinct sound brings fresh energy to the R&B space right now. During a recent meeting with her in London, we discussed everything from her creative process for the EP to her musical inspirations and journey thus far.

Hi, first of all, nice to meet you. For any of our readers who do not know who you are, how would you describe yourself to people who are just meeting you?

I would describe myself as someone who loves unapologetically. Someone who values fashion and always looks to put a smile on someone's face.

How would you describe yourself in terms of your sound?​

My sound is very vulnerable and raw, with a way of cutting through. I'd say it's soulful too, which makes sense because I grew up on a lot of soul-inspired music.

How did your love for music begin, and what would you say was the thing that brought you to want to pursue being an artist?

My love for music began as a little girl. My mom never missed a moment to blast music throughout the house; a whole lot of Anthony Hamilton and Jazmine Sullivan at that. I used to dance too, so my ability to connect with music has always been homegrown. I began pursuing it in college after my friends heard me freestyling in my dorm. They literally forced me to the studio, and I haven't left since!​

You have released several bodies of work so far. What would you say has changed from when you started making music to where you are now?​

What changed was my knowledge and my understanding of what it took to really do my best work. My eagerness to work with others, my willingness to stay a student and just my life experiences overall. I've grown so much, and at times I don't even realise it because I'm just doing what I love. But there are moments when I can pause, look around, and see just how far I've come.​

In terms of your new EP, DND, where did the process for that EP begin for you?​

The process began a year ago. I was working on the song "Questions" in April, and at the time, the feeling of that song was where I was, but I wasn't quite sure how to build out the story from there. Fast forward about 6 months after that, and that's when everything began to fall into place on its own. I stayed in the studio, and I worked and worked, and the project literally built itself.

How has it felt making the music on this EP compared to your last body of work?

Honestly, it has felt like a stepping stone towards the woman that I am working to become. I feel like in life, it's hardly ever a chance where you can skip steps, and this is that moment for me. DND is where my healing lies, it's where my truth lies, and it feels extremely strong. I am excited to see the doors that open once the world hears it.​

What would you say has been a standout moment for making the EP?

A standout moment for making the EP was the making of "Shut It Down.” That moment right there was something I'd never forget. The feeling during the session, the way everyone was so tuned in, and the way it felt to hear it out loud on the speakers after recording it were definitely the final pieces of the puzzle that allowed us to complete this.​

Lyrically and sonically, how did you shape the direction of the EP?

I shaped it in a way that tells a tale between me and me only. Because I struggled internally, it showed in my inability to focus on loving just one woman; I always felt the need to want more. So it goes through this cycle of having a main woman, but not having enough of those on the side either. I tried to get the production in line with that feeling so that, as listeners engage, it feels like they are standing directly in my shoes.​

In terms of the songs and the themes you address on the EP, what was the writing process for you in this EP?

The writing process, honestly, was easy this go-round. I believe it was because the story I had going into every session was perfectly put into a song. So any time I worked with any other songwriters, they knew exactly what I was trying to get across just by telling my truths.​

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You are somebody who has always had a distinct look to them in terms of your style and how that comes across in your artistry. How has fashion been something you have been able to explore in how you express yourself as an artist?

Fashion has been my safe space in the world. When I'm able to dress how I want, it gives me a level of confidence that I take with me into every session, interview and onto every stage.​

What do you want people to know about you from listening to the EP?

I want them to know that no one is alone in this fight to love and be loved. As if it should even be a fight. We live in a culture now where the epitome of love is what someone can do for you, but what about how someone can make you feel? How does someone show up for you? And although I struggled to do that with only one woman, it never took away my ability to have a heart and to love.​

What was the hardest song to write on the EP?​

I wouldn't deem anything as hard, but the toughest song to record might've been the record "Binge,” because I utilised my vocal tone and range more in this one, and sometimes that's a challenge for me!​

What was the moment you knew the EP was finished?

I know the EP was finished after the recording of my single "Shut It Down.” It just felt like the icing on the cake for me!

As you’ve been on your journey so far, what have you learned about yourself?

I learned that it's so easy to get caught up in what this industry brings that sometimes I forget I'm just a human. So I've been giving myself more grace, being more patient and truly allowing myself to enjoy the journey. Everything that has happened thus far, I can't get back. And I don't want to blink and look back and realise that I never gave myself a moment to just enjoy the fruits of my labour.

Team Credits:
Creative Director & Photographer: Dhey Artopé @dheyartope
Creative Producer: Whitney Sanni @its.whit_
Stylisting Assistants: Imara @imarasarchive Kandyce Hogan @kandyce_hogan
Set Designer: Riya @rjdznz
Assistant Set Designer: Alero Helena @aleroart_
Props: Aaishah @aaishah.xox
Hair Stylist: Jemima Boateng  @dsrhair
Movement Director: Kelvin @kvngfeds
Co - Producer: Dhey Artopé @dheyartope
Creative Assistants: Gift @.gifteyy Sharelle Grace @sharellegrace Imara @imarasarchive
Gaffer: Ariz @_aryzza
BTS: Rimaz Yousif @shotbyrimaz. Jay @jayproducer_Nathaniel @nathanielfilmsuk
Models: Aysha Urqhart @ayshaurqhart Riley @ril3yplayz
Interview: Seneo Mwamba @seneomwamba
Design: @shalemalone | @dianeadanna