Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Runnels (J.ARTiz).
Hi Josh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Chicago native with roots on the city’s West Side, though I was raised in Oak Park. For more than 30 years, my family has attended church on Chicago’s South Side, and that’s where music first became part of my life. I started singing in the church choir as a kid, but the spark really came when my sister gave me the Jackson 5 Anthology. I remember wanting to be just like young Michael Jackson. At the time it was just admiration—I never imagined music would one day become my life’s work.
For years, I was comfortable singing in the background. It wasn’t until 2018 that everything changed. I stepped from the choir and background vocals into the spotlight as the lead singer for a band called Loose Loose. The response was incredible. We quickly became a regional favorite, sold out venues, released multiple projects and singles, and built a loyal following.
Like many artists, the pandemic changed everything. The band came to an end in 2020, but that season gave me clarity. I realized music wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I was called to do. I couldn’t stop creating.
That realization led me to launch my own project, build my own band, perform throughout the Midwest, collaborate with incredible artists, release original music, produce music videos, and create experiences that continue to bring people together. Today, I’m preparing to release my next single from my upcoming album, Art N Heaven, a project that reflects not only where I am creatively, but who I’ve become personally.
I’ve always believed that art is more than entertainment. It’s a tool for helping people discover themselves, find hope, and reconnect with purpose. If I want my music to inspire others to live intentionally, I have to be willing to live that way myself. That’s the story I’m still writing—one song, one performance, and one opportunity at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the craziest moments in my journey is something most people don’t believe when I tell them: I’ve actually been booed off stage before. That moment could’ve convinced me that I wasn’t meant to do this. Instead, it became one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had. It forced me to ask difficult questions, sharpen my craft, and understand that one performance doesn’t define a purpose.
Since then, I’ve built incredible bands, watched audiences grow, led meaningful events, and experienced opportunities I once only imagined. But life has a way of interrupting even your best momentum. There were seasons when I had to step away from what I was building, relocate to different cities, or start over because my responsibility to my family came first. Every time it felt like I was finally taking off, life would ask me to land somewhere else.
At first, I saw those moments as setbacks. Now I see them as chapters. Every city gave me another perspective. Every interruption taught me another lesson. Every new beginning stretched me into someone I couldn’t have become by staying comfortable.
I’ve learned that purpose isn’t something you arrive at, it’s something you continue choosing, even when the road changes beneath your feet.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a vocalist, songwriter, performer, and creative director who believes music should bring people together. Whether I’m performing with my band, creating original music, or leading community events, my goal is always the same—to create experiences that leave people feeling more connected than when they arrived.
My upcoming project, Art N Heaven, reflects that vision. It’s soulful, honest, and rooted in real life. I love blending live instrumentation with modern production while keeping the emotion at the center of every song.
Beyond music, I’m passionate about using art to inspire growth, healing, and community. That’s probably what I’m most proud of—not just the performances or the songs, but knowing that my work has encouraged people, opened conversations, and created meaningful moments.
What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends. I create from purpose. Every song, every performance, and every event is designed to make people feel something real.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that purpose has to be stronger than popularity.
Early on, I thought success was about reaching a certain milestone or gaining recognition. Over time, I’ve realized that success is staying faithful to the work you’re called to create, even when progress feels slow. Consistency has become more valuable to me than overnight success.
I’ve also learned that growth takes time. Every performance, every conversation, every challenge, and every opportunity has been preparing me for what’s next. As I continue working toward the release of Art N Heaven, I’m less focused on proving myself and more focused on creating something authentic that people can carry with them long after the music stops.
Pricing:
- Live Band services
- DJ services
- Audio production services
- MC services
- Event Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jartiz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.art.iz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrtrakstar/
- Twitter: https://x.com/j_art_iz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jartiz?si=eo4vfO1esF-nU–v
