I Like the Way You Kiss Me

Album: Yustyna (2024)
Charted: 3 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "I Like the Way You Kiss Me" is a dive into a troubled relationship. Artemas craves physical closeness, but the pulsing, almost sinister beat hints at deeper issues. He prioritizes passion over commitment, while acknowledging his partner's fear of getting hurt ("Said you're scared I'll let you down"). Artemas oscillates between vulnerability and manipulation, unsure how to bridge the emotional gap. Is intense physicality ("Can we make a scene? Can we make it loud?), the answer, or just another distraction? Ultimately, the song captures the messy tangle of love, desire, and the struggle for connection.
  • Artemas wrote the song with Jesse Fink (Austin George's "Hands On You," Mark Ambor's "The Long Way") and his two co-producers, Kevin White, and Toby Daintree.

    Kevin White is one half of the production duo Rice N' Peas. He co-produced every track on Bazzi's hit Soul Searching mixtape, including the singles "Paradise" and "Focus."

    Toby Daintree is Artemas' regular production partner, including co-creating his breakthrough song, "If U Think I'm Pretty."
  • Artemas self-released "I Like the Way You Kiss Me" on March 19, 2024 after teasing the song for weeks before. It quickly went viral and charted worldwide, topping the charts in Lithuania, Lativa and Czech Republic.
  • "I Like the Way You Kiss Me" is the opening track of Artemas' mixtape Yustyna.

    "I'm in the studio, like, almost every day," he told BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders in early July 2024. "And around three or four weeks ago. I just had to sit down and look at everything I had. And there was like this running theme where it was talking about this character that I invented called 'Yustyna.' And I feel like at the start, I just wanted to signpost that song, because obviously, it was a big moment for me. And it's kind of just turned into this weird thing. And I think it's up to interpretation."
  • Artemas hasn't specified whether the song is based on a specific real-life relationship. It's likely he drew on a mix of his own experiences, his friends' stories, and perhaps a dash of poetic license to piece together the narrative. This cocktail of personal insight and universal observation is a tried-and-true method for modern songwriters. It allows the music to feel simultaneously authentic and relatable, a neat trick that keeps listeners nodding along and thinking, "Oh, that's so me."

Comments: 2

  • Random CalifornianThank you for this insight.
  • Lotus Flowers from NoNice song
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.