The music industry today is going through a recession of its own. Hits are cranked out in a frenetic pace, and instant-stars are cooked up faster than a cup of Ramen noodles. What happened to longevity; what happened to real stars looking for more than just the Fame? Now we get a slew of super one-hit wonders and albums from “artists” who don’t even know to actually be just that, artists. The same 20 songs are played on the radio every three minutes and it all sounds the same. When will someone debut with the tenacity of Alicia and the chops of a young (happy) Lauryn Hill? Enter, Ihsan a 20- something singing prodigy that not only belts out tunes like a seasoned pro, she writes her own music as well. A self-taught singer, who honed her skills by making music with her siblings, the product of the Duke Ellington School School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Ihsan has a refreshing sound that is not like any other you have heard before. One part Anita Baker, mixed with the style of a (pre-Nas) Kelis, and the writing chops of the aforementioned Ms. Hill. Ihsan has gained a following that is undeniable. She just finished co-directing her first music video and is creating her first album, Big Red Box that will debut in early 2010.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
IHSAN:I always knew that there was something special about my voice. From the responses that I received after I sang, to people crying, and telling me “Do it again”. Yes. I’ve always wanted to share with people what I thought was so special about me.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Explain your process of songwriting and producing?
IHSAN: I feel that music and art in general has “no real” repetitive process. I just create. Whether it’s me producing the track, or my brother, or if I have a song idea for lyrics in my head and I know the exact type of beat/ instrumentation to go with it.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What is the meaning behind your upcoming album and the title?
IHSAN: Big Red Box is a glimpse inside of my life. As a new artist I feel it is my duty to let others experience and know IhsAn. Big- meaning everything that I do is big. Red- meaning the way people actually perceive me as a person because red is such a bright color, it stands out in more ways than the immediate thought of the particular color. Box- symbolizing my personality. I am a very reserved person. And Shy. Until you actually open the box you won’t know that I live life big and in color.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: With so many artists today, following a cookie-cutter formula how do you stand out WITHOUT selling out?
IHSAN: Innovation is something that many artists want to accomplish in this industry. Very few actually know what it is. Many can sing, many can dance, and many look great. There are few that have all of those qualities plus the drive, the faith, and supportive people around to keep them grounded. I am very fortunate and thankful to be one of those few.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: How has the Internet and sites like FACEBOOK and MYSPACE helped you gain a following?IHSAN: The Internet has helped artists like myself the most. Independent artists can put out music, sell music, show videos and much more by just clicking a button.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What motivates you to never give up your dreams?
IHSAN: Life in general is very inspirational. Just recently the greatest entertainer of all time “Michael Jackson” passed away. No matter how many years from now his legacy will not pass. I strive everyday to be that kind of artist. When I feel down and weak that is motivation to get up and be even stronger.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: The three albums (old or new) you can’t stop playing?
IHSAN: This one is hard. Really. Lol! We don’t really play albums anymore. It’s weird. Ipod is a very interesting thing. Mine is usually always on shuffle. lol! But I must tell you that NERD is my favorite. I love star trak period!!!!! Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” is phenomenal, classic, and Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love”.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: FAME or icon status? Why?
IHSAN: Legendary- As long as I’ve changed one person’s life to them I’m an icon and in my eyes that is what makes a person famous.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Where do you see yourself a year and 5 years from now?
IHSAN: Blessed, Happy, Secure, successful, accomplished, and respected amongst my peers. No matter how many years from now that this is documented, in every aspect of life those are the words that I want to describe my life as.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words describe STYLE and SUBSTANCE?
IHSAN: Style- is something that everyone has whether it’s appealing or not to the person looking you up and down from a far. Substance- is the pride that each person takes in their daily endeavors whether it goes noticed or unnoticed.
Photo credit: Ihsan
For more information and to listen to Ihsan’s music visit her FACEBOOK and MYSPACE pages.
