Paving a path through the crazy and ever-changing world of the music industry can be a challenge difficult to conquer. However, with the right tools and great tunes, many prevail, claiming their place in the spotlight. One of these up and coming artist making huge waves in the dubstep scene is none other than Cali native producer, IMAN, who is starting 2023 off with an absolute banger of a release. His latest track, “ILLEST” which we have the pleasure of premiering for you all today, is the next headbangin’ heater that should be on everyone’s radar immediately. With its deep driving bass line, intricate sound design, and aggressive melodies, this is definitely a heavy hitter that captures listeners’ attention from the moment it starts playing. We expect to see this one being rinsed out all over very soon. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “ILLEST”, a certified bop.
‘Illest’ is a surge of pure adrenaline. Opening with a brooding burst of energy, the track goes onto evolve into an intricate dubstep production, showing a mastery of tension and release. Based in LA, Iman is one of the most vital young voices in the genre, and ‘Illest’ is his most impressive track to date. It’s heavy and aggressive, but ultimately inspirational – thrilling right up to its eerie closing moments.
Diving Deep w/ IMAN
1. How did you decide to get into music? Was there a certain event in your childhood/life that made you stop and realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I never actually made the decision to “get into music”, it kind of just happened. Growing up I played the piano and guitar but wasn’t good at it. I played the trumpet and liked it a lot and was actually good at it. Ultimately getting into music became a sort of “happy accident” for me, when I first started learning how to DJ I had no intention of ever performing. Even when I first started performing as a DJ I had no plans of learning music production, but my good friends Justin (from Laszewo) and DK helped me realize that if I wanted to actually perform on a larger scale at some point I’d need to take a step back from DJing and focus on producing for a while.
2. It can be very hard sometimes separating music from day to day life when it’s a huge part of your life. How do you personally separate your artist life from your everyday life, and have you faced any challenges doing so?
I don’t really try to seperate the two and I go by my own name, proudly. Music is a huge part of my life, always has, always will be. I’m coming up on year 8 of my career in financial services and I’m really fortunate to have had co-workers and managers who were extremely supportive of everything and even come to some of my shows. I just don’t think about music and stay professional while at work. That being said, I don’t find it challenging because I’m also passionate about my career, hobbies, and interests outside of music.
3. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started making music? Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring producers hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Nobody owes you anything, you will face rejection, tons of it, you will fail, it sucks, but that’s how life is. Don’t get discouraged by others achievements, don’t lose motivation because of something you can’t control. Have a solid group of friends in music and actually form genuine connections with people. Ignore the noise, focus on yourself.
Have balance, so many people struggle with this and that’s why so many people are burnt out. For example, while it is important to go out to shows and be seen and network, I think it’s also very important to do things like spend quality time with your family friends, go on trips, spend time in nature, see a new movie, try a new restaurant, enjoy your hobbies etc. Missing a show or a festival is not the end of the world, there will always be more.
4. What’s next for your project? What plans do you have in the near future that you hope to accomplish as “IMAN“?
I will be releasing my first EP in 2023, and I’m working and planning on releasing some collabs with some talented producers such as Kozmoz, Chassi, Reign, Izadi and Blind Lies throughout the year. Besides that I hope to play a bunch of shows and hopefully some festivals, so please let your local promoters know that you’d like to see me in your city!
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