Artist Spotlight: Isong
In an age where repetitiveness and conformity is rife in the UK music industry, artists like Isong come as a welcomed breath of fresh air.
The South East London rising star is shaping up to be a pivotal figure in the fresh and exciting R ’n’ Drill sound that is sweeping trough the UK rap scene, with his compelling combination of silky, melodic vocals and hard hitting bars proving to be a increasingly marketable sound. Having received significant backing from influential tastemakers like GRM Daily and Mixtape Madness, Isong’s latest single Cruise Control cements the artist as one of the most refreshingly unique artists coming through in the new year.
I caught up with Isong to discuss the recent single, his rejuvenating and genre-bending sound, and what’s to come in 2022.
How’s it going? What have you been up to?
I’ve been cool, everything’s cool right now, just been working, planning for 2022 etc
Who is influencing you at the moment?
Right now, I’m not influenced by anyone cause I’m kind of in my own lane creatively. Growing up though, Chris Brown did have a lot of influence on my love for RnB.
I love your combination of such polarising styles of R&B and drill - how do you combines the sounds so effectively?
The craft always becomes a bit easier when you’re enjoying it and because I’ve got a passion for both genres, especially because drill has opened so many opportunities for young people that come from similar/local backgrounds to me.
Why have you opted for the more melodic approach?
I’ve always enjoyed singing. I feel like some lyrics that I write can be pictured better when it has some melody behind it.
Do you think there is a gap in the market for your sound? How do you plan on extorting it?
The plan is to literally just elevate it from here. So far, the progress has been very good and also very natural; not just in England, around the world as well. I’ve got a few singles that have had better months in countries like Germany, Australia etc There is definitely a reception for what I’m bringing to music, it’s just a matter of time and work ethic. For now I’m just putting out singles, maybe a project at the end of 022.
Your sound is melodic but isn’t necessarily tied into the trap wave approach that is so popular right now. Did you purposefully try and variate from that style?
Nah not really to be honest, I’ve got a few unreleased songs under that genre that I may release later down the line.
Will you release anything that is more straight rap based?
Yes 100%, we coming for the whole game lool.
Where do you see your sound progressing?
I defo see this wave going somewhere beyond people imagine, it’s happened before with other sounds in our scene. 2022 I’m about to release the best R’n’drill I’ve made in a very long time!
You’ve had support from big of the names and platforms in UK rap. How does it feel to be backed by such distinguished figures?
It’s truly a blessing and I’m always tryna show gratitude. Me and my team have worked so hard to get to where we are today so it’s a bonus seeing people with major success supporting the movement.
Talk me through the themes and concepts of the latest track ‘Cruise Control’?
The whole concept of cruise control is the idea of me being in my own lane en route to the bag or en route to success. It’s the idea of me just setting a steady pace, being patient and not tryna rush ahead.
Where did the ideas of the visuals come from?
‘Cruise Control’ didn’t take much direction i won’t even lie. I hadn’t released a video in a whole year so I just wanted to come back simple and authentic; I wanted the video to just be vibey on my local estate with my people.
Talk me through your Christmas takeover show on Reprezent?
It was a vibe! I went there and played a few tracks that I rock with heavily! My first radio takeover so it was a bit awkward at the beginning but it smoothened out over time.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener who’d never heard of your music before, what song would you play them?
An exclusive coming out soon!
What’s to come from you?
More singles, more content. I’m loading up my next releases from the beginning up until summer next year so keep a lookout!