Have you ever really thought about the process of making music and who is behind it? Well, Iskandar Arias 27’, a fellow cub, is doing it. Most 16-year-olds are worried about doing their homework, stressed about college, or getting their license. However, Iskandar, better known as “1iski1”, is focused on making it a lasting impact on the Rap game for the future. Bringing his own take on the Cali Rap/R&B scene.
“I started this 3 to 4 years ago by downloading FL Studio. I just wanted to know how people make music, not even knowing what a beat is. But, when I really started to get into understanding it all, I couldn’t be stopped.” From that point, Iskandar realized this is what he was meant for. He started making LA-type beats, slowly evolving into anything he could think of. For the past 2 years, he has been all in.
“When I started this journey, I never thought I could get to this level. In the beginning, just making beats for my friends to rap on and doing what the people around me convinced me to do. This was until I sent my song to a real rapper, Babygas.” One night, he decided to send a set of his beats to many rappers. Then all of a sudden, he gets a response back. This was it, Iskandar’s big breakthrough, his first real-time producing for a rapper. He knew he had to put his best work out for all he knew this could be his next step into everlasting fame and success.
“Ever since that I have been grinding, sending more and more beats to anyone I could think of. Most recently producing for R3 DA CHILLI-MAN’s song “say she wanna” on his newest album, Chilli Season 2. All of a sudden, I was a high school kid making beats in my room to walking into professional studios in Los Angeles surrounded by people I’ve only ever seen online.”
“This really was an eye-opening experience. I could really do this. I’ve always loved music. I didn’t want to be just good; I wanted to be great, have my name in history books, win awards, and be compared to the greats.”
He then began to grow more and more, creating even further connections with producers who work with people like Segway, Lil Tecca, and Bryson Tiller. Iskandar is currently working on creating music with West Coast rapper, Kalan.frfr, by sending more and more of his music.
“My inspiration behind my music comes from many things, that constantly change the way I process it. Now, whenever I listen to a song, all I can do is analyze every part of it and breaking it down to hear it more in depth and understand how it’s made. PARTYNEXTDOOR is someone who I take heavy inspiration from and hope one day I will be able to work with.”
“I hope everyone can see my story and how I have come up and take something from it. It doesn’t matter who does or doesn’t believe in you. It’s about having goal and doing everything in your power to achieve it. Greatness isn’t made in one night it’s comprised of hours and hours of grind and determination. So, if I can do then why can’t you.”
