Iman’s Music
Her sound is described as a cross between Adele and the Noisettes, HM speaks to new artist on the rise Iman!
HM: Introduce yourself to London, who is Iman?
I am an artist from London who is constantly pushing myself to be better with what I do. I write songs on my own and also collaborate in the studio with producers. I have written for other artists around the World and in the UK. I love eating, reading, clothes, singing, dancing and catching up with my nearest and dearest.
HM: Describe your distinctive sound?
A few have said my sound is like a cross between Adele and Noisettes. I reckon that’s pretty accurate and to be honest I don’t mind that comparison. Whether you like it or not artists are always gonna be compared. Both of these artists I rate in any case. My music is definitely mainstream, it’s pop with depth to it coz the lyrics I write are always true to me. It’s gotta be that way with me.
HM: What makes Iman’s music sooo HOT?
My music is quite diverse. I’m never gonna make an album filled with only slow or up tempo songs about the same subject. I can see on my networking sites that people of all ages and backgrounds are feeling what I’m doing and that’s a blessing. It’s always been important to me that I make music for everyone. I reckon that’s what helps me stand out and people often tell me my voice is quite unique. Always a bonus!
HM: How would you say your music is/will bring a fresh view to the UK music scene?
I’m not sure if I can answer that to be honest. I guess everyone will take from it what they will. My hope is that when people hear my album they feel inspired by the messages in my songs.
“It’s really important that I love what I’m creating and that whoever I’m in the studio with is also feeling the vibe, you’re in it together”
HM: What is most important to you when making music?
That it’s honest and that I’m enjoying the process. I’ve had a go at writing songs in the past where I’m just making stuff up and it never fulfills me. I feel like a fake and it just reflects in my voice when I sing it. It’s really important that I love what I’m creating and that whoever I’m in the studio with is also feeling the vibe, you’re in it together.
HM: You’ve been writing since you were a little girl, can you remember any of these tracks? Care to give us a snippet???
Yep I still remember my first song. Granted it is crap but still special in my heart. I would give you a snippet but I have conveniently forgotten where that early demo is. Haha
HM: Word on the street is you taught yourself to play the guitar? How in the heezy did you manage that??
It takes focus really any one can do it I’m convinced of that. I just locked myself away and asked friends who play for some tips. YouTube has some decent guitar lessons anyone can take note from. In no way would I say I’m great but I know enough now to be able to write songs with it in the studio.
HM: You’ve already had a No.1 hit in Italy with a song you wrote, through their X- Factor series? How did that feel? Did you meet the artist?
It was a brilliant feeling as it was my first cut for another artist, that was a feeling of achievement in itself. It’s only a few months after that I got an email saying it had hit the number 1 spot when I it really sunk in. I was sent a YouTube link of it being played in the studio audience and later hearing the winner’s voice on it I was buzzing!
HM: You wrote single ‘Only You’ with Ed Sheeran how did the collaboration come about?
I met Ed a few years ago at a music event and instantly fell in love with his music. We talked about getting in the studio together then soon after we found ourselves under the same management. So, it became easier to arrange a date with a place for us to write the song and have a place to record. It was a really easy session we actually wrote two songs that day with ‘Only You’ being the last one. We both knew straight away it was special. When it came to recording we got someone to come in and lay down live strings which just made it like a proper record.
HM: You teamed up with Hibbert Ralph Animation for the amazingly cool video to ‘Only You’. Who came up with the concept?
Hibbert Ralph actually got in touch and came up with the whole concept. They asked if they could do a video for it as they really loved the song. I was really happy with what they did and soon after Flava, The Chart Show and MTV World got in touch about the song and video.
HM: Tell us about your album?
I’m not sure if I have the right name for the album as yet. But on it I have slow and up tempo songs with lyrics about my take on celebrity, signing a record deal, getting back up in life when you fall and my journey in the industry so far. I also have the love songs too. My album is definitely very autobiographical and I’m cool to share my feelings with regards to most aspects of my life. It’s been a great process for me. I’m growing and learning as an artist and vocally I’ve done things on the record I never thought I could do before. I’m still writing and feel proud of the music on there so far.
HM: So it’s the start of a new year, what does 2012 hold in store for you?
I’m going to be performing at ‘The Big Chill Festival’ this year with my band and ‘Next Best Thing for 2012’. I’m also doing a bit of writing for others as well as for my own album. I’ll be rehearsing with my band and already have a few gigs lined up. I hope to do some more collaborations with artists out there. Would love to get in with Master Shortie and do something I really rate him. As well as that I hope to do another EP release of my music on ITunes in the early part of the year if all goes to plan! It’s going to be a busy year for me and I’m excited about all the new things and people I’ll meet.
Interview: Enam G
Photography: Patch
