Isaiah Dreads is the talented 18 Year Old hailing from Dorset, South West England, professing in mainly Grime and Hip Hop, but known for his broad sounds, often bringing in elements of soul, rock and guitar music. By the age of 18, Isaiah has already performed at such festivals as Reading & Leeds on the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage, the Great Escape festival on the Link Up stage, Glastonbury, Wireless and Isle Of Wight. Isaiah has released two mixtape’s thus far, “Nothin’ But A Mixtape” (2015) and “Lights Turn Green” both in the same year. Isaiah Dreads has had support from some of the biggest names and DJ’s in the industry; Pigeons & Planes, Noisey, Complex, MOBO’s, MistaJam (BBC Radio 1Xtra) and Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1), the latter of whom featured him as a ‘Future Grime Minister’ in September 2015. The Godfather Of Grime Wiley has also often praised his work too. Following up his latest mixtape “Lights Trun Green”, Isaiah Dreads kicked off 2016 with a Fire In The Booth for Charlie Sloth’s BBC Radio 1Xtra show, and has continued to release music videos and some superb freestyles, including Victory, Olympia and Nothin’ But A Freestyle, all Grime influenced. He has also just recently signed with Grime Producer Zdot’s label 101 Music, under Sony Music/RCA.

For those not familiar, describe your sound . . .

My sound is very creative I think, I try so many different styles of music in my spare time but mostly I make Hip Hop and Grime music.

What are your earliest memories of music in your life?

My earliest memories of music would just be hearing all kinds of genres around my house and in the car. Music was always around me from a very young age and I think that’s why I grew up loving it so much.

Obviously you have started out young, when did you actually start taking music seriously? Did you have any encouragement?

I started doing this really when I was 6/7 years old, I wasn’t good then but I was very inspired by my older brother who also raps. I started taking it seriously when I was 9 years old, that’s when my brother took me to the studio for the first time, from that point I knew that music was what I wanted to do.

Who have been your influences growing up?

Growing up I was influenced by everyone from Bob Marley to Millie Jackson to 2pac. Chilli Peppers, Hendrix. I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters, they all had their own tastes in music which helped me a lot definitely.

Are there any artists you’d like to really collaborate in the future?

Wiley, Jorja Smith, Shakka currently.

Being from a new generation of MC’s, what artists up and coming artists do you rate? Who would you recommend?

There is SO much crazy talent in the scene right now. Santan Dave, Eyez, JP Cooper, Hanna Grazia.

Returning to you and your music, what inspires you when writing music?

I get inspired by everyday things. Listening to genres other than the one I make helps me a lot also, I can listen to Soul Music and want to write a Grime song after, it’s weird but it works.

You’ve released two mixtapes so far, “Nothin’ But A Mixtape” & “Lights Turn Green”. Can you possibly tell us about any plans for an E.P / Album in the works?

I have an EP coming out very soon! Other than that I’m just writing every single day and trying to record as much as I can. I’ve got loads to come.

You seem to feed off of performing live at festivals and live shows/gigs and even live freestyle sessions. Would you say it is important to perform live and how does it differ from studio performance?

Performing live is my favourite thing about music I think because I get to see everyone enjoying songs I’ve worked hard to write. There is nothing more motivational than seeing someone know the words to a song of mine in the crowd. It’s very important because performing live in different cities and areas enables me to build my fanbase, especially when I live in such a small quiet town.

You’ve performed at many festivals, Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury, Wireless and The Great Escape to name a few. Can you share any interesting anecdotes from any festivals?

It’s not that great of a story but I remember when I performed at Glastonbury this year my stage was outside and it was raining ALL day which wasn’t good. I was set to perform at 4pm and literally at that time the sun came out fully and stayed like it until the end of my set. Our car then had to be pushed out of the festival as it was stuck in mud. I had a great time though.

What are the highlights of your music career so far?

My highlights and favourite moments happen all the time. From being played on the radio or performing at festivals, it’s all crazy and I can’t wait for more things to come.

Have you got any goals and ambitions outside of music?

Every now and then I try and get back into skateboarding. I want to stick with it and eventually get good, that would be cool. I’d like to go skydiving sometime soon also…I hate heights but I think it would be a sick experience.

What are your plans for the remainder of 2016 and the year beyond?

My current plan is to do exactly what I have been doing and that is to write every day and work on my production. I’ve also been practising piano as much as I can too, I’d like to start grades soon.

Where can we find you on the web?

I’m on most social media, my name is IsaiahDreads.

Follow Isaiah Dreads:
http://www.instagram.com/isaiahdreads
http://www.twitter.com/IsaiahDreads
http://www.soundcloud.com/isaiahdreads
http://www.facebook.com/isaiahdreads
https://www.youtube.com/user/IsaiahDreads
Snapchat: Isaiah Dreads

 

 
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