Local Emirati music producer, icekream, releases first EP

icekream opens up about his musical journey, challenges faced and what influences and inspires him

We all love a scoop or two of delicious gelato during the summer months to lower the temperature, but everything is also about to become culturally cooler as local Emirati music producer Issam Freiha, also known as icekream, is set to release his first EP. On general release in September, the EP titled Night Feel has been made in collaboration with Saudi/ Dubai-based artist Majeed. icekream signed with Cool & Dre's label in March and he wants to share his talents with the world, so we thought we'd pitch up and see what's going on. 
What made you get into the music business? How long have you been involved and how do you find it?
I was properly introduced to hip-hop and house music when I was around eight or nine years old. However, there came a point when being a fan just wasn't enough for me. Right before my 13th birthday, a Malaysian friend of mine randomly bought us tickets for the 1998 DMC DJ World Championships in Paris. I was living there at the time and I was completely blown away with the sound manipulation, the melodies, the aggressive battling and the shade thrown at your opponent. It was the ultimate boxing ring. It was beyond anything I could ever imagine. The defending champ was a 15-year-old Canadian called A-trak. The judges paid attention to creativity and skill set, which is something I believed I would achieve. That was all the motivation I needed to get started. That was when my love story with DJing/turntabling began.
I got in the game when I was 14. My parents paid for my studio time and I would go in whenever I could. I took the opportunity to learn what I could with the sound engineer. He helped me produce my first mixtape that summer alongside a Zimbabwean friend of mine who was an amazing rapper.
As a fan, the music biz is as good as it's ever been. You have everything curated for you. But as someone who works in it - just like any other industry - there are fantastic aspects and not-so-fantastic things.
How is it being a musician from the Middle East? How do you find the music scene here? Is there anything you'd like to change about it in the UAE?
The music scene is great because our history is rich with incredible musicians, artists and instruments. We have a lot of teachers to learn and follow. The music scene here while in nascent stages, is still a growing industry for regional talent. There are a bunch of guys in my field who are excellent (Majeed, Moh Flow, AY, Robin, Danny Neville, Bliss, Prince Q). They're pioneers of a new music movement, which is exactly what we need.
On the downside, we need more studios, more artists, more internal push from families and government support. On the up side, the good news is that it's happening already. The musical evolution is well underway and it's growing bigger and faster every year!
What are the challenges you faced coming up in the industry? How did you overcome them? How supportive are your family and friends? Are there any local, societal pressures not to go into this career? What would you say to anyone who had an issue with an Emirati becoming a musician?
All the same clichéd stories like being screwed over, used and exploited. You expect these things to happen but you never know the who, how and when. You overcome them because you know that's the only option you have because the world is filled with stories of fortitude, determination and overcoming struggle.
My family and friends are very supportive. Unfortunately, it wasn't always the case - especially with my father. He helped build the foundation (which is the most important part) but he withdrew his support when my academic journey crashed and burned. After years of empty promises that I would get a Bachelor's degree, he had had enough. He was right to do so looking back. I should have been cut off a long time before that! When someone you care about and love withdraws their blessing, the aftermath should only fuel your desire to succeed even more. It should drive you to prove to yourself and others who you are and what you want to do. After reaffirming who I am, my father supported me again. That's a happy ending in my book! So if you feel like your parents might be disappointed in you right now, they will always be your biggest fans when you finally figure things out. Don't despair or get sidetracked by what they say or feel about your passion - focus on your goal.
Parents may often look down at certain vocations or industries. They might intimidate you by drilling into your head comments in an attempt to deter or discourage you from pursuing your passion. Many families expect their children to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. While those are amiable professions, they are safe bets and are usually free from judgment. The sad truth is that some parents can't get over losing control over their kids. Then again, this really varies from one family to another.
The irony is that parents love music but would never want their child to sing professionally. Or play an instrument or go to music production school. Similarly, a parent who loves movies won't 'allow' their child to become an actor. As I've gotten older, I've realised that although it's quite cynical, humans are hypocrites by trait. It's nothing novel so just learn to get over it and chase after what you want - with grace of course!
For those that are yet to hear your output, how would you describe your style and sound?
It's a little bit of hip-hop mixed in with some house music. It's everything in between. I like groovy, bouncy beats. It's very experimental at times. I like to sample movies a lot too - it's weird but it works!
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP? How does it feel to be signed to Cool & Dre's label and how did that come about?
This will be my first EP, so I'm very excited! All I'm saying is, you're in for a treat. It's a blessing to make it far enough to where you start meeting some of the all-time greats. They're music legends. It's something you hope for because unlike other producers I believe my craft will only get better when you have masters of the art guiding and teaching you.
Being signed to Cool & Dre happened pretty quickly. The first week of January 2018, TroyBoi and I had sessions booked at their studio. We were recommended their studio by a mutual friend. When we met their general manager and artist Eric Leon we instantly clicked and they were curious to hear what we were cooking up. Mutual admiration turned into a desire to collaborate so we made a bunch of songs with Eric. After that we saw a lot of each other outside of the studio frequently. A few months later, they approached me with an offer to take matters a step further and we struck the deal and voilà, we were signed!
What advice do you have for those looking to follow your footsteps? What's the best way to get involved?
My words of wisdom are simple- you'll know if this is something that you really want to do. It's a burning desire inside of you. You can't push it aside or ignore it, at least not for long. The best way is to start uploading your music to any or all social media platforms. You have to remember that the most important first step is exposure. You need to let people know you're a musician so they need to hear what you're working on immediately. If you're starting a career in music producing, get another job. It's going to take a while before you're able to live off your work comfortably. The most complimentary job in my opinion would be to DJ. I started the other way round. Also, and most importantly, I have something most people don't have - family support. That helped me to start Angel investing. I'm still not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there. Artistically we can make music from anywhere (as long as the basic equipment is available). You just have to find time for yourself and if you don't, you should rethink your commitment.
Where is the best place you've played and why?
This was my first time DJing professionally again in 2012. It was in UAE no less, so it was a major milestone. The F1 race was in full gear and the sunset backdrop was incredible with a bird's eye view of Yas Island. My friends all came out to support me at the two-hour set which was immersed in deep house music. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, my parents walked in mid-set! Seeing their faces light up when they saw me killing it with all my friends in attendance was one the most nostalgic moments from my early music career. Definitely one of the best moments of my life!
Who do you listen to and who or what influences you the most?
I listen to everyone but recently I've been getting into Latin Trap/Reggeaton. Those guys are so melodic and the beats go hard. I'm a big fan of Latin culture in general so the Spanish-speaking element is exciting to me.
Some of my favourite influences are: IAM (French Hip-Hop group), Cut Killer, DJ Premier/Gangstarr, The Neptunes, Dr.Dre, Jamiroquai, Eric Sermon, 40, FatBoy Slim, Alain Brax, Daft Punk, Wu-Tang, 2Pac, A tribe called Quest, Cypress Hill, 213 (Snoop, Nate Dogg & Warren G), Eminem, Lil Wayne, Drake & Michael Jackson.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
My fantasy collabs would be: Drake, Jamiroquai, Michael Bublé, Pharrell, Bad Bunny.
Are you optimistic about the future of the music business? How important is social media and does technology like streaming services help or hinder the industry?
I'm always optimistic. Access to great music has never been so good. This is why social media is the bedrock of music. Fans and artists NEED to be connected with each other because let's face it, we need them and they need us.
Streaming is pretty straightforward. X amount of plays will generate you X amount of money. A lot of streams equals a lot of money.  Simple. You should never rely solely on music streams or sales for income. You have to focus on touring, merchandising and endorsement deals. The goal is to grow your brand. Don't count on anyone or anything but yourself and the many side hustles you can use to get to where you need to.
 
David Light
david@khaleejtimes.com