Iisei (pronounced e-say)
I am a solo lyricist in the Seattle area trying to make waves outside of Washington. I do spoken word, battle rhymes, and elaborate on philisphical topics, religion, etc.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
******** Ian Flambures (iisei) *******************
Growing up in Oakland, Berkley, and Seattle has been a strong influence on ian’s Love for Hip Hop Culture. Ian ventured into the artform at the early age of 15, performing with a local group “The Prisoners of Poetry”, in Vancouver, WA. In 1995, Ian relocated to Bellingham, WA to attend WWU. Taking advantage of various house parties and clubs, Ian began to fine-tune his “MC” abilities Which lead to the creation of his first group; The Paradyme. With The Paradyme, Ian was able to attack the scene in the late 1990's into 2000 in both Bellingham, and Seattle. In 2001, Ian introduced The Paradyme to Homeskool Productions, and their front man; Middleman.
It was with Middleman that they found the production needed to take their music to the next level. After THe Paradyme released the single "Two Men Enter", in 2002, the group then proceeded to work on their first self titled CD. In November, 2003, that CD was released under Homeskool Productions. Next, Ian began to work with a Funk/Hip Hop band called Definite Contact in Bellingham, WA. After just 4 months together, Definite Contact went on to place second in the 5th annual "Red Hook Band Slam", and started to make noise around Washington. It was then that Ian decided to work on a long overdue solo album. Along with Middleman and Kamaine (an established producer out of San Francisco, new to the Seattle scene) the CD titled "Uncommon Ground" began production, now set for Release on January 28th, 2005. It promises to be a break-out year for Iisei.
Iisei is known most for his lyrical diversity. Although he was originally noticed for his word play, and comedic metaphores, more of his new material emphasizes his underlying philosphies on Hip Hop Culture, as well as personal thoughts about the world in which we all live. Iisei has shared the stage with such acts as The Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief, Casual, Del The Funkee Homosapian, RaeKwon, Amerika's Cream Team, Ras Kass, Tha Liks, Slick Rick, and many others.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, in Seattle, at different spots downtown, Bellingham, Wa, and I am trying to play spots outside Seattle.
Your musical influences
The Roots, De La Soul, okayplayers, Atmosphere, Eyedea and Abilities, A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, Mos Def, Talib Qweli, Del, The Pharcyde, Wu Tang, Kanye West, anyone from Spitkickers, The Living Legends, Mystik Journeyman, the list goes on and on, and ya don't stop.
Anything else?
check out thw website:
www.iisei.com
