Dallas’ Music Star Maker Becomes a Creative Force of His Own: Why Ish D is a Name You Need to Know

You may not know the name Ish D (aka Ishmael Davison), but if you’re even a little familiar with local music, chances are you’ve heard his beats. The Dallas-based producer has worked with everyone from Bobby Sessions to Sam Lao to Lil Wayne.

Now, he’s starting a new chapter in his career with his debut EP as a solo artist, titled “Marina’s Melody.” The project, a unique blend of house, bass and R&B, represents Davison’s extensive experience as a producer and broad musical taste.

PaperCity chatted with Dallas’ newest artist on-the-rise about his debut and ever-evolving musical style.

Why did you decide to branch out as a solo artist after years of producing?

I just feel like, coming from the hip-hop space and the rap space, producers have kind of lost credibility and respect.

I just felt like, more in the electronic world, you get your just due and as a producer. They kind of respect you a little bit more in your craft. You’re not so much background. That was a huge thing for me — just making sure that I got my respect creatively.

What did you want to do on “Marina’s Melody” that you haven’t done in your work as a producer?

Just trying to experiment, but yet still acknowledge the classic things about [house and R&B music].

My EP as a whole is bringing that early ’90s house music and putting some of those elements back into [today’s sound]. That stuff was pretty cool to me, especially with having women of color at the forefront of that world.

Do you think people who are familiar with your previous work will be surprised by this project?  

Oh yeah. This is definitely a ways for me from doing straight rap and trap stuff. This is way more toned down and relaxed. It’s like electronic R&B, pretty much. It’s a lot less aggressive.

What’s the story behind the name of the EP?

There was this girl I had a huge crush on. Mind you, it was freshman year of high school. You do all the corny shit to see what this person is into.

She introduced me to house music. She was from New York. She was used to going to all of these raves and things – and me being a kid from small-town Texas, it just blew my mind. It’s kind of an ode to her. She played a huge role in my musical palate.