ihsAn bilAl-I SING, I WRITE AND I PRODUCE-Add mE

Ihsan credits her parents as her first musical inspirations. “They played music all the time. My Mom blasted Prince, Al Jerreau, Chaka Khan and many others while we cleaned the house. My dad played the keyboard while we danced and sang. He would make up “these games” on family road trips, he’d say “Whoever can tell me who sings this song gets a dollar”, we would all be into it and that’s why I’m so fluent in all genres of music. On the 12 hour road trips from D.C. and 12 hours back from my parent’s home town of Gary, Indiana we listened to every type of music.” - Ihsan on her first radio interview @ WPFW 89.3 January 2009How many people wake up every day from the tender age of six until forever and know why they were put on this earth. Not many at all. But, the few that are blessed to know- succeed and prevail. Ihsan Bilal is one of the very few that knows that she’s different for a reason. “Empowerment” is a key priority in her life. Born in Moreno Valley, California February 22nd 1985 to Lyndon and Rhonda Bilal, they were fully aware that their first born child embodied something special and possessed innate qualities to lead and be successful in every endeavor. Being as though Ihsan’s father was in the military, the Bilal’s moved around often from the west coast to eastern Asia.Ihsan expressed her love of music at the age of six by writing and singing songs in her room while no one could see or hear her doing so. One day she got her four younger siblings together and performed in front of their parents the songs she wrote. Her father, a singer and keyboardist himself, realized Ihsan’s talent and the two of them began performing together. Her and her siblings began performing together in talent shows as well. They were often called the modern day “Jackson 5”.At age 10 Ihsan’s parents enrolled her in piano lessons. Being as though she developed her own style she decided to branch off from the group and performed by herself. She won many talent shows, put together an all girl group in the 7th grade, and was the creative force behind a lot of events. Not only artistically talented Ihsan was very much involved in all academic activities. She won numerous spelling bees, science fairs, invention conventions, and was valedictorian of her 8th grade class.In 1999, Ihsan auditioned for the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Not only was she accepted but she accomplished many things that she’s still proud of up to this day. It wasn’t an easy road but she won best vocalist and most improved student overall in her graduating class. She wrote, arranged, and composed her senior class song as well as the vocal department’s moving up ceremony song. She was also a member of the first ever jazz workshop course, show choir, gospel choir, all-school choir, and opera workshop where she played the lead role in Madame Butterfly.During her senior year Ihsan was accepted to the prestigious Berklee School of Music but she declined to pursue her music career. At age 19, Ihsan joined the D.C. based “Black Alley Band”. They opened up for Kanye West, Jadakiss, Lissen Band and many other local artists. In 2007, Ihsan was a finalist in mega super star Ne-Yo’s search for a superstar competition. Along with singing, songwriting, and production Ihsan also models, acts, and does make-up. In 2007 Ihsan was also an NYC-modeling finalist, had a role in the street dancing box office favorite “Step up 2”, and in 2008 was the make-up artist for the Grammy award winning singer/rapper Estelle. Currently, Ihsan is working on her highly anticipated album “BiG ReD BoX” due for release in 2009. She is working with local and international artists. She hopes to inspire, motivate, lead, and empower everyone with her experiences and her own personal sound of music. She hopes to be a respected and successful artist and achieve what the greatest inspirations have accomplished.