Meet David Isen of Not Your Shadow

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Isen.

The Music Producer/DJ. David Isen began classical piano studies at age four and immediately grew fond of the instrument – and music in general. During college in Miami, Florida, he was exposed to euphoric synths and heavy bass lines that would influence his musical direction for the rest of his life. Soon after, he picked up his first set of vinyl turntables and quickly rose in the local club DJ circuit of South Florida.

In 2009, he relocated to Northern Arizona, and alongside partners, he established Yavapai County’s first electronic music night club. Five years later, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he has shared stages with Dirtyloud, Ghastly, Quivver, Curtis B, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Gridlock, Reza, and Rob Rea, and Sluggo. At this same time, he released his first original track on Imass Music, which became the number one selling track on Imass Beatport for 11 months.

Not Your Shadow was established in 2017, as an aggressive bass music culmination of a classically trained pianist, and an eccentric visual artist. David uses Not Your Shadow to connect with people and make a statement. In 2020, after revamping Not Your Shadow twice with other group members coming and going, David decided to revisit his roots, and push melodic bass music once more. There will be several tracks coming out in 2020 with that sound/vibe.

The Visual Jockey. Joshua, aka FaceMelter- Clawing from the abyss of the collective hive brain, FaceMelter has come to unlock the doors in your mind. And to melt your face.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Two members have quit the group for various reasons since 2017, and David has needed to revamp not your shadow both times. Each time the group changes, the dynamic changes, the responsibilities of certain things sometimes shift and Not Your Shadow’s image has to be reconsidered and remade.

David balances the responsibilities of pushing the Not Your Shadow brand as a whole with running an unrelated DJ company that currently supports his family and most of Not Your Shadow’s current endeavours and projects, being a husband, and a full-time Dad,

We’d love to hear more about your work.
The goal is to create what we love, musically and visually, as a full all-encompassing experience rather than just a DJ set, and share it with the world. The dynamic of our group, an onstage DJ, performing with an onstage VJ, sets our group apart from other electronic acts.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Tori Isen, my wife, for always believing in me and supporting my dreams.
Paul Laski, a mentor at Icon Collective out of LA.
Ryan Browne, a mentor at Icon Collective out of LA.
Ramsey Higgins, turntabalist and DJ instructor at Scottsdale Community College.
Jamie Keogh – Academy Director at Scratch, Miami.
Jimmy Gadomski and Max Cabral of South Florida who booked me for my first ever nightclub gig.

Nataša Vušković – An amazing songwriter, composer, and friend who I continue to work with on a regular basis.
Mildred Isen, my grandmother, for always believing in me.
William Riley – For getting me my first large scale festival booking.
Joshua Schultheis – For his hard work and dedication to Not Your Shadow.
Scott Allan – For your friendship and business insight.

 All past members of Not Your Shadow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.notyourshadow.com
• Email: management@notyourshadow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourshadowwerk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notyourshadowwerk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnys

Image Credit:
TMI Photography

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