Ian Persaud

Smooth, silky vocals draw listeners in as Ian Persaud delights the ears with his heartfelt music. First-generation West-Indian American, he was born and raised in NYC, but is now based in Washington DC. He explained that he goes by his birth name on stage because “it felt inauthentic to sing his truths and write music bearing his soul under any other name.” He writes music in a variety of genres, but the golden thread lies in the emotional content and vulnerability he imbues each record with. When asked about his music and his relationship with it, he articulated his thoughts:

“I found music as an adult, at a time I needed it; it was there for me to listen when I needed to speak up, but I was afraid to share it with others. I poured myself into my records, and hearing them back helps me understand purely what those feelings might have been. I hope that anyone who hears my music feels the opportunity to be vulnerable with themselves, to feel the emotions they need to feel, so they can process them and live the next day with the confidence that experience brings. I’m pretty average, but I do feel a lot of feelings, so if anyone can relate and find solace in my music, my effort to articulate them was worthwhile.”

Ian sang in the choir for his early childhood and took piano lessons, which he admits he hated.

Years later, he picked up a guitar and decided he was tired of bottling his emotions up. Through music, he found an outlet to express himself. After 8 years of self-study, Ian currently plays the guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, and is skilled with sound design and composition. He’s currently studying up on audio mixing so he can use the sonic landscape as another layer to his artistic expression—something he seeks to do after hearing the music of James Blake, Galimatias, and others. As an artist, his vulnerability sets him apart. It is truly emotional intimacy delivered through MP3. His musical articulation will continuously improve as he searches through his more complex emotions which require more complex compositions to capture.

After the release of his debut album, Of me & For You, Ian is now focused on a series of singles and small projects, investigating self and sound. His most recent project, “Poor Boy,” a dual feature with Ari Pluznik, and Every Day, tells the story of the duality of human emotion – the capability of each individual’s ability to feel pain and passion. He shares his most painful memory, and the most passion he’s ever felt. When speaking about that work, he revealed that tears fell during those writing and recording sessions. That energy and raw emotion which he felt in the process of making the song remain tangible on the track. Ian Persaud is building a catalog of work and attracting an audience of all backgrounds.

Music by Ian Persaud is available on all platforms. Listen today!