Arqum Iqbal - It Is What It Is

 

 

Website Address:

http://www.arqumiqbal.com

Music Style:

Hard Rock

City:

Hermosa Beach

 

State:

CA

 

Country:

United States

Band Description

Instrumental rock guitarist Arqum Iqbal holds true to his mantra of displaying the highest possible performance skills and techniques on his chosen instrument. However; there is much more beneath the surface of this valiant virtuoso’s vision quest.  

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Artist Biography

A Valiant Virtuoso’s Vision Quest
Arqum Iqbal Artist Bio
“You can't express yourself through music if someone else is telling you how you should sound.”– Arqum Iqbal

It has been said that the single most vital element of virtuosity is the ability of the musician to display feats of skill well above the average performer. Instrumental rock guitarist Arqum Iqbal exhibits that trait, however; there is much more beneath the surface of this valiant virtuoso’s vision quest.

What makes Arqum stand out from the other virtuosi of his generation is his uncanny ability to keep the substance, style and artistic attitude alive in his work. “It’s not simply about being a good player and having good technique, it all must be packaged carefully into an artistic work,” Arqum explains. He continues, “There should be an inherent balance between technique and artistic expression - you can’t express yourself if someone else is telling you how you should sound.”

Arqum was born in Doncaster, England. By the age of seven, Arqum and his family had moved from England to USA, to settle in Ohio. His one true love was always music. Steve Vai was just one many influences on Arqum as he developed as a musician. Arqum's own rebellious spirit drew him to other artists as well, such as Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert and Marty Friedman. For Iqbal, it was the timelessness of the works of these artists – to him they were the masters, he was their apprentice.

After decades of practice and performance, and relocating to Los Angeles, Arqum Iqbal launched his solo career in 2008 with his debut album, Jam Session. His debut album was titled Jam Session by no accident. He elaborates, “In the end, it’s all about the music, and there is nothing more enjoyable than the creative flow of a live jam session – I wanted to try to capture that feeling.

Jam Session was followed by an EP release entitled Polished – which also featured an additional acoustic single called "Trouble Maker."  In 2010, Arqum released Controlled Chaos, which featured twelve tracks of high-octane instrumental rock, including “Destroyer” which featured his first music video.

In 2013, Arqum released It Is What It Is - a ten-track album filled with powerful rock and attitude - all centered directly on Arqum’s goal of creating timeless rock music. As all of Iqbal’s past albums, it was produced and engineered by Joe Rullo of Imperial Square studios in LA. The title track, “It Is What It Is” stands as a lighthearted, non-conformist rock anthem. The album also features “Beaten” which exposes the horrific suffering of the family of Kelly Thomas, whose life was taken by what many consider police brutality. Both of these tracks feature music videos giving Rullo and Iqbal an opportunity to put a face and personality to their music.

From Arqum’s first release in 2008, he has stayed true to his mantra of displaying the highest possible performance skills and techniques on his chosen instrument. Arqum’s has become a natural extension of his muses. He pushes himself to excel with each latest song. Iqbal never sacrifices substance and emotion for his raw technical talent. His dazzlingly skills are never enough to satisfy him – with every song he pushes himself through a valiant virtuoso’s vision quest.

www.arqumiqbal.com




Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ten Timeless Tracks in It Is What It IsArqum Iqbal’s latest release reflects the evolution of this guitar virtuoso. 
“It’s about keeping the tradition of instrumental rock guitar performance alive and well.” – Arqum Iqbal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (01 JULY 2013) – Instrumental rock guitarist Arqum Iqbal is one of the few in his generation focused on keeping the art going strong. Arqum’s latest release, It Is What It Is reflects the evolution of this rare musician, who focuses on the tradition, tenacity and the techniques of rock guitar within each of his compositions. The latest result is ten timeless tracks in It Is What It Is that reflect the evolution of this guitar virtuoso. 

Just as his past released, the ten tracks found on It Is What It Is … are carefully crafted. Iqbal explains, “My creative goal was to always write music that transcends time, or trend … Just like the guitar masters like Vai, Satriani, Gilbert and Friedman managed to do.” Arqum has spent decades perfecting his musical prowess, he offers, “Ever since I was a teenager I’ve relentlessly pursued perfection, whether it was practicing, performing, or composing.” 

Arqum’s previous releases date back as far as 2008 and include Jam Session, Controlled Chaos,and Polished. Staying true to his mix of rebellious spirit and refusal to confirm, It Is What It Is continues this theme. Just as Arqum’s previous albums, this one was produced and engineered by Joe Rullo at Imperial Square Music Studios. Key tracks on It Is What It Is include the title track as well as “Beaten.” 

In addition, music videos have been prepared for release for both songs. “Our goal with “Beaten” was to expose the horrific suffering of the family of Kelly Thomas, whose life was taken by what many consider to be police brutality.” “Beaten” is laden with heavy guitar riffs and bass, all blended into a soundscape with deep lyrics that forces the listener to reflect on mental health awareness. “Having music videos for both singles helped us put a face and personality to the music,” Arqum explains. 

“It Is What It Is” stands at a more lighthearted look at a non-conformist rock anthem. With its power-driving chorus, and faced-paced, the title tracks stands as an addictive radio-friendly tune. With ten timeless tracks, and It Is What It Is is exactly what guitar virtuoso Arqum Iqbal wants it to be. This album is more than what it should have been, it is more than what it could have been … It Is What It Is. 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Arqum Iqbal(310) 896-1649
arqum@arqumiqbal.com
www.arqumiqbal.com