So…we figured it was about damn time we started an initiative to support our local music industry, particular on the clubbing front. Hence, we present to you ‘Local Heroes’, a weekly column on HYPE that puts the spotlight on our homegrown DJ/producers with an exclusive interview and 15 minute mini mix for our followers pleasure.
Kicking things off with our first ever #LocalHeroes column this week, we bring you Naufal & I-Sky!
![Naufal & I-Sky]()
Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, here’s a young and talented DJ/production duo with an undying passion for music, which happens to be the true driving force towards their growing success. Their main aim towards music is to break the barriers in-between genres, and to make music enthusiasts open up their ears to new sounds. With Naufal Anwa’s eclectic track selections and unique style of playing, fender-bending with Irfan Hilmi’s (I-Sky) amazing production skills and his creative engineering towards sound, these two seem to be the ideal duo.
Citing influences from genre’s like Hip-Hop, Moombahton, House and an assortment of fist pumping, booty-shaking Bass music…Naufal & I-Sky, at the tender age of 19, have already shared stages with prominent names in the local industry as well as opening for international acts such as Designer Drugs, Cedric Gervais and Quintino, on home soil. You might also find traces of indie-rock in their sets, as they thrive on bringing that shock value to crowd with that element of surprise in between their high-octaned sets.
The future is set to be even bigger and better for these two lads in the next year, as they have dedicated a majority of their time to this particular art they love and believe in. Contained below is the 15 minute mix curated by the duo exclusively for HYPE, as well as the interview. Enjoy and support your #LocalHeroes!
HYPE.MY presents #LocalHeroes feat. Naufal & I-Sky [Tracklist]
#1. BANKS – “Fall Over (Djemba Djemba Remix)”
#2. Schoolboy Q Feat. Kendrick Lamar – “Collard Greens”
#3. Diplo Feat. Mike Posner, Boaz van de Beatz & Riff Raff – “Crown”
#4. Die Antwoord – “Diz Iz Why I’m Hot (Naufal & I-Sky Remix)”
#5. Keys N Krates – “Dum Dee Dum”
#6. Jahlil Beats – “Kingtut”
#7. Big Sean Feat. Nicki Minaj – “Dance (A$$)”
#8. DJ Fresh vs. Diplo – “Earthquake” Feat. Dominique Young Unique
What’s a feature without the details? So here is some banter with the boys:
#1. If you had one million dollars, how would you spend it?
I-Sky : I’m an audio/tech junkie…So, build me up a perfect studio and invest the rest for the future, I guess. I’m only 19!
Naufal : Well I’d want to travel. And of course build up a studio together with Irfan. A milli a milli a milli.
#2. What is the one thing that has happened in your life that has made a big impact on who you are today?
I-Sky : The first FIGHT CLUB @ BAKITA 2011. That was game changing, bruh bruh!
Naufal : I guess one thing that has made us who we are, is that the things we learn (musically) through the people we meet.
#3. What is the first event you played at?
I-Sky : I played this pre-prom thing at some club house when I was 14. Soberly innocent yet wild, nuff said. Just kids gettin’ turnt on orange juice. What!?
Naufal : I probably didn’t know I-Sky yet during that time, and played a House set at this dodgy bar I can’t recall. It sucked! I was 16 then.
#4. What is the best event you have ever played at?
I-Sky : I think that is a question that has yet to be answered. Looking forward to be playing for festivals someday! *wink *hint* cough*
Naufal : We threw this party at this small private space on top of SS15 Starbucks once. It could only fit about 80 people but 300 people came through. It was mad nuts! All hazy and sweaty. It was so packed that some people had to chill by the stairs. Loved it!
#5. Out of all the tunes you have, which one never fails?
Naufal : I guess it has to be Big Sean’s “Dance (A$$)”. Crowds bump to them 808s real hard!
I-Sky : Oasis – “Wonderwall (Milo & Otis Remix)”…Always gets the crowd hyped up through the sing-a-long right into that Moombahcore bass. Always a killer!
#6. When the partying is over, how do you like to unwind?
I-Sky : FOOD & just some downtime with the clique & friends. A nice mamak session would do most of the time.
Naufal : I would usually just stream me some movies online. But sometimes, Irfan will drag me to the mamak after clubs. Can’t say no to garlic & cheese naan, yo!
#7. What is your real name, if you’re using an alias?
Naufal : I don’t have a moniker. I like my name as it is. Mama did a great job. Lol.
I-Sky : My real name’s Irfan Hilmi…but you can call me either one lah! I don’t really mind. I think they call me I-Sky because of my super sepet (squint) eyes! LOLZ
#8. What is the one thing that not a lot of people know about you?
Naufal : I bite my nails a lot!
I-Sky : I’m actually very shy around new acquaintances. I don’t talk much but I’ve got no intention on being rude or whatsoever.
#9. If you could collaborate with a local artist who would it be and why?
I-Sky : Stellar Dreams! I’m into their 90′s French disco vibe and melodies. Imagine a track with old techy synths, lazers & Hip-Hop drums. F**kin A!
Naufal : Malique. I really wanna go through his mind. Such a poet.
#10. What about an international artist?
Naufal : DIPLO FOR SURE! I-Sky would literally donate a kidney to make a track with him.LOL! I love everything about Diplo. From his production to his sets. Everything he touches turn to gold. Them circus noises are timeless.
I-Sky : Ditto!
That brings the end to this week’s #LocalHeroes, featuring Naufal & I-Sky. For more info on the duo, look below for links to all of their social media sites, as well as download/stream links to their music projects. #LocalHeroes is an exclusive project, brought to you by HYPE Malaysia.
You can catch them on these Social Media avenues:
