ISMA: The Journey of a Visionary Producer Blending Ambient, Hip-Hop, and Electronic Music
ISMA, also known as Ismail Lazam, is a Paris-based producer and DJ known for his introspective and eclectic sound. Since his debut in 2015 with the Landscape EP (Jihelcee Records), ISMA has carved out a unique space in the music scene, blending ambient, downtempo, electronic, and hip-hop influences.
A Rise Marked by Collaborations and Bold Projects
In 2019, ISMA released HEALTH on Cascade Records—a critically acclaimed collaborative project (ID-Vice, Radio Nova, Libération, Mixmag) that combined trip-hop, Middle Eastern roots, and electronic textures. This artistic turning point led him to a long-standing collaboration with TRIPLEGO, a key name in the French alternative rap scene, with standout tracks like Moscou, Panama, and Maghrebiya.
In 2021, he teamed up with VARNRABLE for the EP Please Throw a Stone Through My Window, a blend of R&B, soul, and pop born from a strong artistic connection that emerged during the lockdown period.
ISMA’s Sound Identity: Always Evolving
From 2022 to 2023, ISMA joined KRUMPP MUSIC, asserting his creative independence through instrumental releases like HOSTA, CHICANE, and NIGHT SHIFT—projects that explore dark, slow electronic soundscapes and mark a more personal, introspective direction.
In 2024, ISMA, in collaboration with visual artist Julien Creuzet, composed the full soundtrack for the French Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and produced sound pieces for Omar Castillo at both the Centre Pompidou Metz and Centre Pompidou Paris.
A Club-Oriented Turn in 2025 with MIRAGE and RODEO
In early 2025, ISMA released his first full-length album, MIRAGE—an ambient, light, and deeply personal record influenced by the trials of recent years. He followed this with Club Sentimental, released on the Mexican label HYPERSONICS, showcasing a more radical, club-ready approach while staying true to his unique style. ISMA now prepares to drop RODEO, a 2-track uptempo EP on Spanish label CABALLITO, confirming his shift toward a bolder club aesthetic. Ahead of its release, the Granada-based label asked us to broadcast the track “DRIFT”, which you can listen to in this article.
Pre-order RODEO by ISMA on Bandcamp, to be released on Caballito Netlabel on 15 May.
