Meet Isaac Barkley | Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isaac Barkley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isaac, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think risks are an important part of life, especially when it comes to creatives or people starting a business. Taking risks can help someone get out of a routine or something in life that makes them feel stuck. I feel they are good to take as long as they are thought out and all of the outcomes are considered. I definitely believe backup plans are important to have too when taking risks. It’s also important to be ok and at peace if the risk you take doesn’t go the way you had planned.

For several years I knew that I wanted to make a career in the music industry and I have definitely taken some risks with that. One big example was when I moved out of my home town a couple years ago. I was feeling stuck there because it wasn’t the best place for the type of music work I’m involved in, so I decided to move to a completely different state and city where that kind of work is happening. I barely knew anyone in the new city and was a bit nervous, but I felt like it was something I needed to do. As I was planning to move out, I made sure to consider what I would do if things didn’t go as planned. There have definitely been challenges over the past couple years, but the work I’m doing and lifestyle I have now has been very rewarding financially, mentally, and spiritually. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here, and I’ll continue to take risks as long as I do it mindfully and learn to grow with them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am involved with all sides of music creativity. I help artists produce, write, engineer, mix, master, distribute, etc their music, and also create my own. I started my freelance company almost two years ago when I moved to Atlanta, GA and what excites me most is just creating new music with a bunch of different people. I grew up playing instruments and taking lessons, and then I went to college for a Bachelor’s in Music Tech. When I graduated, I started looking to move to ATL to get involved in more studio work and network with more artists. A lot of challenges and risks have happened, especially in the last few years. Some of those challenges were moving to a completely new city, having to network with people I don’t know, finding ways to make money in my field, and finding consistent work. I’m still facing these challenges, but I overcome them by making sure to stay productive every single day, trust God and the process, and be a good/moral person all around. My story isn’t the same as anyone else and I express that through the music I release. I want people to hear it through that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Shoot, I would take them to some touristy spots for sure but also show some of my favorite less known places. Touristy spots would include the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Ponce City Market, and the Beltline. “Less” known spots would include some of my favorite wing spots, a couple music studios, nature hikes just outside the city, and some super good coffee spots.

Even though I’ve been in ATL for almost two years, I’m still learning a lot about it! There’s so much here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I first want to thank God. He has been there for me from day one and has guided me through each step of life. I may not always make the best decisions but he has been gracious and has given me a great life so far.

I want to thank my parents for doing their best to raise me right and for their continued support. They’re the nicest people I know and best role models I could ask for. I aim to make them proud.

I want to thank all my church family from Kansas City and Atlanta. The prayers from the people I grew up with in KC and the ones who took me in in ATL have changed my life for the better.

I want to thank Lil Yachty for his help in getting me work in Atlanta recently. He took a chance on me before he even knew if I was a good person to work with. He and his team have been getting me involved in more music work which has helped me build my brand and get out of my part time job. Even if we never work together again, Summer 2022 was one to remember for sure

Website: uknowitsike.com

Instagram: instagram.com/uknowitsike

Twitter: twitter.com/uknowitsike

Facebook: facebook.com/uknowitsike

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNRW-t6Dt4oc8yvK0JsW_w