Today we’d like to introduce you to Frekld Cloud

Hi frekld, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Music. It’s something everyone loves. They’re probably lying when someone says that they don’t like it. It’s for everyone and anyone, from all walks of life. That’s where I come in. Hi, my name’s Io Dobbins, otherwise known as frekld cloud. I’m a 19-year-old independent artist from the Des Moines, Iowa area. I’m a multi-genre, transgender, black artist, and mental health advocate. It’s an honor to be able to share my story with you today, as an artist and as a person.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Smooth? No, definitely not, music is hard. But being an independent artist is harder. You’re basically doing everything on your own, with little to no guidance. Unless you, of course, have connections to the industry. Any help is a big help when being independent. There’s no financial support except for yourself and those who believe in you. But something you’ll never run out of, as long as you don’t let it, is hope and drive. Those two things are what have kept me going. I want to bring people together through music and spread a message. A different message with each song, of course, but a message without a doubt.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am known for my lyrics and how blunt I can be with them. Especially when it comes to my journey in life and fighting my inner demons. I don’t tiptoe around my messages in my music, I usually go straight to the point with it, but in a more complex manner. I tell stories, stories of a journey that’s chaotic but silent at the same time. It’s so loud that nobody else hears it until they stop and listen to what I have to say. In a way, it’s kind of funny, because I’m not too social. I don’t post often on my socials either unless I manage to fall into a good habit of doing it. It’s more of a “Why say anything when there’s nothing to say?”, than “Hey! Look over here, look at me, I’m cool!”. Having that kind of mindset with social media is almost a superpower on its own. Yes, I’m a content creator. Yes, I love doing what I do. No, I don’t post every day. I know, I’m a hypocrite for that. But have you seen NF? He posts so little unless it’s related to a big event in his life. Like his latest album, “Hope”. That album has had a huge impact despite not being mainstream. I want to have that kind of impact, and I know I will too, I just have to be patient and let my time come.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

I’m pretty sure I’ve always said this, but my mom deserves a lot of credit. She’s supported me even when I didn’t deserve any support at all. She’s really good like that. My little brother also deserves a lot of credit too, not just because he’s my brother, but because he’s my personal cheerleader. Sometimes I wonder if I’m ever doing enough to inspire him, and then he goes and does something amazing in his art class. He redrew Kermit the Frog and it was so good. It’s still one of his best drawings, but that’s my opinion. Then there’s Kim, she’s one of my best friends, and we call each other Pookie, I honestly used to hate being called that, but she makes it funny. Kim is usually the first person I show my songs to because I trust her with them. As well as my lyrics. She’s not afraid to give constructive criticism. We met back when I was still in high school when the pandemic was still going on. Kim’s been a huge part of my life ever since and I hope that never changes. Then there are my best friends from high school, I can’t name all of them of course since there were quite a few. Plus I’d rather have them have their privacy. My teachers in high school, specific ones, they’ll know who they are and I think that’s all that needs to be said about them. Those are the people who asked me what my stage name was and were excited when I had something good to share about my music. The people at my church, the youth initiative in town, the campers, and the people who ran the church camp I attended. All of them deserve a piece of credit in my career. They’re good people who helped me along the way as an artist and a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/frekldcloud

Image Credits

myself, my mom, and Sarah Shera (she designed the frekld cloud shirts)