Today we’d like to introduce you to Iman Fela
Hi Iman, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My brother Eisa (guitarist) and I (singer) have been in the local rock scene for about 8 years. We joined High Voltage, a local music camp, when we were in high school where we were taught by Glen Ackerman (our Mr. Miyagi). We ended up forming a band outside of the camp when we gained more experience gigging locally. We have now been in a dozen bands collectively, since our start, but I think we have finally found our niche in Figure Below. We met Eugene (bassist) and Keenan (drummer) through mutual friends and immediately clicked, bonding over our diverse tastes and musical knowledge. I would describe our music as pop rock meets heavy metal meets classic rock- think Paramore and System of A Down had a baby. Together, what makes us stand out is definitely our technicality and energetic live performance. After COVID, we noticed a huge decline in live shows among the younger crowd and wanted that energy back. The bands that we loved in the old scene either disbanded or went commercial, and the fans craved a new, more supportive scene. Now, we’ve been together for a little over a year, and I’d like to say that we’re partially responsible for bringing together this new era of music in Houston. We are really feeling the love recently from our friends and fans in the rock scene and are absolutely digging the camaraderie between the bands. So, if you love good music and good vibes, we have a ton of new material and projects coming soon, so we hope you’ll follow us on our journey!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being in a band takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Breaking into the music scene was not easy- getting our name out there, landing consistent shows, and ultimately getting people to connect with our music and come back for future gigs was tough. Little did we know, the key to our success would be our friends—when the OG members of the scene meet the newcomers, that’s when the magic happens. Connecting these two worlds has made this journey not only sustainable but also very fun.
One of our biggest struggles early on was finding our identity. Once we started shaping who we were as a band and the sound we wanted to create, things started to fall into place. We were able to create a brand that helped us gain more traction in the scene. People were starting to like what we were doing. Over time, we’ve learned to read the crowd, figuring out the energy people crave and how to deliver it. Sure, we might occasionally scare off an older crowd, but hey, that’s part of the process, right?
Another challenge that’s been hard to ignore is the lack of venues in Houston that consistently support local bands (RIP Acadia!). It’s tough to find places that foster a thriving scene, but we’re slowly seeing change as the demand for fresh and authentic live music grows. One thing we know for sure is that you guys are going to see a lot more of us and our friends because we really believe in the potential of the Houston music community!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a Houston-based rock band, specializing in heavy metal, pop rock, and classic rock sounds. We are known for our technically challenging music and engaging live performances. We like to think we’re pretty badass, but you’d have to see us in person to really believe it! What sets us apart is our ability to appeal to a wide range of music lovers. We select covers, write original songs with tasteful riffs and catchy melodies, and arrange them in a way that keeps our audiences engaged from start to finish.
What we’re most proud of, though, is how quickly we’ve developed a strong presence in the local scene. We’ve worked hard to build a solid reputation by staying active—constantly playing, scheduling gigs, writing new material, networking, and practicing our craft. Though it can be exhausting at times, the journey has been nothing short of rewarding. Every show, every new connection, and every step forward reminds us of why we do this. Our dedication is clearly paying off, and we’re more excited than ever to keep pushing our boundaries, building the scene, and sharing our music with those who connect with it.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Perseverance! We have played shows outside in the freezing rain, venues with no A/C and asbestos in the walls, shows where every member of the band got stung by wasps, shows where I (Iman) got punched in the face in a mosh pit (I am a small, fragile girl). But all jokes aside, every crazy experience has been worth it. We have persevered through a lot for the sake of sharing our love for music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figurebelowhtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560010715658
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FigureBelowHTX
Image Credits
Stephanie Brinson
