Blurring the Lines of Artistry Through Music and Fashion with Big Icey

Meet Ice Da Loudest aka Big Icey, recording artist and co-founder of Goutté. In this interview, we discuss how he connects music, fashion and entrepreneurship.

Tell us about your journey from artist to entrepreneur?
I was only an artist once upon a time before I was incarcerated, but during that time I learned that I could wear many hats – one that stuck out to me was fashion. One day, me and my brother were actually taking about merch for my music and around that time, it was fashion week in Paris, so I was reading at a lot of magazines articles and I said to my self, why do something basic? Why not really create drip? And that’s how our clothing brand Goutté was created – launching my journey as an entrepreneur.

What kind of music do you create and how do you want people to experience it?
The music I make is mostly based off emotion and the beat. I feel as if beats cannot speak directly to the audience, but it speaks through me. I don’t classify my music in a specific genre. I want people to connect emotionally to me. It’s all about the energy.

What era of music inspired you?
Definitely the 90’s and early 2000’s. I used to walk to school with a CD player bumping all our fav old schools artists and I tried my best to remember the songs word for word.

How does your personal style connect with your music?
Well, I get fly. I eat, sleep and breathe DRIP. My life is real and what I talk about is real. It’s all I know.

What do you think about the state of music today? Do you prefer staying independent?
Independent and the music nowadays is super fire. It constantly evolves.

Whats it like creating music vs clothing?
Creating music comes a little easier for me because my mind and voice can create endless sounds. Clothing is more physical. It requires a different kind of creativity, plus you have to actually produce and carry inventory to sell. With music, you can make one song and play it a million times.

Before music or fashion, who were you trying to become?
[Laughs out Loud] That person needs to stay in whatever multi-verse he’s in. I’m glad I changed my way of thinking.

When did you discover that you wanted to be an artist or entrepreneur?
Since I was like 8-9. In fact my brother recorded me rapping at 9 years old.

When getting dressed what or who inspires you as a creative or artist?
Honestly, I just feel like a rock star. I can’t think of anyone specific, it’s just like a thing, you know.

What does fashion allow you to express that music doesn’t—or can’t do as immediately?
Music is more universal anyone can listen to a certain type of genre, but not every one dress the same – which would give you a certain identity people may perceive you by.

What was the hardest mental shift from artist to entrepreneur that no one prepared you for?
Having to show everyone that this is something new that I’m doing. When people know you for one thing, they’re used to that.

Fashion and music both shape culture, but moveat different speeds. How do you balance both without rushing the process?
I just go off the energy. I can just feel a shift in the tide, whether I act or not. I pick up certain algorithms and try to make sharp decisions.

You and your brother operate in different lanes within the same vision. Why do you think that
division, face and framework works so well?
Because my bro has experience in certain fields, especially design and marketing and I am the face, socializing, modeling, which comes naturally for me. We have a great synergy that allows  us to work together and create amazing pieces as one.

What does ownership mean to you now, compared to when you first started creating?
It means everything. Knowing the greatness we’ve created and the way it’s evolving feels amazing.

What do you want people to know about Goutté?
That it’s the drip they always dreamed of. But for real, to make them feel connected to
something higher.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy are you trying to build—beyond streams, sales, or visibility?
I want people to know that I am a person who is very talented all across the board.