Ishaq Clayton

A Renaissance Man: Ishaq Clayton could most certainly be described as both an atypical and quintessential example of such a term...

In addition to his broadcast production, work at SiriusXM, Ishaq - a musician and performer since age 5 - has served as bass player for several Austin, TX and NYC-based rock-n-roll acts, including Suzanna Choffel, The Mastersons and Charlie Faye! But that's only a piece of the story to who Ishaq Clayton is...

The son of a mathematician and an English teacher, Ishaq was encouraged to pursue his dreams through achievements in both scholastics and the arts. And since both parents are also classically trained musicians, the apple truly did not fall far from the tree. He excelled enough on violin (his first instrument) to earn a performance scholarship to (Southwest) Texas State University, which was doubly fine by him, since Ishaq had come to respect and admire the school's Theatre department as well. By this time acting had become his true vocation and passion.

Ishaq was accepted into the BFA Acting program, graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. But not before collecting numerous performance awards while at school, touring across the state with a fabulous children's show, and overseas with the SWT Orchestra.

Over the years, Ishaq has called both NYC and Austin his artistic home - having performed in local Fringe Festivals and belonged to renowned site-specific dance choreographer Sally Jacques' troupe (Blue Lapis Light Dance Co) for a hand-full of summer seasons.

Citing (in part) brother, Omari Kamau's craft as inspiration, Ishaq now also makes original music in an act called Swamp Pocket!