Independent artist Paul Higgins better known as Arbil Isastar is by far a rare yet ingenious talent to be reckoned with proving his pertinence withstands the hustle of today’s entertainment industry. Born in Kansas City, MI, and raised in Compton, CA this seasoned actor, author, screenwriter, and singer defines the true meaning to a “man of all work and no play”.
Arbil’s artistic beginnings came in the late ’70s working for the legendary Motown Records under renowned singer Jermaine Jackson and then-wife Hazel, daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy while being the hairstylist for R&B/Funk sensation Switch giving him a front-row seat into the life of a professional performer.
By the ’90s, his savviness escalated into the big screen starring in “The Mambo Kings” with Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas, “The American President” with Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, “The Replacement Killers” with Mira Sorvino and Chow Yun-Fat along with appearances in Eddie Murphy’s “Vampire In Brooklyn”, “The Nutty Professor”, the Wayans Brothers “Don’t Be A Menace To South Central”, Master P’s “Foolish”, and “I Got The Hook Up” comedy films. Arbil was also featured in Snoop Dogg’s “Doggfather” video finessing his acting resume.
After losing both parents to illnesses, Arbil’s desire to perform perished as the burden of his loss wore heavy though divine intervention found its way by the support of his sister who encouraged Arbil to live their parent’s legacy through his gift of the arts leading him to his real passion, music.
In 2008, he launched his independent debut album “Love Notes” featuring the smooth hit “Love Me” gaining heavyweight rotation on radio station KPTR lighting the pathway to release the official video that went viral on all major video media outlets including mega-giant YouTube snagging 2.3 million downloads world-wide igniting the spark to his flame. As McFadden & Whitehead sang “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” that was Arbil’s mantra. From then onward, there was no pumping the breaks on the self-proclaimed “Prince Of R&B”.
Arbil’s 2013 rendition of Marvin Gaye’s sensual classic “Sexual Healing” took YouTube by melodic storm with over 3.4k views together with his 2015 release “The Truth”, his first EP and sophomore follow-up produced 8.8 million streams globally percolating the media circuit.
That same year, Arbil leaked his third album “Let’s Get Our Groove On” via his independent label Revive Entertainment marinating that Ol’ Skool flavor theme with swaying silky single “Keys To My Heart” though his 2017 division album “RnB-18Party” was the game-changer in Arbil’s career shifting to more of a contemporary sound giving it that party anthem flow with blazing hits “I Can’t Let Her Get Away” a tribute of Michael Jackson’s powerhouse smash and “Party” featuring none other than the incomparable Chris Brown.
His quinary release “Antidote” continues to explode the R&B charts with single “Crazy” ranked one of the Top Songs of 2019 by Spotify. Abril’s resilience remains supreme having gone from the author of his book “The Audition” now venturing into the realm of screenwriting wrapping up its screenplay version and concluding his impeccable script for “72 Hours” an upcoming intense drama.
With 14 #1 hit singles, three #1 albums on Spotify, iHeart and Digital Radio nationwide, RnB Souleffect’s Artist Of The Decade Award of 2010-2019 and recipient of the Star Soul Of Fame Honors for 2019’s “Songwriter Of The Year” this phenomenal independent multitalented virtuoso confirms his drive is the perfect match to his flawless status.
Arbil’s anticipated upcoming sixth studio album “Black Velvet Room” is scheduled to release in 2020.
For more on Arbil’s music visit all major media stream outlets.
