Q: Welcome back, Stephan Folkes! It’s fantastic to have you with us again. Since our last conversation, a lot has happened in your musical journey. To kick things off, could you share some highlights or pivotal moments that have shaped your artistic path since our last interview?
A: It’s a pleasure to be back. Since our last interview, I’ve developed a clearer vision for my musical strategy, particularly in marketing and advertising. I’ve also taken on more live performances while continuing to grow through social media. With a stronger understanding of how to connect with listeners, I’ve seen real progress in my career. The support of fans has helped me gain coverage across blogs, radio, and playlists, and I’m excited to share that I have an upcoming in-house production performance on the horizon—so stay tuned!
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Stephan Folkes in three words?
A: Unconventional. Self-investing. Empowering.
Q: Before we explore deeper into your music and brand, can you tell us about your cousin Deyaz, the UK artist, and Mizzy, the UK prankster?
A: My cousin Deyaz is also a UK artist. Although we’re no longer in contact, watching someone from my own bloodline carve their own path in music shaped my perspective. His journey made me reflect on mine — and while he achieved early success, my route has been entirely different: grass-roots, self-funded, self-managed, and built from the ground up. My investment in Hazard wasn’t just financial; it was a statement of conviction in myself, my vision, and the message I stand for.
When it comes to Mizzy — who is my half-niece’s half-brother, so not someone I’m directly related to — he was raised with good values. The last conversation I had with him was about his approach, and he told me it was part of his plan to cause a stir to gain attention. He has been heavily shaped by social media, which can be both a blessing and a curse. That contrast also made me reflect on my own journey and family dynamics.
I recognise that we’re very different people. I’m not here to downplay anyone else’s success, but what sets me apart is that I live by an approach I consider truly authentic — not in the overused, buzzword sense, but in the way I refuse to let external factors dictate who I am. I trust my instincts, choose my own direction, and don’t conform to what people think I should be. When people engage with my brand, they know it’s me — unfiltered, uncompromised, and not the product of behind-the-scenes conditioning or carefully scripted talking points. That honesty resonates, and it’s the foundation of how I connect with my audience and vision.
Q: What’s been infuriating about your musical journey?
A: What’s frustrating about my musical journey is that I was raised with traditional values—family first, supporting one another, standing together. I always thought that when I make it musically, I’d reach out to my cousin Deyaz (UK artist), my other cousin Priincess Kemz, and others. But the reality is, they released singles and albums without me even knowing. I supported their work, but honestly—fuck them. They were focused on themselves, so why shouldn’t I do the same? It’s my time now. And I’ve learned that putting myself first isn’t always selfish—it’s sometimes necessary to protect your vision.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: The ones who truly resonate with me on my journey make it their journey too, and that bond keeps everything moving forward. Social media is key—it gives me a direct line to fans, whether I’m sharing new music, updates, or just conversations. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been great for building those relationships, both organically and through ads. Word of mouth also plays a powerful role, as fans share my music with new listeners and help me grow in an authentic way.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Is This Paradise’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Is This Paradise? is based on real-life events and is one of the singles from my debut album Hazard. My brand right now is centred on self-investment and empowerment, and this track reflects that. It explores grief, loss, and the challenge of living with the past rather than erasing it, while recognising how it shapes both the present and the future.
From a writing perspective, the lyrics came from a very honest place. I wanted to capture raw thoughts as they were, almost like journaling. Musically, I kept the arrangement spacious and reflective to let the words breathe, before building it up with layers that carry both the weight of loss and the sense of growth that comes from it.
Q: What is your favorite part of the track and why?
A: I don’t have a single favourite part—I enjoy my track as a whole. I love the beat, the build-up into the verses, and the way the chorus comes in so dramatic and powerful. The ending also delivers a strong climax that ties together the story I’m telling.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the song, Is This Paradise?
A: When creating Is This Paradise?, I relied on instinct. I try not to overthink, because that interrupts the natural flow of creativity. I know not everyone will connect with my art, and that’s fine—music is both subjective and objective. What matters most is that I’m happy with the outcome, because it’s my art. If others enjoy it too, that’s a bonus—and I’ve been fortunate that many people have connected with and even loved my music.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Stephan Folkes so far?
A: Recently, I had a memorable “on the spot” performance at a bar. I hadn’t planned to perform—I was just there to relax—but I got on stage and the crowd really enjoyed it. I love those spontaneous moments, because I always seem to deliver in them. Looking ahead, I’ve got an upcoming in-house live performance in a production room, which I’m really excited about—so stay tuned.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, could you share a track that stands out to you personally?
A: The standout track on my debut album Hazard is Say It Like You Mean It. The feeling it creates—for me and for listeners—sets it apart. I believe an artist should always lead with their strongest song: if new listeners connect with it, they’re far more likely to explore the rest of the music. But if you start weaker, you risk losing their interest before they dive deeper. First impressions matter.
Q: Could you provide insight into your unique approach to crafting music?
A: I usually start with the hook, since it’s the most memorable part of a song. I trust my instincts and keep the process natural, steering clear of manufactured pop that all sounds alike. My approach is straightforward: focus on originality and make sure each track truly stands out.
Q: What’s something about you that might surprise listeners?
A: My music is rooted in personal experience. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges — living with special needs, nearly drowning as a pre-teen, and moving in and out of mainstream education. I spent most of my school years in a special needs unit, and those experiences shaped not only how I see the world but also how I express myself through music.
Rather than dwell on the pain or negativity, I’ve made a conscious choice to turn those moments into something constructive. I focus my energy on uplifting others through my music that usually promotes self-investment. That’s the core of my brand — using my journey to motivate people to keep going, to grow, and to know their worth. Sometimes I write to escape what I’ve been through — I write to transform it into something empowering. That’s what gives my music its emotional tone. It’s honest, reflective, and designed to help others find light in their own journey.
Q: As we wrap up, what aspirations do you have for Stephan Folkes, and what message would you like to share with your fans?
A: I’d love to continue building on the foundation I’ve created—growing as an artist, signing with a label, performing bigger shows, and leaving my mark on the major music scene. Along the way, I want to reach more fans, expand creatively, and establish a lasting legacy. To me, a true fan is someone who has strong conviction in my brand, my music, and my journey. I encourage people not only to listen, but also to share my music with others who they feel will connect with it. This is only the beginning—and there’s so much more to come.
