Stephan Folkes is a name to watch in the music industry, an emerging artist whose fearlessness, boundary-pushing artistry, and unique perspective are rapidly capturing attention. Hailing from Leytonstone, London, Stephan’s journey to musical prominence is one defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to turning personal challenges into art.
Growing up as a special needs individual, Stephan faced significant obstacles early on, including a life-altering hospitalisation at just five years old. These formative experiences have profoundly shaped his creative outlook and his drive to succeed. Additionally, a near-drowning incident during his pre-teens instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and courage—qualities that shine through in his music.
Stephan’s connection to the world of music runs deep, with the influence of his cousin, acclaimed UK artist Deyaz, encouraging him to pursue a career in sound. His debut single, ‘Say It Like You Mean It’, is a testament to his ability to turn life’s lessons into captivating art. The track, with its Prince-inspired vocals, delves into the lessons learned from unreciprocated love and emphasizes the importance of valuing one’s time and energy. It’s a song that offers both emotional depth and a message of self-worth—core themes that Stephan weaves throughout his work.
Known for his boundary-defying approach to music, Stephan incorporates a range of genres, from soft rock to funk, jazz, R&B, soul, pop, disco, trance, and even metal. His sound is a unique fusion of influences, including icons like Prince, George Michael, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, as well as contemporary artists like Billie Eilish. This genre-blending creates a fresh and innovative sound that refuses to be pigeonholed into any one category.
Stephan’s musical journey began at a young age, captivating school audiences with his performances at just 11 years old. By 13, he was already writing his own songs, nurturing his craft under the guidance of a former UB40 backing singer and piano teacher, Claude Alexander. Today, he is a seasoned artist, sound engineer, and producer, having collaborated with industry veterans such as Nick Michaels of Bethnal and producer Phil Curran.
As “The Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” Stephan’s ethos is to challenge the status quo and embrace individuality. His upcoming releases promise more genre-defying tracks and live performances that will undoubtedly continue to inspire listeners to embrace their uniqueness and reject societal norms.
Stephan’s commitment to authenticity and self-expression resonates deeply with his audience. His empowering messages encourage others to invest in themselves and live life on their own terms. With an eye on social media to fuel his rise and performances in the UK on the horizon, Stephan is poised to become a lasting and influential figure in music.
Whether through his songs or his approach to life, Stephan Folkes is a visionary artist who is breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals along the way. Keep an eye out for his upcoming singles and album—his journey is just getting started, and it’s sure to be an exciting ride.
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