What are your names?
My full name is Stephan Leroy Folkes and my artist name is Stephan Folkes. This to me flows better.
What is your genre of music?
I’m a genre-blending artist. The genres I’m currently interested in are indie pop, indie R&B, indie rock, funk, soul, jazz, disco, metal, and experimental sounds.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m Stephan Folkes—an independent singer, songwriter, sound engineer, and producer from Leytonstone, London. I mostly create music to uplift and empower, blending genres like R&B, alt-pop, indie rock, jazz, funk, soul, and experimental sounds to craft something cinematic and boundary-breaking. I draw inspiration from artists like Prince, Stevie Wonder, MJ, George Michael, Aerosmith, and Billie Eilish—but I always aim to carve my own lane. Living with special needs and surviving a near-death experience as a pre-teen has shaped both my perspective and my sound. I channel that into music that’s deeply personal and emotionally raw. I’m known as “The Visionist,” “King of Fantasy,” or even “Dream Pop King,” because I don’t follow trends—I build worlds. From being expelled and placed in special education units to performing at school talent shows, I received piano lessons from Claude Alexander and vocal training from a former backing singer of UB40. It’s been a journey. I’ve invested over £10,000 of my own money into my career and collaborated with producers like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and Phil Curran. With no label backing, I’ve built grassroots support through playlist features, radio play, press coverage, and a genuine connection with my growing audience.
What made you go into music?
There are quite a few reasons, but the main one was performing in a school play. The euphoric feeling I got from being on stage and singing was unforgettable—it lit something in me. I was also deeply influenced by the greatest artist of all time, Michael Jackson. No one gives me goosebumps like he does—he’s on another level. Music quickly became my therapy; it gives me a sense of release and deep satisfaction. That initial spark from the stage performance helped lay the foundation—everything else followed from there.
Who are your influences?
For the most part, Prince, Stevie Wonder, MJ, George Michael, Aerosmith, and Billie Eilish.
Are you signed?
Not at this time. However, someone in the music industry has taken a strong liking to my debut single “Say It Like You Mean It” and has passed it along to a creative label. So, watch this space—something exciting could be on the horizon!
You released your new album ‘Hazard’, tell us more about the album and the meaning behind it.
Hazard is my debut album—a bold, conceptually and emotionally charged body of work that explores pain, resilience, relationships, and inner strength. Each track represents a different chapter of my journey, blending raw truth with experimental, genre-blurring sounds. At its core, the album is about self-preservation. It reflects my experiences with adversity, self-discovery, and learning how to empower myself through it all. I wanted Hazard to feel like both a release and a revelation—something honest, cinematic, and deeply personal.
Describe each track in two words.
What Should You Do (For Your Whole Life)? 👉 Motivational, Grounded
Incomplete 👉 Confrontational, Reflective
It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars) 👉 Dreamy, Reassuring
Can I Be There? 👉 Lonely, Empowering
Is This Paradise? 👉 Spiritual, Healing
It’s About Time 👉 Transformative, Honest
Say It Like You Mean It 👉 Assertive, Liberating
Undress Me 👉 Sensual, Fearless
Somebody Out There? 👉 Haunting, Curious
Hazard 👉 Fierce, Unapologetic
What was the writing and recording process like?
When I create music, I go by instinct. I don’t overthink it, because overanalysing can impede creativity and expression—and if I become too pedantic, I risk never releasing anything at all. Anyone who’s spent time recording knows it can be exciting, frustrating, and deeply revealing—it’s a form of self-discovery. While Hazard is deeply personal, I didn’t create it alone. I had a strong team behind me, including Nick Michaels, who runs his own production company, and his friend and collaborator Phil Curran. It was a real team effort—because no one truly makes it alone, not even the greats. This album is the result of years of hard work, growth, and dedication.
Who did you work with on the album?
Directly on the album, I worked with Nick Michaels and Phil Curran on the production side. Indirectly, I had support from my photographers and videographers, Michael Smails and his friend and collaborator Tino, as well as a PR company 😉. There were a few others involved externally, but the names I’ve mentioned made up the core of the team. Their input and energy were instrumental in bringing Hazard to life.
Can we expect a music video for any of the tracks on the album, if so tell us more about the making.
As of this interview, I’ve released five singles; however, the fifth is not included on my debut album Hazard, as it’s a bonus track. You can definitely expect visuals tied to the Hazard album. Right now, my focus is on short-form music highlight reels. With people’s attention spans getting shorter and so much content out there, I find these bite-sized visuals more impactful. But even in that shorter format, every video is built around storytelling. Each shot, movement, and setting is intentional—like scenes in a film—crafted to match the emotion and message behind the music. It’s not just about looking good on camera; it’s about conveying truth, feeling, and meaning. That’s how I build worlds around my songs. In today’s music industry, it’s not just about the music anymore—it’s about how you present your brand. Artists have to wear many hats: marketer, influencer, content creator, sometimes even a dancer or comedian etc. The reality is, talent alone isn’t enough—branding and visibility often carry more weight. I’ve known this for a while, especially through my studies in music business and production pathway, and music commercial business. That knowledge has shaped the way I approach everything I do visually. We’re living in a time where, if you understand how to leverage your brand, you can truly make something happen independently.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up or in planning, if so what can you tell us about it?
I’m currently in talks to perform at a fairly local show as well as two other well-known venues. Details are still being confirmed, so I can’t reveal too much just yet—but if people follow me on social media, they’ll be the first to know once everything is officially announced. Lately, I’ve been focusing heavily on building my online presence. In today’s music industry, especially for emerging artists, social media is often more crucial at the start than live shows—it plays a major role in visibility and reach. That said, I deeply value the impact of live performances. There’s nothing quite like connecting with people in real time, and I’m actively exploring more opportunities to bring the energy of Hazard to the stage. So yes—live performances are definitely on the horizon.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In the next five years, I’d like to have released at least three or four albums, secured a record deal, and achieved a few number-one hits—whether on indie charts or mainstream ones. Right now, I’m already gaining traction with placements on several independent playlists and radio stations, and I’ve been featured as ‘one to watch,’ with editorial premieres across multiple blogs. Looking ahead, I want to see my name on more established blogs, bigger playlists, and major radio stations. I also aim to go on tour, expand my industry connections, and continue building a strong presence—both online and on stage. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m fully committed to the journey.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Reality over optimism and idealism. For me, it’s important to stay grounded. Optimism and idealism have their place, but if you lose touch with reality, you risk making choices based on hope instead of truth. I know that being honest with myself—about where I am, what I need to improve, and how the world really works—is essential. From that place, real growth happens.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
In no particular order:
The atmosphere – The energy in the room, the lights, the mood—it all shapes the moment.
The location – Every venue has its own vibe and meaning, whether intimate or iconic.
The fans – Their support, energy, and connection fuel the performance.
The people—including the critics – Both love and criticism remind me I’m being seen, and that means something.
My journey – Every show is a reminder of how far I’ve come and why I keep going.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, I’m on all major social platforms—just search Stephan Folkes or use @stephan5916. I’m especially active on TikTok and YouTube, so definitely check those out first. Instagram is another great place to follow me for updates, visuals, and behind-the-scenes content.
