Stephan Folkes, an emerging singer, songwriter, sound engineer, and producer, is capturing attention in the music industry with his fearless individuality and boundary-pushing artistry. Hailing from Leytonstone, London, Stephan’s journey to success has been shaped by his resilience and determination to rise above personal challenges. Growing up as a special needs individual, Stephan faced and overcame significant hurdles, including a life-altering hospitalisation at the age of five—a profound experience that continues to influence his perspective and creativity.
Inspired by his cousin, acclaimed UK artist Deyaz, Stephan channels his experiences and emotions into his music, creating an authentic and innovative sound that defies genres. With a focus on turning his unique story into art, Stephan Leroy Folkes is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Stephan, self-proclaimed as “The Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” thrives on defying norms and rejecting the sheep mentality. His journey has been shaped by significant life experiences, including a near-drowning incident in his pre-teens that taught him resilience and courage. These defining moments are reflected in his music, which often conveys themes of empowerment, self-investment, and individuality.
Stephan’s debut single ‘Say It Like You Mean It’ is a thought-provoking track about the lessons learned from pursuing unreciprocated love, and vocally has a Prince vibe to it. The song underscores the importance of valuing one’s time and energy, delivering a poignant message about self-worth.
With a passion for genre-blending, Stephan defies traditional musical labels, incorporating elements of soft rock, funk, jazz, R&B, soul, pop, disco, dance, trance, and metal into his work. His inspiration comes from legendary artists like Prince, George Michael, Stevie Wonder, Bee Gees, and Michael Jackson, as well as contemporary influences like Billie Eilish.
Stephan’s musical journey began at the age of 11 when he wowed school audiences with his performances. By 13, he was writing his own songs and honing his skills under the guidance of a former UB40 backing singer and piano teacher Claude Alexander. Today, he is a seasoned performer, sound engineer, and producer, collaborating with industry veterans such as Nick Michaels of the band Bethnal and producer Phil Curran.
Stephan plans to release a series of singles and an album in the coming year, with work already underway on his second album. Prior to this, he will be focusing on social media to gain further momentum as in this day and stage that is the correct path to take. He’s also preparing for performances in the UK.
Through his music, Stephan aims to inspire listeners to embrace their individuality, invest in themselves, and reject societal pressures. His empowering messages resonate deeply with those seeking authenticity and self-expression.
In an unexpected twist, Stephan is connected to Mizzy, the infamous TikTok prankster, through family ties as Stephan’s niece’s half-brother.
Stephan Folkes is a force to be reckoned with a visionary artist breaking barriers and creating music that defies convention. Stay tuned for his upcoming releases and live performances, and follow his journey as he continues to inspire through his art.
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