Stephan Folkes: new album ‘Hazard’ - A Genre-Defiant Statement of Resilience, Self-Investment, and Inner Power
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Rising London-based artist Stephan Folkes unveils his highly anticipated debut album, Hazard, out today across all major streaming platforms. A boundary-pushing fusion of dream pop, indie rock, soul, funk, R&B, and experimental sounds, Hazard is both a personal manifesto and an emotional journey, inviting listeners to confront their demons, honour their growth, and protect their peace.
“At its core, Hazard is a bold statement about self-investment and inner strength,” says Folkes. “It’s a journey through adversity, awareness, and personal empowerment—reminding listeners to recognise danger, face it head-on, and emerge stronger.”
Rooted in Stephan’s lived experiences—navigating special needs, betrayal, and near-death encounters—the album transforms pain into power, blending genre-defiance with sharp emotional clarity.
TRACKLIST & HIGHLIGHTS
What Should You Do (For Your Whole Life)? - A purposeful opening track calling for courage, accountability, and persistent self-growth.
Incomplete - A piercing look at emotional avoidance and blame culture, urging realism and maturity.
It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars) - A soulful, spacey reflection on personal evolution and the passage of time.
Can I Be There? - A raw meditation on isolation and strength, turning absence into empowerment.
Is This Paradise? - A heartfelt ode to memory, grief, and rebuilding after loss.
It’s About Time - A call for character and transformation—personally and collectively.
Say It Like You Mean It - A funk-laced, empowering anthem on boundaries, value, and self-worth.
Undress Me - Sensual and direct, this sultry detour explores desire and emotional intimacy.
Somebody Out There? - Based on a real paranormal event, this haunting track fuses fear and fascination.
Hazard - The title track delivers a sharp message of self-preservation and rejecting toxic energy.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Stephan Folkes is an independent singer, songwriter, sound engineer, and producer from Leytonstone, London, whose genre-defying sound draws from Prince, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, and Billie Eilish. Living with special needs and having faced near-death experiences as a child after nearly drowning as a pre-teen, Stephan transforms adversity into musical empowerment.
Known as The Visionist and King of Fantasy, he refuses to conform to trends, instead crafting deeply personal, emotionally raw music that blends genres and breaks norms. His journey—from school performances to vocal mentoring by a former UB40 singer and piano training by Claude Alexander—has shaped a unique artist unafraid to be vulnerable.
Stephan has worked with respected collaborators like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and Phil Curran, earning grassroots acclaim and playlist placements. Related to UK artist Deyaz and viral figure Mizzy through family ties, Stephan’s music remains his truest expression, and his independence speaks volumes: over £10,000 invested in his art, with no label backing.
