Stephan Folkes searches for sincerity and commitment in his supple and soulful new single Say it Like You Mean It — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The debut artist from the emerging London singer, songwriter, sound engineer and producer spotlights his fearless individuality and boundary-pushing artistry. Say It Like You Mean It is a thought-provoking track about the lessons learned from pursuing unreciprocated love, while the falsetto 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.
Folkes’ 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, Folkes channels his experiences and emotions into his music, creating an authentic and innovative sound that defies genres. Self-proclaimed as The Visionist and The King of Fantasy, he thrives on defying norms and rejecting the sheep mentality.
With a passion for genre-blending, Folkes 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 George Michael, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees and Michael Jackson, as well as contemporary influences like Billie Eilish.
Folkes’ musical journey began at the age of 11. 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. He plans to release a series of singles and an album in the coming year, and is already at work on his second album.
Check out Say It Like You Mean It above and below, and follow Stephan Folkes on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
