Stephan Folkes drops debut record ‘Hazard’

Stephan Folkes is a London-based artist, producer and sound engineer rewriting the rulebook on genre and turning his personal journey into a kaleidoscope of sound. By the age of 11, he was already winning over school audiences and at 13 he began writing original material under the guidance of Claude Alexander, a former UB40 backing singer and piano teacher.

This early mentorship sparked a lifelong dedication to music and a vision he’s continued to shape with the help of collaborators like Nick Michaels of Bethnal and producer Phil Curran. The cousin of acclaimed UK artist Deyaz and viral figure Mizzy, Stephan might be surrounded by buzz-worthy names but he remains fiercely independent.

Now, with his highly anticipated debut album titled Hazard, Stephan Folkes has crystallised years of self-reflection, creative risk and emotional strength into a work that invites listeners into his world. Blending dream pop, indie rock, funk, soul, R&B and experimental flourishes, the album is as unpredictable as it is cohesive.

What ties it all together is a steadfast sincerity, a thread stitched throughout with a pure honesty that never slips into cliché. The record opens with “What Should You Do (For Your Whole Life)?”, a bold question wrapped in an even bolder composition. It sets the theme with a groove-focused sound and Stephan’s bright falsetto vocal leads which dance across bouncy synth arrangement.

Tracks like “Incomplete” and “Can I Be There?” explore the emotional fallout of avoidance and loneliness, encouraging self-growth and strength in solitude, echoing the confessional qualities of modern icons like Billie Eilish, but with the groove-inflected sophistication of Prince or Stevie Wonder. “Say It Like You Mean It” serves as an empowering, funk-drenched call for boundaries and self-respect, while “Undress Me” slips into a sultry, emotionally charged moment of intimacy.

The title track, “Hazard,” delivers the album’s sharpest edge via a cathartic examination of toxicity and survival. Every track feels intentional, shaped through experimental sessions and an ear for the unexpected, whether it’s a ghostly groove on “Somebody Out There?,” inspired by a real paranormal encounter or the cosmic swirl of “It’s All Within Time.”

With Hazard, Stephan Folkes presents a highly original work that excavates the darkest corners of his experience and reframes them with light, groove and catchy songwriting. Commenting on the record, he shares, “At its core, Hazard is a bold statement about self-investment and inner strength. It’s a journey through adversity, awareness, and personal empowerment-reminding listeners to recognise danger, face it head-on, and emerge stronger.”

Listen to Hazard below