In this interview with Stephan Folkes, we dive deep into the mind of an artist whose authenticity and individuality have become the foundation of his unique journey in the music industry. With an unwavering commitment to staying true to themselves amidst the pressures of mainstream success, they share their perspective on the importance of self-investment, personal growth, and creative freedom. From exploring his personal experiences to rejecting societal norms, this artist offers a refreshing take on carving out a space in a world that often seeks conformity. Read on as they reflect on their influences, challenges, and the vision they hope to leave behind through his music.
As someone who’s made such a unique mark in the industry, how important is it for you to stay true to yourself, especially when faced with the pressures of the mainstream music scene?
Hi there, Urbanisha and everyone reading—you’re in for a great interview! Enjoy!!🎙️Staying true to myself isn’t just important—it’s everything. My identity and artistry are what set me apart. I have conviction in honoring my principles and not conforming to industry norms that don’t align with who I am. Because for me, focusing on what feels right shows I’m another individual, and this will naturally attract the right audience—those who truly connect with my journey and vision.
Your cousin Deyaz is an acclaimed UK artist, and you’ve cited him as an inspiration. How has your relationship with him influenced your music and your own journey in the industry?
Deyaz is my cousin and an artist from the UK. Although we no longer communicate—largely due to him distancing himself from most of the family, except his mother—he has achieved success early on, especially considering he got signed without any music buzz. However, it’s unfortunate how the situation unfolded, as some people in the family who supported him have been cut off. This behaviour isn’t reflective on how he was raised, and he does struggle with addiction: Alcohol and Drugs. He has a baby & a girlfriend who’s keeping this together!! It’s a sad reality, but I guess it’s natural selection. Although Deyaz and I were supposed to collaborate at one point, that never materialized. I remember a time when he asked me to take him to the hospital. He came to my mum’s house in distress late at night, I was worried something had happened to him. He even faced conflict within his own Family, with his brother punching him in his face over his ingratitude. It seems that a lot of what has happened stems from Deyaz’s deeper personal issues. For me, any setbacks in my life only fuels my determination to stay positive, grow, and persevere. I’m committed to never losing sight of my identity or my brand, even as I gain recognition in the Music industry. I’ve seen how other artists have been affected by success in unhealthy ways, and I won’t let that happen to me. On a lighter note, I’ve recently had discussions with Nines’s Music manager, and I’m hopeful that something may come from it. Only time will tell…
You’ve spoken about rejecting the ‘sheep mentality.’ Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in staying authentic to your vision, and how do you navigate the pressure to conform in the music world?
Great question!! Living long enough and seeing the overwhelming conditioning/negativity in this World, has only reinforced my refusal to follow the ‘Sheep mentality.’ There’s so much conditioning from the powers that be, and that’s why I strongly encourage people to invest in themselves—logically, mentally, emotionally, and creatively. When you do, you start recognizing how many challenges are systematically designed. How can we create a better world when so many are blindly following misinformation and distractions? I don’t want to sound overly political, and I know I’m not perfect—no one is. But what matters is action. I don’t just talk about it—I live it, especially through my music.
You’ve spoken in the past about the importance of investing in yourself and rejecting societal pressures. How do these ideas show up in your music, and how do you hope your listeners relate to them?
Rejecting societal pressures allows me to create a unique and unconventional sound, free from the influence of Major labels & industry standards. Through my music, I’m confident that listeners can connect with my experiences, as many have shared how my story resonates with their own. I’ve had numerous people approach me, both online and in person, to express how my journey mirrors theirs. I also draw on personal experiences, such as overcoming challenges related to my Special needs, which further deepen the authenticity of my message. Ultimately, I aim to inspire others to invest in themselves and challenge societal expectations.
‘Say It Like You Mean It’ is about learning from unreciprocated love. Do you feel like your music often explores themes of personal growth and introspection?
“Say it like you mean it’ is my debut Single, and it conveys the importance of valuing one’s time and energy. My song highlights self-worth and encourages learning to read between the lines, recognizing that not all communication is direct. In fact, about 90% of communication is nonverbal and/or indirect. Much of my music focuses on self-investment, motivation, and personal growth. I know that without investing in ourselves, we risk being shaped by external influences that may not align with who we truly are. My message encourages listeners to define their own standards, think critically, and carve out their own paths rather than conforming to societal expectations. Many external pressures push people in the wrong direction, and my music serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself. While this theme is central to my work, I also explore other subjects in my music.
You’ve described your music as having a ‘Prince vibe.’ What do you think sets Prince apart as an influence for you, and what elements of his artistry do you aim to incorporate into your own work?
Prince is a legend and an incredible musician who pursued his artistic vision without compromise. He resisted Labels because of their restrictive nature, and I share that perspective. Artistically, I admire his fearless approach to self-expression and his willingness to push boundaries. Vocally, some aspects of my style are influenced by him, as his singing resonates with me deeply. What I aim to incorporate from his artistry is his commitment to artistic freedom—art is limitless, and there are countless ways to express oneself. Not everyone may understand or connect with a particular expression, but it will always find its audience. I’m not afraid to put myself out there, even in the face of judgment. Many people criticize but wouldn’t have the courage to take creative risks like Prince did. Artists like him serve as a reminder that true artistry isn’t about imitation—it’s about originality, exploration, and pushing creative boundaries rather than following trends.
With the rise of platforms like TikTok and the growing importance of social media for artists today, how do you feel about this new landscape for music promotion?
Social media is both a blessing and a challenge. For most part, gone are the days of being discovered in Bars and Clubs by A&R scouts. Record labels don’t really focus on developing artists, mainly because the financial investment required is too high. This makes Social media, which is largely free, the perfect tool for Indie artists like myself. This is the best era to “make it” or at least turn music into a viable business without the need of arRecord label. To grow my fanbase, I’ll need to invest both time and resources into Marketing, Advertising, and building my brand. I’d say these three things are the most important and of course; there are other aspects too e.g: performing and collaborating with other artists etc. While I’m still learning the ropes, I’m getting support from a Music PR team (😉). That said, from my experience, Social media tends to be easier for women, as they often have more privilege in terms of visibility and marketability. The industry isn’t always about who’s the most talented—it’s about who’s the most marketable. I know that as a man, and based on how I look, I may not fit the typical mold that gains instant recognition. That means I have an uphill battle, but I’m fully committed to working on my brand. I have other strategies in place to build my presence. Success requires creating stepping stones before putting anything big into action, and I’m using every possible avenue to get my name out there. This includes non-paid marketing/Paid marketing, music highlight reels, music videos, and behind-the-scenes content etc. Often, it’s not just about the music—it’s about whether people connect with you as a person. When your audience relates to you, they’re more likely to support you on your journey. I don’t just want to tell my story—I want to engage with my fanbase. Instead of just saying, “I’ve been through this,” I want to ask, “Have you been through this too? Here’s what I did—what did you do?” I aim to create a conversation, not just talk at people but talk with them, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences as well. Finally I’m getting better at Social media however, I’m confident that once I have mastered it, my presence will grow significantly. Stay tuned—big things are coming!!
Your connection to Mizzy, the infamous TikTok prankster, is an unexpected twist in your story. How do you think your personal life and family ties have shaped your public image and your music?
First, to clarify, Mizzy is my half-niece’s half-brother. While we are loosely connected through family ties, we are not directly related. That said, common sense should make it clear that we are entirely different individuals. From what I know, Mizzy was raised with the right values, but ultimately, he chose his own path—one centered around infamy and controversy. That’s not the direction I want for myself!! My goal is to be recognized for something positive—to inspire, uplift, and motivate people to invest in themselves. Unfortunately, bad news tends to gain more attention than good news, which is why his notoriety has grown. However, not all press is good press. The choices he’s made will have lasting consequences, whether he acknowledges them or not. When people take the time to understand me, my brand, and my vision, they will see that I stand for something entirely different. Regardless of any distant family connection, I have a clear sense of purpose, and I am focused on building a career rooted in positivity and personal growth.
What do you want people to take away from your music, especially those who may be dealing with their own personal struggles or trying to find their place in the world?
You are not alone!! That’s the core message of my Music. Whether fictional or based on real experiences, my lyrics are written in a way that feels authentic and believable. I want listeners to connect with the stories I tell, regardless of whether they’re drawn from my own life or broader experiences. Beyond that, my music encourages people to invest in themselves and break free from societal conditioning. Many external influences are designed to shape our beliefs and decisions, but true growth comes from questioning those narratives and finding our own path. My hope is that my music inspires people to stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and never give up on becoming their true selves.
You’ve already achieved so much at a young age. Looking ahead, what is the ultimate impact you hope to have on the music industry, and how do you plan to continue breaking barriers in the years to come?
The ultimate impact I want to have on the Music industry is to leave behind a legacy rooted in my message and brand. Music is art, and art is expression. Whether or not I have children, my Music will be my lasting imprint—a part of me that never fades. Just as legends like Prince, George Michael, and Michael Jackson etc continue to inspire long after their time, I aspire to create something that resonates beyond my own lifetime. If I can even reach a fraction of that level of influence, I would be ecstatic. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I want to break the notion that I’m a ‘one-trick pony.’ While my core message as of now remains the same, I’m always exploring new musical avenues and pushing creative boundaries. My goal is to prove that I have the versatility to expand my artistry while maintaining the essence of what makes my Music impactful. I’m confident that my fanbase, drawn to the authenticity of my brand, will grow with me as I embark on new artistic ventures—because what I offer is not just music, but a compelling and evolving story. Thank you for this amazing interview, Urbanista!! Oh, and one more thing—my second single, It’s all Within time (travelling through the stars), drops on April 11th—just two days after my birthday! So stay tuned! 🚀✨
