We spoke with Stephan Folkes about “Is This Paradise?” and more!

Q1. Hi! There’s a real emotional weight to “Is This Paradise?” — where did the first spark of this song come from?

A: The idea for Is This Paradise? actually came to me over a decade ago. During that time, I continued writing other songs, but this one always stayed with me. It wasn’t until late 2024 that I finally recorded and finalized it, and it officially came out on June 6^th, 2025. So in a sense, it’s been in the oven for quite a while, which makes me even prouder to finally share it with the world. I’m really happy with how it turned out. This release is the longer version, but I also have a shorter version and an upcoming radio edit. Each version has its own strengths depending on the setting — whether it’s for streaming, live performance, or radio play. For me, this track really represents patience, persistence, and the reward of seeing a long-held idea finally come to life.

Q2. Grief and beauty aren’t always paired together, but you manage to do that in this track. Was that a conscious intention or something that emerged naturally?

A: When I first began writing Is This Paradise? I wasn’t in a good place mentally. That’s why my song deals directly with themes of grief and loss — not to forget about something, but to remember, reflect on it, and ultimately learn how to live with the pain. Because no one goes through life unscathed, as that is simply part of life.

Each section of my track, from the verses through to the chorusand into the final moments, was designed to tell a powerful, unfolding story. Too often listeners skim past the deeper messages in music, focusing only on the surface. With my song, I wanted to create something that rewards people who take the time to listen closely — because the story and meaning are just as important as the sound.

Q3 Before we explore deeper into your music and brand, can you tell us about your cousin Deyaz, the UK artist, and Mizzy, the UK prankster?

A: My cousin Deyaz is also a UK artist. Although we’re no longer in contact, watching someone from my own bloodline carve their own path in music shaped my perspective. His journey made me reflect on mine — and while he achieved early success, my route has been entirely different: grass-roots, self-funded, self-managed, and built from the ground up. My investment in Hazard wasn’t just financial; it was a statement of conviction in myself, my vision, and the message I stand for.

When it comes to Mizzy — who is my half-niece’s half-brother, so not someone I’m directly related to — he was raised with good values. The last conversation I had with him was about his approach, and he told me it was part of his plan to cause a stir to gain attention. He has been heavily shaped by social media, which can be both a blessing and a curse. That contrast also made me reflect on my own journey and family dynamics.

I recognise that we’re very different people. I’m not here to downplay anyone else’s success, but what sets me apart is that I live by an approach I consider truly authentic — not in the overused, buzzword sense, but in the way I refuse to let external factors dictate who I am. I trust my instincts, choose my own direction, and don’t conform to what people think I should be. When people engage with my brand, they know it’s me — unfiltered, uncompromised, and not the product of behind-the-scenes conditioning or carefully scripted talking points. That honesty resonates, and it’s the foundation of how I connect with my audience and vision.

Q4. What’s been infuriating about your musical journey?

A: What’s frustrating about my musical journey is that I was raised with traditional values—family first, supporting one another, standing together. I always thought that when I make it musically, I’d reach out to my cousin Deyaz (UK artist), my other cousin Priincess Kemz, and others. But the reality is, they released singles and albums without me even knowing. I supported their work, but honestly—f**k them. They were focused on themselves, so why shouldn’t I do the same? It’s my time now. And I’ve learned that putting myself first isn’t always selfish—it’s sometimes necessary to protect your vision.

Q5. The production has this dreamlike quality — airy but grounded. How did you land on the sonic atmosphere for the song?

A: I’m also known as the Dream Pop King, because much of my work carries that dream pop quality — atmospheric, airy, sometimes breathy vocals, with a sense of journey to it. Vocally, I draw influence from singers like George Michael, who could bring the same dream pop atmosphere into his music. Dream pop is about immersion — it’s music you step into. If someone isn’t willing to really listen and embrace that atmosphere, then this song, and even the genre, is not for them. But for those who do, it creates a whole experience.

Q6. Do you remember the moment you knew this track was finished — or was it one of those songs that kept evolving?

A: Yes, I knew it was finished in late 2024. It’s a track I had been working on, on and off, for years — writing, singing, and gradually improving it along the way. By late last year, it finally felt complete, and I’m really glad I was able to release it on June 6th, 2025, alongside my debut album Hazard and my bonus track It’s None of Your Business (Bonus Track – Hazard Era).

Q7. You’ve been described as genre-defying, but how do you personally define your sound — especially with this track in mind?

A: I’d call myself a genre-blending, experimental artist. I like a wide array of genres, and I usually create by instinct. If you overthink the creative process, you risk losing that natural flow by getting too caught up in every detail. Music should come from within — like walking; you don’t think about it, you just do it. That’s how I approach my artistry: it has to feel natural, honest, and true to me. Not everyone will resonate with what I make, and that’s fine. I create first for myself, because it’s my art. If others connect with it too, that’s a bonus.

Q8. Was there a moment while writing or recording “Is This Paradise?” that surprised you emotionally — like something hit harder than you expected?

A: I wouldn’t say there was a specific moment that really surprised me. As I mentioned before, I tend to let my instincts guide me, and that’s the approach I took with Is This Paradise? For me to truly enjoy writing a song, I need to feel that sense of euphoria in the process. If that feeling isn’t there, then I know something isn’t working. With my track, I felt that flow all the way through — the process was natural and enjoyable from start to finish.

Q9. You’ve built your career with a strong sense of independence — how does that freedom shape the way you approach emotional storytelling in music?

A: I really like this question, because being independent and unsigned allows me complete freedom of expression. There’s no label telling me what I can or can’t do, or who I should or shouldn’t be. Throughout my life, people have tried to define me, even to this day, but I’m not a kid still figuring out who I am — I know exactly who I am. There’s nothing anyone can say that will change that. I create the way I want to create, and if someone doesn’t connect with it, then I’m simply not for them. That’s why independence is so important to me. Even if I were to sign a record deal one day, I’d need to maintain most of that freedom. Without it, I wouldn’t sign.

Q10. There’s a line between vulnerability and oversharing — how do you know when you’ve said enough in a song like this?

A: That’s a really good question. For me, it’s about balancing logic and feeling. If I sense that something is too personal, or if sharing certain details could negatively affect my brand, then I hold back. At the same time, storytelling is essential — it helps people connect with an artist on a deeper level. These days, music isn’t just about the sound; it’s about identity, branding, lifestyle, and the way you express yourself. With over 120,000 tracks released on Spotify every day, a compelling story is what makes people truly engage and feel part of your journey. So while it can be a tricky line to walk, I always aim to share enough to build connection, without giving away more than what feels right.

Q11. When you listen back to “Is This Paradise?” now, is there a particular lyric or moment that still lands differently for you than when you first wrote it?

A: That’s a tough one, because every line in my song felt meaningful to me. But if I had to choose one example from many, I’d say the opening verse. Interestingly, when I wrote my song, the chorus was the first part that came to me. Since the verse comes in first, it sets the tone, and it goes like this: “There’s somewhere for them to go (Is it hell? Is it heaven?) He thought about this at seven.” That lyric is partly a reflection of myself. I grew up practising Christianity, though I no longer practise, and I often wondered about where we go after we pass away. That sense of questioning and searching has always stayed with me, and hearing it back now gives that line an even deeper meaning.

Q12. If someone hears this song during a low point in their life, what’s the one feeling or thought you’d hope it leaves them with?

A: I’d want them to know that whatever they’re going through — whether it’s loss, grief, or learning how to live with the pain — they are not alone, and there is more ahead in their story.