Stephan Leroy Folkes returns with his highly anticipated new track, It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars), following the success of his debut single, Say It Like You Mean It. The London-based artist, known for his genre-blending style and thought-provoking messages, continues to push the envelope with his latest release.
In It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars), Folkes explores themes of personal growth, resilience, and the passage of time. The track invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, considering how past struggles have shaped who they are today. It’s about learning from adversity and using time as a tool for transformation, rather than just letting it pass by.
“Mainstream music doesn’t always address those deeper, personal questions,” Folkes explains. “The industry tends to push certain narratives, telling you what to like and follow. I want to make music that makes people think about themselves: how they’ve handled situations and what they can take away from them. Music should offer more than just entertainment—it should prompt self-reflection.”
Sonically, It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars) features Folkes’ signature smooth, soulful vocals, layered over a mix of soft rock, R&B, jazz, funk, and pop. His style, which draws from a diverse range of influences, including George Michael, Stevie Wonder, and Billie Eilish, offers a fresh take on contemporary music. Critics have praised him for his genre-defying sound, with EARMILK calling him “a true visionary” and CURIOUS FOR MUSIC highlighting his unique blend of influences.
Born in Leytonstone, London, Folkes’ personal experiences have had a lasting impact on his music. A life-threatening hospitalization at five and a near-drowning incident in his pre-teens shaped his approach to life and music, instilling a sense of resilience that continues to define his work. As a self-proclaimed “Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” Folkes is unapologetically independent in both his artistry and his outlook on the music industry.
His sound reflects this individuality—he’s never been one to settle into a single genre, instead drawing on a broad range of influences from across the musical spectrum. Whether it’s the funk of Prince, the soul of Stevie Wonder, or the pop sensibility of Billie Eilish, Folkes fuses these elements in ways that feel fresh and authentic.
Having started his musical journey at 11, Folkes has since developed his skills as a songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. His collaborations with industry figures like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and producer Phil Curran have helped him refine his craft, and his upcoming second album promises even more exciting developments.
With plans to perform across the UK and a growing social media presence, Folkes is set to build on his success and continue connecting with fans. Through his music, he encourages listeners to embrace their own stories and challenge the pressures to conform, offering a space for self-exploration and growth.
Stephan Leroy Folkes is quickly carving out his place in the music scene with his genre-defying sound and his commitment to creating music that speaks to more than just the surface.
