Stephan Folks Drops A Haunting New Single

A new single from Stephan Folks delivers a unique breed of pop music that blends elements of rock, R&B, and more, all rolled into one track that beckons a question. One that a lot of us have asked ourselves and that some of us have had answered in different ways.

"Somebody Out There" revolves around whether or not spirits are among us. It asks if they are out there, and it's a song that leaves its impact, especially for those of us who can get obsessed with that very question.

The idea of spirits, ghosts, and the supernatural in general seems to be split down the middle. Some believe, and those who do not.

Hi, for one, I certainly believe there's plenty more after death and that Spirits do indeed exist all around us at all times.

This track puts a soundtrack to that question. It creates such a mood that goes right along with the slightly haunting underbelly of its sentiment.

The track comes in with an amazing hook that is very memorable as Stephan showcases his wide vocal range and unique tonality.

One of the things I like about this hook is how high-pitched it is and how he double-tracks his vocals on it. It thickens the hook so much that it starts to build this amazing atmosphere.

The music surrounding it is also vast in its undertone and boasts that combination of R&B and a soul pop approach, but as the song unfolds, you have rock guitars coming into play, intensifying certain areas of the track as well.

By the time that hook comes back around, it's a chorus, and guitars are ringing out during those choruses, adding that extra edge and building the intensity and tension of the track in general.

I found it amazing how he was able to create that tension musically and have it fit so well with the sentiment and lyrics of the song.

This was really well done and produced with a lot of attention to detail. It's not just how he added elements of instrumentation to help bring the moods together, but also how everything is performed.

You can tell this is a track that came from someplace real. Perhaps it's more than just curiosity. Perhaps there was an experience that happened to the artist himself, and that in turn, drove him to write a song about it.

The lyrical phrasing and time signatures throughout this track are amazing. They change and progress, bringing some fresh surprises around its corners, and I think that that's one of the most inventive aspects of the song, aside from some of the spooky style synthesizers that are used throughout it as well. There are some great keys and synth tones all throughout this track, lacing it with that same haunting undertone.

There's one synthesizer in particular that mimics the sound of a theremin. It's a very unique sound and has been known to be used in songs that feature a ghostly or supernatural sentiment.

The expansive and spacious undertone, along with the soundscape and aesthetic of the track itself, also delivers quite a cinematic experience. This is the kind of song you could easily picture in the scene of a film or TV show.

The whole thing is built with unique textures that layer it and create that atmosphere you get pulled into. Once you're in this atmosphere, you really don't want to leave. Your curiosity also starts to take hold.

This is the song that makes you think, and any kind of music that makes you feel or think something is worth listening to.

The vocals are performed with great tonality and approach as he's got some soul behind it, but he sticks to the sort of character that the song is pushing during his performance.

He wants that hook to sound a little bit eerie or spooky, which it does.

It's also a hook that sticks in your head for hours after the song has ended.

The song bends genres so well that it's hard to put your finger on exactly what you would call it. I will call this a cinematic pop. It's one of the best explanations or descriptions in terms of a genre for this particular track.

That vastness, eeriness, and blend of layered textures and tones all deliver a cinematic aesthetic, and that's exactly what the artist was going for.

What's more is that the mix of this single is incredibly well done. All the tones and sounds are balanced well enough to build that particular sound that was aimed for

Everything about this single was completely nailed, and as I listened through it, I began to wonder about the inspiration behind it for the artist.

I wanted to know why Stephan Folks wrote this song.

We ended up interviewing the artist, and I suggest you read this interview below as you listen to the track so you can find out exactly what inspired it.

Here's what happened.

Buzz Slayers: Let's talk about "Somebody Out There!" This song had a massive sonic presence and cinematic soundscape! Where did this track come from?

“Somebody Out There?” was inspired by a true story that’s always stayed with me — a group of British teens who explored an abandoned building with a Ouija board and left with more than they bargained for. I wanted to capture that curiosity, fear, and the unknown — how a moment of intrigue can suddenly turn haunting. The production leans into that moodiness with cinematic textures and an atmospheric soundscape, while my vocals carry the tension at the heart of the story. Blending alternative indie rock, R&B, soul, and dream pop, the track resists being put in a single box. At its core, it’s about the fine line between fascination and danger — the kind of song you could hear soundtracking a psychological thriller or anchoring a late-night playlist.”

Buzz Slayers: This is one of the singles from your Hazard album, correct? When is this record releasing?

“Somebody Out There?” is the third single from my debut album Hazard, which officially dropped on May 9th, 2025. My album is a big milestone for me — it’s the result of years of self-investment and experimentation, blending genres and stories that really define who I am as an artist.

Buzz Slayers: Before we dive deeper into your music and brand, can you tell us about your cousin Deyaz, the UK artist, and Mizzy, the UK prankster?

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.

Buzz Slayers: What’s been frustrating about your musical journey?

What’s frustrating about my musical journey is that I was raised with traditional values — family first, help each other out, stand by one another. I always told myself that when I made it big 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 before I even knew about it. 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 and being a little selfish isn’t always a bad thing — sometimes it’s necessary to protect your vision.

Buzz Slayers: I'm hearing a few different approaches to this song! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influence has to be Michael Jackson — no one else gives me goosebumps the way he does. His vision, brand, vocals, and journey as an artist are unmatched. I also take inspiration from Prince, the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, and more contemporary artists like Billie Eilish.

But ultimately, I make music for myself. If anyone else connects with it, that’s a bonus. I don’t believe in creating to please people or following the industry’s conditional patterns. Too often, the industry tries to tell people what to like and when to like it — that’s when things feel manufactured. For me, music is instinctual and personal; it’s my therapy and my release. Staying true to myself will always come before chasing trends.

Buzz Slayers: Did you record this at a home setup, or at a big studio?

Both. Half of the recording was done at my home studio, and the other half in what I like to call a “big boy studio.” I work closely with Nick Michaels, the studio owner who was also a member of the 70s UK rock band Bethnal, along with his friend and collaborator Phil Curran, who is the main producer. Together, they’ve been instrumental in helping me bring my vision to life and shaping the sound of my music.

Buzz Slayers: What got you into music in the first place?

There are a few reasons, but the main one was performing in a school play. The euphoric feeling I got from being on stage and singing was unforgettable — it lit something in me that’s never gone away. I was also deeply inspired by Michael Jackson, the greatest artist of all time, and that same euphoric rush is what I still chase every time I make music.

Buzz Slayers: Are you performing live right now?

Yes, I’m doing some shows here and there. Also, I’m currently in talks to perform at a fairly local show as well as other well-known venues. Details are still being confirmed, so I can’t reveal too much just yet — but if people follow me on social media, they’ll be the first to know once everything is officially announced.

Lately, I’ve been focusing heavily on building my online presence. In today’s music industry, especially for emerging artists, social media is often more crucial at the start than live shows — it plays a major role in visibility and reach. That said, I deeply value the impact of live performances. There’s nothing quite like connecting with people in real time, and I’m actively exploring more opportunities to bring the energy of Hazard to the stage.

Buzz Slayers: Now that this is out, what's next for you?

What’s next for me is continuing to promote, market, and advertise my music, my brand, and my journey. I encourage people to follow me on social media so they can see everything I’m working on in real time. I’m also currently working on my second album, which is set for release next year. Alongside that, I’ve got photo shoots and video shoots lined up, more short-form content like Reels and music clips, as well as upcoming performances and other creative avenues I’m exploring. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and continuing to build that connection with my audience and vision.

Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?

Right now, I’ve been listening a lot to Nobuo Uematsu, the former main composer of the Final Fantasy series. He’s an absolute genius and a huge inspiration for me musically. His best score in the franchise, and also his personal favourite, is from Final Fantasy IX — which happens to be my favourite entry as well. A few years ago, I even went to the Final Fantasy VII orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which was an incredible experience. I think everyone should check out his work; his music is on another level.

Buzz Slayers: What would you tell people they can expect on this release?

Listeners can expect a blend of rock & roll, R&B, soul, and dream pop with an eerie, paranormal atmosphere. It’s a song that intrigues as much as it entertains — cinematic, moody, and designed to pull you into its world. If you’re drawn to music that feels larger than life, with a touch of the mysterious, this release will definitely speak to you.

Buzz Slayers: What’s something about you that might surprise listeners?

My music is rooted in personal experience. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges — living with special needs, nearly drowning as a pre-teen, and moving in and out of mainstream education. I spent most of my school years in a special needs unit, and those experiences shaped not only how I see the world but also how I express myself through music.

Rather than dwell on the pain or negativity, I’ve made a conscious choice to turn those moments into something constructive. I focus my energy on uplifting others through my music that inspires self-investment. That’s the core of my brand — using my journey to motivate people to keep going, to grow, and to know their worth. Sometimes I write to escape what I’ve been through — I write to transform it into something empowering. That’s what gives my music its emotional tone. It’s honest, reflective, and designed to help others find light in their own journey.

Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?

If you have strong conviction in my brand, my music, and my journey, then in my eyes you’re a true fan. I want to encourage people not only to listen, but to spread the word and share my music with others who you think will connect with it. This is more than just about me — it’s about building a community of people who resonate with what I stand for. With conviction in my vision, you become part of this experience and journey with me.

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