The keen reader will already know that we take pride in championing unique, quirky artistry. In an industry where everything is streamlined and standardised, we love to see lone heroes scrambling the sonic picture for the better. Stefano Ark belongs to that exact category. Blending hip-hop with artsy lyricism and horror-esque cinematic influences, the Manchester-based creative paints an intense and evocative musical landscape, unlike anything we have heard before.
A major element in this charming formula is represented by Ark’s vocals, extremely deep, raw and impactful. The production is cathartic and nuanced, jumping from textures to bouncy grooves in an instant. ‘THE VILLAIN!’ is the perfect evidence of that, a charming tune that never lets go, a slice of unfiltered musical euphoria.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Stefano Ark to find out more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Stefano, how is it going? thanks for talking to us! I dived into your catalogue and the overall picture is incredibly quirky and unique. Your music is unlike anything we have ever heard before. Let’s unpack that: first of all, what are your major musical influences?
Hey, thanks for having me! I’m excited to answer your questions. That’s wonderful to hear—I always strive to be authentic in my art. My biggest influences are film, the horror and sci-fi genres, and, of course, Halloween itself.
There’s an extensive theatrical and cinematic component in your work. How did that come about? Are you also an actor or delving into filmmaking?
My first compositions were horror film scores. As a child, I was captivated by the sound design and effects in films, fascinated by how they shaped the audience’s reaction and explored the psychology of fear. Yes, I’m also an actor and filmmaker. However, after turning 18, I shifted my focus to music, changing my degree from acting to music just weeks before starting university. If I weren’t a musician, I’d still be acting and making films—but for now, my films are music videos. I recently shot a short film and music video for ‘Hush Hush! (Lucid Dream Edition).’ The music video is on YouTube, and the short film version will be released soon.
Eventually, we think the best way to describe you is as ‘holistic creative’. if art is personal expression, Stefano Ark is simply the result of his multi-layered identity. Does that resonate with you?
This resonates deeply with me. In recent years, I’ve become more aware of the strong connection between my art and identity. I view music as a gift with purpose. The alter egos I create in my music are all facets of myself. For instance, I’ve noticed my writing often reflects my thoughts and perspectives. My alter ego “IrV” represents my current self-deprecating thoughts but contrasts with “STeVe”, a previous ego. IrV strikes a healthier balance between self-criticism and self-encouragement.
You released ‘The Villain!’ earlier this summer, a pretty hypnotising and obscure piece. Can you guide us through its lyricism? what does the song stand for?
“The Villain” is another alter ego of mine, representing the acceptance of being the villain in some stories from time to time. If you never disappoint anyone, it often means you’re disappointing yourself. I realised this after experiencing burnout and empathy fatigue a few years ago. The song explores themes of rebellion, authenticity, and embracing your shadow side—an essential aspect of self-awareness. It celebrates individuality and challenges social programming, highlighting the importance of choosing restraint while acknowledging your capacity for harm.
Production-wise, have you worked with anyone or is it a DIY effort? what were some of the biggest references for the track?
The track was a DIY effort in terms of production, with the mix and master handled by Thomas Hazal, who did an excellent job. Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park served as key references for the track. Nu Metal shares many stylistic elements with rap vocal performances, so incorporating a rap element into “The Villain!” worked perfectly.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I would say I feel more confident working alone for now, simply because I haven’t had the opportunity to write a song with a team yet—but I’d love to in the future. There’s always so much to learn from collaborating with others, and I think it would be an incredibly enriching experience.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
Learning to trust and believe in my abilities has been a challenging journey. I used to struggle with intense imposter syndrome regarding my art—no matter how much praise I received, I couldn’t believe it. My internalised ableism and experiences as a neurodivergent person deeply impacted how I viewed my capabilities. However, by late 2022, I experienced another ‘ego death’ and began building a stronger sense of self. I’m evolving into the person I was meant to be and now trust in my abilities and myself. My purpose and treasure, in which I attempted to seek externally, were within me all along.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
There will be a short film for ‘The Villain!’ and another song titled ‘The Moon Man!’ In January 2025. In December 2024, I’ll be releasing the album The Martian: Years 2013-2023, which I’m incredibly excited to share. The Martian Universe will officially kick off from there. Plus, more tour dates are planned for 2025—it’s going to be an incredibly exciting year!
