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Phonseca release new deep electronica-pop single ‘When Night Equals Day’

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‘When Night Equals Day’ is the superb new single from Indie Synthpop duo, Phonseca, which brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player Matthew O’Connor and radiant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.

Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock. Both touring and featuring on albums released on labels as diverse as Rocket Recordings, Invada Records and Dishy Recordings, his creative input has featured on many projects. Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This began the process which resulted in ‘Between A Dream’, the debut Phonseca album, which came out in 2019.

The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. Matthew’s classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1’s – The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second ‘Everything Lasts Forever’, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.

‘When Night Equals Day’, the second single to come from the new album, captures the emotional heartbeat of Phonseca’s indie synthpop, electronica sound. The track’s unhurried pulsing beats, icy ambient synths, desolate piano and sweeping drones make for a deep, contemplative listen. A wintry, never ending glacial atmosphere pervades the track, conjuring lonely and dark winter nights. What begins as a fragile cry for help, evolves into something more resilient. Then by the refrain ‘When Night Equals Day’, it’s realistically introspective again.

.“As with the whole album, these songs have a nocturnal feel and this one is no exception”, says O’Connor. “Lyrically I was inspired by classic songs like Kraftwerk – Computer Love and Soft Cell – Bedsitter and other songs too that are so evocative the images freely play out in your mind. The title refers to the Spring equinox, and by complete coincidence this was when we were recording the vocals at Invada. It’s my favourite lyric and possibly my favourite song on the album and another amazing vocal from Kristina, completely embracing the song and meaning”, he further reveals.

An unflinching song about relationships, capturing a sense of disbelief, when a spark you saw in someone has long faded, ‘When Night Equals Day’ is full of heart on your sleeve emotions and a wistful melancholy. It’s ultimately though, a song of strength and independence.

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Stephan Folkes Shines on Reflective New Single ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’

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Stephan Folkes returns with a transcendent new release, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’, and it’s clear the London-based artist is charting his own course through the cosmos of contemporary music. Following the critical success of his debut single ‘Say It Like You Mean It’, Stephan’s latest offering is a richly layered, genre-defying meditation on time, adversity, and personal growth.

A self-described “Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” Folkes approaches music with a rare kind of fearlessness. His newest single doesn’t chase trends—it questions them. From the very first note, Stephan draws listeners into a reflective space, encouraging them to consider the lessons learned from life’s most difficult moments.

“Music should be a space for self-reflection,” Stephan says, and ‘It’s All Within Time’ lives up to that mission. Carried by his velvety vocals—reminiscent of George Michael at his most heartfelt—Stephan weaves a soundscape that blends soft rock, R&B, jazz, funk, and ambient pop with effortless finesse. The result is a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, dreamy yet grounded.

Lyrically, the track urges listeners to embrace their journey in its entirety. It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about how you’ve grown through the fire. There’s something deeply empowering in that message, and Stephan delivers it with authenticity and grace.

Born and raised in Leytonstone, East London, Stephan’s music is deeply rooted in personal experience. Surviving a life-threatening hospitalization at five and a near-drowning in his youth, he emerged with a profound sense of purpose—one that pulses through every word and every chord. Since beginning his journey in music at just 11, he’s grown into a full-fledged artist, working alongside industry talents like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and producer Phil Curran.

With a strong presence online and plans to bring his message to the stage across the UK, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’ marks a powerful new chapter for Stephan Folkes. It’s not just a song—it’s a reminder to honour your past, trust the timing of your life, and never be afraid to walk your own path.

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