Bringing a distinct personality and creative vision to the Electronic Music landscape, Stankisswell continues to carve out his identity, blending influences from House, Dance Music and French Touch into his own signature sound. With an approach rooted in self-expression, personal experiences and a desire to stand apart, he continues to develop a project that reflects both his musical influences and his individuality.
We caught up with Stankisswell to discuss his artistic identity, creative process and ambitions for the future, gaining insight into the personality and vision behind the project.
Hi Stankisswell! How are you doing today?
Hi! I’m doing great. I just got back from New York City. I had a lot of studio sessions there. I really love it – there’s something so special about it and I’d love to move there one day. I like making music there too and collaborated with some local artists.
Looking back at your early years in music, is there a specific memory or moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue this path full-time?
Yeah, definitely. I remember being a kid watching Martin Garrix’s set at Ultra Miami on my old computer and thinking, I want to do that one day. It became more than a dream for me – it felt like something I had to do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
If you had to describe the atmosphere or “world” of Stankisswell to someone
who has never heard your music, how would you describe it?
I’d say the world of Stankisswell is a little trashy, in the best way. I’ve always stood out in my personal life and that reflects in my art. Musically, I’m inspired by a lot of different genres, from House and Dance music to French Touch. I incorporate those influences with a strong vocal identity, deep basslines and shimmering hi-hats.
I want people to hear my music and immediately know it’s me.
What inspired the name Stankisswell, and what does it represent for you as an artist?
It’s a pretty funny story. A few years ago, I was at a party and spent the night hanging out
with this American girl. My English wasn’t very good at the time, so the communication was…not great. At the end of the night as she was leaving she kissed me and said,
“Oh wow, you kiss well! See you next time, my Stankisswell!” (My first name is Stanislas). I don’t know why but the name just stuck, and I thought it’d make a cool artist name. So, I guess I have her to thank for Stankisswell.
How has your previous experience shaping music for others influenced the way you build your own identity today?
My mom has been the biggest influence on my music taste. She introduced me to American culture and artists when I was a kid, and I instantly fell in love. I would spend all night watching Michael Jackson and Billy Idol music videos. I like to incorporate the techniques, like flanging, from these legendary artists into my music now.
I loved not only the music, but also the videos. For me, music videos bring together two of my passions—film and music. I hope to bring back music video culture and repopularise them.
How do you typically approach building a new track from scratch in the studio?
I usually start with the bass. That’s often where the whole energy of the track comes from, and then the vocal usually comes naturally after that.
I also really like my music to reflect whatever moment I’m living in. Whether I’m in San Francisco or Paris, with friends, feeling happy, sad, inspired… all of that somehow finds its way into the music. So, every track is kind of where I am and what I’m feeling at that specific moment.
What core feelings or ideas tie all of your work together, regardless of how your sound evolves?
I think there’s something groovy and sexy in my music.
Like that bassline that gets stuck in your head, and makes your body move without even thinking about it.
I imagine someone alone in their bathroom getting ready for the night, music playing loud, dancing in front of the mirror, and just feeling themselves. That kind of confidence and freedom is something I always want in my music, no matter how my sound evolves.
What is the most rewarding part of sharing the creative process with another artist?
For me, the most rewarding part is being able to share our feelings through the same track. When you’re in the studio with another artist, you both bring your own energy, emotions and experiences into the room, and somehow, they all become part of the music.
I think a collaboration is also a reflection of the moment you spend together with the other artist. You’re not just making a track – you’re capturing a moment you shared with someone.
Having spent a year touring around the world with another artist, how did that experience shape your approach to playing live music?
Touring around the world taught me a lot about reading a crowd. I got to experience so many different audiences, cultures and energies; and over time you start to understand what to play, when to play it, and how to adapt your set to the people in front of you.
But honestly, it changed me way beyond music. I travelled to 35 different countries in 10 months, travelled all over the world, and experienced so many different places and cultures. When you live like that, it changes you as a person. It really opened my mind and changed the way I see the world.
And when it comes to playing live, I realised that it’s not really the club that makes the night – it’s the crowd and the energy. You can be in the most amazing club in the world, but if the crowd isn’t there with you, it means nothing. At the end of the day, the people are what make the club.
As your project continues to grow globally, what are some key milestones you are working toward next?
America is definitely the next big milestone for me. It’s always been one of my biggest dreams to live in America, and I feel a really strong connection with the people there. Today half of my audience is based in the U.S., and I’m getting more and more requests to play there, which is crazy for me.
But it’s not only about the numbers. America really connects with who I am, my background, my influences and the music I want to make. I’ve always felt drawn to the culture and the energy there. So, for me, the next chapter is really about building something strong in the U.S., playing there and creating a real connection with that audience. It feels like the natural next step for Stankisswell.
Looking ahead, what is the main message or legacy you want to build through your music?
If one of my songs can bring someone back to a moment they never want to forget, that’s the legacy I want to leave.
As Stankisswell looks to the next chapter of his career, his ambitions remain closely connected to the influences, experiences and personal expressions that have shaped his journey so far. With a growing audience in the US and a continued desire to push his creativity forward, he approaches the future with a clear sense of direction, eager to explore new opportunities both in the studio and behind the decks.
So, keep up with Stankisswell and follow his journey via social media for the latest news and updates on his next releases and performances.
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