Live Review: Stevan flips the script with 'Impress You'

Just months after the release of his acclaimed debut mixtape, STEVAN has returned to our ears (even though he never really left) with a brand new single today titled 'Impress You'. Working with LUCIANBLOMKAMP for added production, 'Impress You' is an interesting change of direction for the rising Wollongong star, and one we can definitely get behind.

Stevan's music has always been consistently diverse in terms of genres. When we spoke to him around the release of Just Kids, Stevan spoke about how growing up on the internet led to his music being so many different styles at once, moving from scuzzy indie rock to quaint RnB jams. So it should come as no surprise that he'd flip the script again with this latest release. Channeling his emotions into one of his most RnB-leaning cuts yet, 'Impress You' does exactly that with a yearning hook and introspective verses which are paired with a stuttered, trippy beat, hazy synths and wonky bass. LUCIANBLOMKAMP has cemented himself as a globally recognised producer thanks to his own work, as well as his work with 6LACK and Mallrat, and his trademark darker production work seems to be the perfect contrast for Stevan's sunny disposition, giving him the space to dive into his own mind to create one of the most intimate singles we've heard from him.

Speaking of the single, Stevan said, “'Impress You' was one of the first tracks that I made with LUCIANBLOMKAMP. I speak on my experiences with overcoming social pressure and finding myself. It’s probably my most personal song to date.”

Released alongside visuals courtesy of Michael Dole (Flume, The Avalanches) , 'Impress You' is another real moment for an artist who has already had plenty in the last few months. Quickly cementing himself as an artist to watch, Stevan's relentless creativity and ambition are the ideal weapons for him as he continues his ascent this year and we can't wait to hear more.

'Impress You' is out now via Honeymoon/ +1 Records (America) and Astral People Recordings (ROW). Buy/stream here.

Words by Emma Jones

Image: Creative director: Michael Dole @doleydoley/ Photography credits: Eddy Ming @eddyming

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO

THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA: HOW STEVAN RECONCILED THREE YEARS OF HIS LIFE FOR HIS DEBUT MIXTAPE ‘JUST KIDS’

BANOFFEE, STEVAN, GAUCI: BEST SONGS OF THE WEEK