Establishing the mood with a dimensional strings performance with a cinematic and orchestral vibe, Stephanie Happening opens Don’t Lookie Look with an ad lib of the title of the track, before astral bells and percussion claps expand the piece.
Stephanie’s prose is captivating, and we appreciate the assertive energy and metaphorical lyrics with poetic prowess. There is an introspective mood at play here, self-realized, with the notion of being perceived and not wanting to be perceived at the same time.
The overarching sentiment is dance floor ready, anthemic and electric. There is a tense intimacy that manifests with the track which pulls us in and pushes us back. The ebbs and flows and full circle nature of the accompaniment are genius – fitting the narrative of the song perfectly. In essence, a beautiful contradiction.
Don’t Lookie Look comes to life as a snapshot of a split mind. Speaking on the release, Stephanie confesses, “Written from my experience with Dissociative Identity Disorder, it’s equal parts whispered confession and explosive chorus, a sonic mirror of wanting to disappear and yet desperately needing to be seen.”
For reference, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a mental health condition where one has two or more separate personalities that control their behaviour at different times. When personalities switch, one might have gaps in their memory. The identities are usually caused by living through trauma. Psychotherapy can help manage these symptoms, or in Stephanie’s case – owning it outright and channeling it into art in a cathartic and healing manner.
On the talented creator’s Spotify page, the rising star tells us, “Stephanie Happening is my alter, a dynamic embodiment of both feminine and masculine energy. [Bringing] unapologetic expression, glamor, rebellion and vulnerability into everything.”
Stephanie elaborates with regards to his gender, “I’m a male artist living with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and Stephanie isn’t a performance, he’s a real and essential part of my system, with his own voices, vision and groove.”
Naturally, we are in awe of the wider construct and the high concept narrative, as well as the fierce and dynamic release itself. We have added Don’t Lookie Look to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Stephanie Happening, including ABC, and Don’t Believe The Lies.