At just 28 years old, Louisville, Kentucky artist Stannye has already weathered storms that would derail many creative journeys. Having channelled deep personal grief and severe depression into his previous record, ‘Keep Faith, Melting Man’, he is now preparing to unveil a lighter, far more liberated chapter in his musical journey.
With his highly anticipated new project ‘MOONCUT’ dropping on 31 July 2026, Stannye sits down with us to reflect on his creative development, the therapeutic power of music, and how he transformed personal struggles into an uplifting escape for his listeners. From early beat-making experiments on an iPad to refining a signature "upbeat sad" sound, we explore the story behind the release and what lies ahead.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Stannye! When did you first start making music, where did it all begin, and what inspired your sound?
“I’ve been making music since I was 16. I started on an iPad using GarageBand so I could just play my songs for friends in a beat-up silver Acura but started to realise I had something when I saw everyone’s reactions to my music without high-end equipment at the time. I grew up listening to Kanye West, MGMT, OUTKAST, and Bob Dylan. I try and draw inspiration from those artists in different ways. The production from Kanye, the upbeat but emotional vibe of OUTKAST and MGMT and songwriting from Bob. I’ve took all that and made it my own.”
Can you tell us about ‘MOONCUT’ and how it compares to your previous work?
“It took me a year to make this album. It’s my favourite music I’ve ever made. I released an album before this one called Keep Faith, Melting Man after going through a tough time with the loss of my Son and a bout of depression. This new album 'MOONCUT' shares some themes from the last album, but I’m more free of those feelings that burdened me for so long. ‘MOONCUT’ is me going to the MOON to get away from all that and lifting off to heights I couldn’t reach before.”
What was the core inspiration behind the album's title and concept?
“I look at the Moon every night and see how peaceful and beautiful it looks up there and wonder what it must feel like to live there away from all your problems. The rocket ship ride to the moon is the equivalent of the scary moments you go through in life and the risks you put yourself through everyday but once you get to the moon, that’s the peace you’ll get that makes the ride worth it. That’s what gave me the inspiration for the title.”
How did your songwriting process shift for this record compared to your past projects?
“After my last album. Which was a personal journal, so to speak. I just wanted to make something for other people instead of just for myself. People can relate to wanting to just get away from everything and go to the MOON. Rather it’s addiction, loss, depression, anxiety I’ve dealt with all those things in different ways so I know people will feel the words I speak in the album."
How would you describe the sonic direction of ‘MOONCUT’, and how has your setup evolved since you started?
“I call it an upbeat sad album, faster drums and different unique sounds that I’ve worked hard to create. I’m still making the same style music as I did when I was 16; I’ve just invested in myself and have better equipment now.”
Is there a specific track on the album that best captures its main theme?
"Getting back to myself and letting go of all the negativity, stress and depression. There’s a song on the album called 'Get Myself Back' that really conveys that and is the main theme of the album.
How was the album received by those closest to you during the creation process?
“I played the new album for my brother Kelby like I do all my music, and he said ‘it was the best music I ever made’ so that’s enough for me. He was the one I played all my low-quality GarageBand songs too in the past when nobody else heard it. He’s saw the evolution like nobody else. He’s always honest and a harsh critic sometimes, so getting the thumbs up from him is always good. If my music can get the same reaction from others than I did my job.”
What are your broader goals as an artist moving forward?
“I want to continue making music for people to help them through all their problems in life. Music is the great escape from those things. I had many artists who helped me do the same, and it would be an honour if someone listens to my music and it does for them what those artists did for me.”
What comes next for you once ‘MOONCUT’ is out in the world?
“I’m just going to enjoy the feedback from this album and hear what people have to say and how it made them feel and that will be enough to draw inspiration to make more. The music will never stop. I’ll make it until I’m dead.”
Do you have a final message for readers and listeners on how to connect with you?
“Thanks for listening, and enjoy the music. If you all are going through anything, just know it gets better and you will soon be free of all the things that burden you. I’m a walking example of that. Anyone can DM me on Instagram if the music connects with you. I’m always here to talk about it.”
Through its blend of energetic production and poignant honesty, ‘MOONCUT’ serves as a testament to resilience, offering listeners a space to process their own struggles while looking towards brighter horizons. Stannye's ability to turn profound personal loss into a beacon of hope for others highlights the transformative power of art at its best.
To stay updated with future releases and news, be sure to follow Stannye on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and stream his music on Spotify and Apple Music.
