ONTOGENY (MIXTAPE)
Prolific artist, producer & multi-instrumentalist, Stevan’s latest release Ontogeny (mixtape) is a dreamy compilation of genre-defying art. The warm tones Stevan uses take us through his own thoughts and conflicts; his inner-most struggles. This mixtape can be seen as a peek inside the rising star’s mind; taking us right back to the roots of what an album should be.
Ontogeny is a term used to describe the lifespan of a human, but specifically the development and growth of one. This name is perfect, setting up the mixtape to show the mental, personal and musical growth of Stevan. Ontogeny is very honest, something Stevan credits his mum and sisters with, who helped shape him into a more open and less insecure person, both in his life and decision making. Stevan has created an awe-inspiringly personal and honest piece of work that makes you melt when you listen to it. This is truly an album that makes you feel lucky that Stevan has decided to take you on a journey with him.
As part of our ongoing international series, ‘He sees her’ we speak to Stevan about the influence the Women closest to him have had on his life. Read below.
Name: Steven Muhayimana
Where do you live? Sydney, Australia
Where did you grow up? A town/city called Wollongong
Did you grow up with brothers and sisters? No, I only have sisters.
Who were the closest women to you growing up? My Mum and older sister, although I mostly only had women around me growing up.
How and why are they unique in your memory? I think their lack of judgment and complete acceptance, they also pushed me to be better.
Do you see anything in yourself that you got from them as a person and creative? Being sociable is a big one. I’m a very open person and I’d like to think I don’t let my insecurities dictate a lot of my actions. That’s definitely related to my mum and sisters.
What is it about her that has created such? Willingness to understand and encouragement self expression.
Tell us about a time she experienced a problem just because they were female. Well sometimes when I was growing up I’d notice guys trying to count my older out solely based on the fact that she was a girl. But she was always the most confident and capable person in a given room. My father always uplifted us and told us we could achieve whatever we put our minds to. And my older sister believed that and lived it.
How do you practice being an ally to women and others in general? By taking personal responsibility for my actions and treating women and people in general the same way I wish to be treated. Noticing when situations are uncomfortable or inappropriate and correcting it.
Who is a woman that you admire who you’re not related to or you’re not in a relationship with? I’m a big SZA fan. Her album Ctrl was a huge influence on me during high school. She was one of the first artist I showed to my little sister and seeing her being able to connected to an artist on that level made her even more special to me.
Name: Steven Muhayimana
Where do you live? Sydney, Australia
Where did you grow up? A town/city called Wollongong
Did you grow up with brothers and sisters? No, I only have sisters.
Who were the closest women to you growing up? My Mum and older sister, although I mostly only had women around me growing up.
How and why are they unique in your memory? I think their lack of judgment and complete acceptance, they also pushed me to be better.
Do you see anything in yourself that you got from them as a person and creative? Being sociable is a big one. I’m a very open person and I’d like to think I don’t let my insecurities dictate a lot of my actions. That’s definitely related to my mum and sisters.
What is it about her that has created such? Willingness to understand and encouragement self expression.
Tell us about a time she experienced a problem just because they were female. Well sometimes when I was growing up I’d notice guys trying to count my older out solely based on the fact that she was a girl. But she was always the most confident and capable person in a given room. My father always uplifted us and told us we could achieve whatever we put our minds to. And my older sister believed that and lived it.
How do you practice being an ally to women and others in general? By taking personal responsibility for my actions and treating women and people in general the same way I wish to be treated. Noticing when situations are uncomfortable or inappropriate and correcting it.
Who is a woman that you admire who you’re not related to or you’re not in a relationship with? I’m a big SZA fan. Her album Ctrl was a huge influence on me during high school. She was one of the first artist I showed to my little sister and seeing her being able to connected to an artist on that level made her even more special to me.
Listen to ONTOGENY here / Watch More Than Them here / More on Stevan here / Words by Grace Douglas & Jay Rickards
