By Cameron Lee
October 18, 2025
Stephen Warwick has been a fixture in the Charlotte music scene since the late ‘90s, first as a drum-and-bass DJ and later as a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist for indie folk-rock projects Second Hand Stories and Ancient Cities. Across his various projects, Warwick has demonstrated a knack for crafting kitschy, psychedelic folk-infused songs reminiscent of the ‘60s. His latest endeavor teams him up with AJ Haynes, frontwoman of Shreveport, Louisiana’s soul-rock band Seratones.
Under the name Teleportation, their five-song EP is arguably Warwick’s most cohesive and focused project yet, with him co-writing alongside Haynes, as well as producing and engineering the entire collection of tracks.
“I had the song, “Gold (Under the Sun),” which wasn’t even a song at the time. I mean, it was an instrumental kind of thing and it had a hook to it,” said Warwick “I was like, ‘I’d like to get somebody to sing on this,’ and I hit up AJ.”
Warwick first met Haynes in 2017 when Ancient Cities opened for the Seratones at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, shortly after the release of their debut album Get Gone (Fat Possum Records) and before their sophomore effort Power (New West Records). He began writing songs for the project in late 2020, uncertain at the time how they would ultimately take shape.
“This project might just be me making songs and having other people featured on them,” Warwick said. “But then that song [“Gold (Under the Sun)”] came out so good… we clicked on a lot of levels, and she’s really good at conceptualizing things.”
The EP carries the vintage psychedelic folk textures Warwick is known for, paired with Haynes’ majestic voice that echoes, harmonizes, and glimmers alongside his. Using a plug-in called Capitol Chambers, which emulates the classic echo chambers under the Capitol Records Tower, their vocals attain a retro shimmer with wide-ranging depth. Production techniques like sidechaining further enhance the aesthetic while infusing a modern pop sensibility.
Warwick and Haynes describe Teleportation as “a journey within oneself — an exploration in expression: a release of feelings that no longer serve the spirit, and an invitation to new discoveries.” They call themselves “musical cosmic guides,” exemplified by lyrics on “Gold (Under the Sun)”:
“Sometimes I feel like the stars are aligned, and all this chaos makes it harder to find / Am I a dreamer who’s just losing their mind, for letting love be the guide, put all your worries aside.”
Warwick navigates a galaxy of doubt, while Haynes provides an angelic presence, reassuring that “everything’s golden under the sun.” Her words serve as a spiritual incantation as the instrumentals swell with moody keys, haunting organ, and bluesy guitar notes, concluding with birdsong that signals a new day.
“It speaks of triumph in times of uncertainty and despair — a reminder that light always prevails,” Warwick said.
“Step Into Your Power” is an uplifting, funk-driven track featuring glittering guitars, ethereal vocal layers, and Haynes’ soulful tones shining through.
“Take back your time, take back your life, reclaim the things you lost,” Haynes declares, “step into your power” — vocal affirmation in a style reminiscent of a heroic blaxploitation film.
The chemistry between Warwick and Haynes is undeniable, and the EP’s themes mirror their approach to music and life.
“Trying to write from the perspective of mantras that have a positive outlook,” Warwick said. “There’s still undertones of like, it’s not always sunny or golden or any of that, you know, the world is really messed up.”
A mutual appreciation for diverse musical styles strengthens their relationship, and their hopeful perspective permeates the record.
“FREAKSTYLE” is a playful track beginning with live hip-hop-style drums and swelling synths, unfolding into a cosmic romantic encounter with Warwick’s distorted guitar riffs.
“What’s your zodiac sign? I’m guessing earth, wind, and fire / Maybe the stars will align, and we can dance till the end of time,” Warwick sings. The song slows into an enchanting piano passage that transitions into the final track, “Wake Me Up Later,” a rock/soul opus with psychedelic accents that tie the EP together.
At just 18 minutes, Teleportation was written and produced over a five-year span, with vocals recorded in just a few days at Warwick’s home in late 2024. Yet, it showcases a seamless musical connection between the two artists. Steeped in ‘60s folk, infused with golden-era soul, hints of ‘70s funk, and modern rock, the EP is a celestial, interstellar journey that transports listeners to hopeful, expansive horizons.
Listen to the EP Teleportation by Stephen Warwick and AJ Haynes of the musical project, Teleportation.
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