Rizzle Kicks' Jordan Stephens tackles toxic masculinity in new book

The star's released 'Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs'

Published 25th Aug 2024

One half of Brighton pop duo Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Stephens, says his new book explores 'the confusing assumptions of what a young man should be'.

The star's released 'Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs' - described as semi-autobiographical.

He admits he made a conscious decision to not speak about fame too much.

It instead looks at grief and destructive coping mechanisms.

"My focus is definitely on encouraging boys to love themselves and feel good and feel worthy," he says.

"Authentic, genuine masculinity is a beautiful thing, a wonderful thing - I've been learning a lot about it."

Stephens says he hopes his book can make a difference to people:

"I hope that being as honest about my experiences as I have been can help people gain a better understanding of that complexity."

Despite being best-known as one half of the band Rizzle Kicks, Stephens says he barely mentions it in the book.

"I do that on purpose because I wanted it to centre around my processing of griefs - many griefs," he says.

"The only time I really talk about fame or celebrity is just to give people the idea that I had time and money, which can be quite dangerous when somebody is struggling to process an emotion."

'Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs' is out now.

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