BEYOND THE SHADOW | Labit conquers self doubt to carve his own path

Self-doubt is a silent enemy that keeps many from realizing their full potential, and for Stephen Ordoñez—better known as Labit—this battle was deeply personal.

For years, the Los Angeles-based artist was a ghost in the music world. He had spent countless hours writing for other artists, watching them take the stage and wondering if he would ever find the courage to step into the spotlight himself.

In an exclusive interview with SoundStrip, Labit shared that it was not just the fear of failure. It was the loud, deafening voice of impostor syndrome whispering that his story was not worth sharing.

“I feel like I’ve fought it like my entire life almost, you know, playing music and writing songs. It’s definitely been up and down,” he shared.

Despite that, another voice—a stronger, more persistent one—reminded him that he was bigger than his worries. This had led him to take the leap and carve his own name in the music industry.

“I had this little voice in my head telling me I [needed] to tell my own story. I finally got around to figure out how to do that the way I wanted to,” Labit recalled.

Now, his name is no longer behind someone else’s success. It is becoming a story of its own.

Guitar covers to unique sound

Before he found his footing as a solo artist, Labit’s musical journey was steeped in his deep love for playing the guitar.

Like many musicians of his generation, the rising artist initially built his confidence by posting covers online. These videos were the first step in sharing his art with a wide audience, but Labit knew he
wanted more.

Around 2018, he started writing and producing songs for various artists like BYRNE, Jaira Burns, and Emei. His contributions to their music helped Labit discover his way to create his own, distinct sound.

“I have really just kind of buckled down and have decided that I want to release more Labit music,” he shared.

The LA-based artist said that his collaboration with his peers, particularly with his longtime friend James Cola in 2020, helped him craft a sound that felt truly his own.

“He really just helped me find my own sound and… working with a lot of my close friends has just helped me find where my truth is as an artist,” Labit said.

Now, the rising artist proudly embraces not just guitar-driven melodies but also electronic, “weird sounds” that most people have not heard before.

“I just make sure everything is [as] authentic as possible. Writing-wise, I’m true to myself but then also kind of letting go of the reins bit on where the sound goes,” he explained.

Breaking in

Labit’s breakout moment came with his emotionally raw track “Someday Far Away.”

Reflecting on a long-distance situationship that ended without closure, Labit did not expect that his personal experience would resonate to millions of people worldwide.

“It took a toll on me and the song when I wrote it, I think I was just looking for any sort of hope and any sort of optimistic point of view,” he recalled. “I had no idea that it would be what it is today, and it’s still growing.”

To his surprise, “Someday Far Away” quickly gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where countless users have shared their interpretations of the song, often tying it to their own experiences of love and loss.

As he looks to the future, Labit has no signs of stopping—gone are the days that he’s content to walk behind the shadow of someone else.

With plans to release more music next year, he is excited to continue exploring new sounds and sharing his journey with fans.

“We have a couple things up our sleeves and we have more music coming out,” he promised, hinting at the possibility of a new album and a solo Labit show next year.

‘Tell your story’

Labit’s journey in the music industry has been far from easy. From his early days as a songwriter for others, to battling his impostor syndrome, he surely learned that most battles are internal.

He now stands as proof that perseverance and authenticity, no matter what happens, can break through the deafening noise of doubt.

Reflecting on the struggles he faced, Labit offered words of encouragement to those who, like him, wrestle with doubts.

“Everybody has a story to tell and you’re the only person who could tell your story,” he said.

For Labit, the key isn’t in following fleeting trends or trying to fit into someone else’s mold—it’s about carving your own path and staying true to your voice.

“Just trust that you have the talent… trust yourself,” he advised.

In an industry as competitive and fast-evolving as music, where it’s easy to feel lost or overshadowed, Labit’s message is clear: there is a space for everyone who dares to embrace their individuality.

Image credits: Autumn Neiko