London-born and Manchester-based artist JESUS THE APOLLO has unleashed “THE VILLAIN!”, a genre-bending anthem that channels the unapologetic energy of 2000s pop punk while injecting it with the rhythm and confidence of modern rap. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and revolutionary — an electrifying collision of eras, sounds, and ideas that embodies the artist’s cinematic vision.
At its core, “THE VILLAIN!” is about reclaiming power through self-awareness. JESUS THE APOLLO — also known as Dennis — uses the “villain” archetype as a metaphor for self-liberation. Inspired by a social trend he observed where people embraced their “villain era” by setting boundaries and prioritizing themselves, the artist flips the narrative: being called a villain doesn’t make you evil; it often means you’re finally being authentic. That message sits at the heart of the track’s defiant spirit.
Musically, “THE VILLAIN!” is a masterclass in creative fusion. Produced, written, and composed entirely by JESUS THE APOLLO himself, the song captures the raw energy of pop punk legends like Sum 41 and Limp Bizkit while layering in hip-hop cadence and horror-inspired production. The result is explosive — an anthem that bursts with attitude, swagger, and cinematic flair. The song’s name-drops of iconic villains like Michael Myers, Thanos, and Darth Vader add a tongue-in-cheek cleverness, blending cultural nostalgia with sharp lyrical wit.
The production process behind “THE VILLAIN!” is as unconventional as the song itself. JESUS THE APOLLO recorded the track a cappella, then built the instrumental around his vocals — a technique that gives the song an organic, driven pulse. After several iterations, he ditched traditional rap beats in favor of a punk-driven instrumental that perfectly matched the energy he envisioned. As he describes it, finding that pop-punk core felt like “chef’s kiss” — the missing piece that made everything click.
Visually and thematically, “THE VILLAIN!” aligns perfectly with JESUS THE APOLLO’s fascination with horror and cinema. Deeply influenced by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and the psychology of fear, he approaches music like a film director — thinking in scenes, camera angles, and narrative arcs. The accompanying video, directed by Oliver J. Frisbyand filmed by Jamie Norman under production company Kafka, brings that theatricality to life. Every frame feels deliberate, echoing the same suspenseful, cinematic energy that runs through his sound.
Thematically, “THE VILLAIN!” fits within a larger creative universe JESUS THE APOLLO has been constructing — a mythology that spans music, visuals, and performance. His 2024 tour, The Martian: Live, introduced fans to a horror-sci-fi-inspired world that critics described as a “multimedia feast.” In that same spirit, “THE VILLAIN!” extends his concept of “Planet Villain,” a symbolic realm where listeners are encouraged to confront their shadows and transform darkness into strength.
Behind the theatrics lies an artist deeply attuned to emotion and psychology. With a background in counselling and sound design, JESUS THE APOLLO uses his art to explore real-world issues — isolation, identity, and the struggle to find balance between light and dark.
Ultimately, “THE VILLAIN!” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience — a cinematic confrontation with one’s inner self. With its rebellious hooks, electrifying production, and fearless message of self-empowerment, JESUS THE APOLLO proves that being the villain can sometimes be the most heroic act of all.
Follow JESUS THE APOLLO on