With tons of rising faces in pop music, separating the wheat from the chaff can be challenging. French producer and vocalist Léa Sen already has something of a leg up, linking up with a notable list of industry veterans and critical darlings in her young career. Here’s everything you need to know about the French multi-hyphenate Léa Sen.
Léa Sen Displays Rare Versatility In Solo Catalog
While her streaming presence has multiple notable singles & short projects, 2023’s You of Now Pt. 2 is her central release. “Again” has emerged as one of her more popular tracks in the EP’s time on the shelves, showcasing her strengths in exploring a grungier side of pop music. The reverb-soaked, vast production calls to mind the trip-hop of the ’90s, reminding of acts like Portishead and Massive Attack. Given that, Léa Sen’s vocal stylings tap into a reliable formula from that era, handing over broody lyrics with syrupy, sweet delivery. The format shifting at the end and echoey outro only drive home that point, stamping one last psychedelic twist in the track’s closing moments.
“Luv Him (About You)” dredges up another comparison point. Though beachy guitars and a somber atmosphere remain, Sen’s cadence shifts towards Billie Eilish, a muted whisper where it’s almost hard to make out specific lines, though the refrain of “I don’t love him” ensures the driving disconnected emotions are crystal clear.
Sampha, Vegyn And More Endorse The French Product
Léa Sen’s discography is currently relatively scant, which is not uncommon for up-and-comers, but her Rolodex of collaborators tells a much different story. The singer was tapped for Sampha’s Lahai, woven into the background of “What If You Hypnotize Me?” Further, she amassed an impressive catalog alongside indie darling Vegyn, himself boasting collaborations with Frank Ocean and Travis. “Turn Me Inside” is a recent highlight in their shared canon.
Finally, Léa Sen stepped into the world of Joy Orbison on his 2021 LP still slipping vol. 1 for “Better,” a track that this writer would easily place among the best singles of that year. It doubles as the best use case for Léa Sen’s talents in electronic music, with muted grooves and rhythms pacing underneath as the singer’s performance takes center stage.
If you haven’t gotten the sense already, Léa Sen undoubtedly has a penchant for slower music, but don’t take that to mean her work can’t bowl you over all the same. Check out her catalog now wherever you stream your music to see for yourself why we find so much promise in her music.
Elsewhere in our coverage, Rex Orange County – The Alexander Technique delivers one of the year’s most transparent projects.
