Born in Nantes, France singer/songwriter Heloise Letissier studied theater and art, before relocating to Paris, where she completed her studies. While in London, Letissier became deeply inspired by the drag queen scene originating from that city’s famed drag bar, Madame Jojo’s — in particular, a local drag queen artist by the name of Russella was a major influence, and eventually became a member of Letissier’s backing band, along with a number of other drag performers. As the story goes, Letissier’s cross-dressing friends had given her the name Christine with the backing band naming themselves the Queens.
Across her native France, Letissier quickly developed a growing national reputation for a unique brand of pop that she dubbed freak pop with the release of three EPs; in fact, their 2014 release Chaleur Humane established the act as national stars, as the the effort went quintuple platinum in about a year. The act’s self-titled English language debut has as I mentioned earlier, dominated the attention of international press and blogosphere receiving praise from the likes of NYLON, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly and countless others. And with the album’s latest single “Titled,” you’ll see why — the song pairs a sparse yet breezy production of a looped, flute sample, boom-bap like drums, gently undulating synths, and anthemic hooks with Latissier’s sensual coos in a song that’s remarkably slick. Interestingly, as you listen to the song it pays homage to the classic pop sound of Michael Jackson — in particular think of “Rock With You” but meshed with hip-hop.
The recently released official video is a visual delight that seems reminiscent of some of Missy Elliott’s videos — incredible dancing shot at interesting angles to emphasize the concept of being tilted and messed with in a way that has your head all screwed up.
