French singer/songwriter/composer HYLEEN unveiled her new single “My Queen” on May 30th.

Written and composed by HYLEEN herself, the soulful-jazz single is a love letter to her mom who passed away last year.

“I wanted to have one more moment with her so in this song we’re watching the sunset while remembering our favorite times together,” says HYLEEN.

Directed by Hadrien Besse and Mathilde Leclerc, the stunning music video was shot in Normandie, France.

The Paris-based artist released her debut album 'U & I' in 2014. Followed by her second album “B-Side” released in 2017, HYLEEN has been crafting her artistry over the years. While touring around the world, the French artist has supported artists such as Jarrod Lawson and Anthony David.

“My Queen” is now available on major digital platforms.

Introduce yourself - where are you from?

Hello, my Name is Hyleen, I’m a singer, songwriter, composer, guitar player from France living in Paris.

What's your story?

I grew up in the south of France (Cannes) till I was 18, then I moved to Paris to study at the Conservatory of Modern Music for 2 years. But I’ve always been writing songs since my childhood.

Then I started playing gigs in clubs in Paris then I started touring around the world.

Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood? Any favorite memories?

I have six brothers and I’m the only girl. This makes so many memories ! Good ones and bad ones, but if I have to choose one, I think about the 7 of us (my bros and me) packed in my room and playing music all together even the ones who didn’t play any instruments. We were singing and laughing a lot ! It was real good moments.

What did you grow up listening to?

My first Cd was 100° and Rising by UK band called Incognito. I fell in love with groove instantly. Then I listened to a lot of different music such as AC/DC, Foo Fitghers, James Brown, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Justin Timberlake, Earth Wind & Fire etc etc ...

When did you know music had a special place in your heart?

I knew it the first time I put my hand on a guitar. I was 11 and it was incredible, I couldn’t stop touching the strings and listening to it. So I asked my dad for months to buy me a guitar... and got it! lol

When did you decide to fully pursue music as a career?

It really happened naturally, nearly without thinking about it. I was playing and singing for hours everyday. So after high school I decided to improve my musical knowledges on the guitar and theory too. My parents always supported me and allowed me to choose something that would make me happy, even if they didn’t know a thing about music. I really feel lucky for that.

Do you remember your first one performance ever?

My first performance was in college. I already wanted to play my own songs. But the first real one performance was in Paris in a little club. I was so nervous ! I knew since this night that it was going to be my life but also that I’ll have to deal with pressure too ! But I was also thinking about going back on stage to feel the same feeling again !

You've decided to sing and write songs in English. What drove you to write in English?

Firstly because the first music I heard was in English and secondly because my grand-mother used to be an English teacher and she was always talking to me in English when I was a child. I really enjoy « playing » with this language and you know what? Everybody around the world can understand my songs. :D

How did your music and voice evolve since your first release?

It changed a lot - as much as my personality I think. I was shyer and it was my first step. I worked with a lot of different and talented people, it was hard to find my place and to be a leader in the beginning but I was already writing all the music. But those first steps were my foundation. My music has evolved with my sensibility and my story.

Today I’m surrounded by a really good team who work hard to help me express myself as much as possible, and I’m really lucky !

You've just released the music video for your new song "My Queen" - what's the story behind this song?

I lost my mom last year and nothing couldn’t help me more than writing music. « My Queen » is the first song I wrote during this therapeutic phase. I wanted to have one more moment with her so in this song we’re watching the sunset while remembering our favorite times together.

Who helped you create this song?

I created this song and my beautiful team helped me make it wonderful. I always work with them to put their own touch in the songs, this is really important to me. I worked with a real Trio (Nicolas Viccaro on drums and Julien Boursin on keys), and when we recorded it in Los Angeles, Eddie Brown (Stevie Wonder) was on the B3, Etienne Mbappé (Ray Charles, Santana...) on the Bass and Kamil Rustam on additional Guitars. And to turn those feelings into images, my brother Hadrien Besse and Mathilde Leclerc made the video.

My production team is also really important and support me so well! La Note Bleue Productions (Alain Tanzi) and Can U Feel It Records (Patrick Smadja).

What do you like the most about this song?

I like everything about this song, this is exactly how I wanted it.

What can you tell us about the music video? Any favorite memories from the shooting?

I worked with Hadrien Besse and Mathilde Leclerc (my brother and his girlfriend) for this music video, they are both so talented ! They’ve chosen magnificent settings and work on every detail carefully. The magic happens in the video, but what I remember the most was the view on top of the mountain in Normandie, it was outstanding but it was so cold! We were freezing! lol

What message do you want to deliver to women around the world?

Being a woman can be very complicated, still today. Being able to express ourselves is a real power. « My Queen » is dedicated to all the woman who help us being strong, who help us to grow and be who we are now. They are our Queens.

As an artist, where do you get your inspiration from?

I got my inspiration in stories. I’m a reading lover. I try to write everyday and I like watching movies to enjoy the vibe created by music sometimes.

What does singing make you feel?

Of course singing makes me feel happy but most of all, singing makes me feel free. Time seems to stand still.

Why do you make music? What keeps you motivated?

Writing music is just the best way I’ve found to express myself. This is so much easier for me to talk about intimate things that are sometimes too hard to describe with words only.

What are the things you are the most proud?

Being able to make an album with my own songs and in a way being part of people’s lives through a song. It’s unbelievable to receive messages from all around the world with people telling you that they met their love of their life with your song, or they’re listening to your songs everyday...

In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?

Music power...

What biggest lessons have you learned as a human being and as an artist?

Life is unpredictable, you have to enjoy as much as possible and create your own memories, because you’re the main actor. Even young, I can realize that time flies so let’s enjoy life...

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