Léa Sen: A Parisian Storm Sweeping ThroughLondon

Taken by Sam Wilson

In the far right corner of a half-packed O2 Brixton Academy in London, anticipation builds for a truly unforgettable experience. Most of the 4,900-capacity venue has come to see Loyle Carner's sold-out "Hopefully" tour, but there's another name worth knowing: Léa Sen.

Without fanfare or grand entrance, a figure emerges with a silky black guitar. Her hands trace the soundboard as she approaches the mic, gently pulling the audience into "LVL 1 - Home Alone." Behind her, keyboardist Florian Fourlin—her brother and frequent collaborator- follows with a simplistic, bouncing melody.

Blue smoke fills the auditorium as Léa Sen (pronounced "lay-san") begins to take us on a journey through her newest body of work, LEVELS. On stage, Sen's presence is humble yet angelic.

Sen's performance carries the intimacy of a best friend reading their diary to you—seeking connection and comfort, or perhaps just personal reflection. Tracks like "Ghostwriter" (recently released as an acoustic rendition) feature ghastly chords with church-like echoes, haunting tones that make you hang onto each note.

The minimalistic yet full sound—natural elements competing with electrical ones creates an 80s-inspired eclectic rhythm. It's sharp highs and smooth lows mixed with breathable openings of self-reflection, all wrapped in city soundscapes of musky sweetness.

Taken by Sam Wilson

It's fair to say that the French singer, songwriter, and producer has built her reputation through collaborative work with artists like Sampha, Joy Orbison, Vegyn and South London collective Speakers Corner Quartet.

And after living in Brixton for six years and releasing two EPs, 2025 marks the arrival of her debut album, a showcase of irresistible creative magnetism within a beautiful realm of her own making.

LEVELS is crafted as a surreal, liminal hotel where each room holds a different chapter of Sen's life. As she explains (via Rough Trade on the Rise), "You always feel like you're in this transitional space, like there's another level that you have to finish. And you don't know how many more there are...But the truth is, it kind of never stops."

The album seamlessly navigates the space between the tangible and the dreamlike—expansive yet intimate, evoking deep yearning and reflection on the past while contemplating unanswered questions and the path ahead.

Crafted in collaboration with the brother mentioned, the album places Léa's gossamer vocals centre stage on a record rich with electronic pop, R&B, and warm, immersive alternative sonics. The production draws inspiration from video game aesthetics, creating what feels like an empty church filled with retro game consoles, echoing techno whirlwinds around sacred chambers.

Taken by Sam Wilson

Léa Sen is part of Rough Trade's 'On The Rise' series, spotlighting emerging artists poised for breakout success. Her career highlights tell the story of an artist who's found her voice through community and collaboration: Her first tour with Nilüfer Yanya, who became a real friend and performing in the Speakers Corner Barbican show in 2022, which felt like family.

She was played on Reprezent Radio in Brixton at age 20, a foreigner with no industry connections her first US headline show, followed by performing with Sampha in New York. She also performed at Prada Mode London during Frieze 2025, joining an impressive lineup at the newly restored Town Hall in King's Cross.

LEVELS (UNPLUGGED) is expected to be released on 21st November via Partisan Records. The original debut is available across all streaming platforms and on faded rose vinyl and as a Rough Trade Exclusive CD (limited to 100 copies).

Personal bias aside, Sen is clearly a next-level soundscape artist: spatial, thought-binding, eclectic, and absolutely worth your attention.

Listen here