M.I.A., Santigold, fka twigs and Christine and the Queens are just some of the comparisons that were made when French genre-bending R&B / pop modernist SÔNGEreleased her self-titled debut EP in 2017. Yet much like those boundary-breaking artists, SÔNGE is a creative force in her own right with a distinct and uncompromising musical vision. Equally inspired by synaesthesia, mythology and post-impressionism, SÔNGE is one-of-a-kind.

That’s a trait that SÔNGE resolutely demonstrates with her brand new track ‘Roses’. The song represents the first taster of her full-length debut album, which will follow in 2019.

Produced by Myd (Club cheval, Theophilus London) of Ed Banger Records, ‘Roses’ finds SÔNGE contrasting the languid, regret-filled grooves of the verses with a defiant hook fuelled by echoing synth shots and skittering beats. Her vocals organically capture the emotional heart of the subject matter, from heartfelt regret to strutting self-confidence. The creative vocal production embellishments add to the track’s singular style, especially when her voice is pitch-shifted down to a near baritone.

The track was mixed and mastered by NKF, best known for his work with PNL and Orelsan.

Directed by Arnaud Giacomini, a former collaborator with Olivier Assayas and Mia Hansen-Løve, the video exudes a hazy, late summer vibe. It depicts SÔNGE undertaking a road-trip accompanied by two enigmatic sidekicks known only as A and M. In keeping with the song’s theme of impermanence, the trio ultimately engage in visceral scenes of destruction.

In addition to her more esoteric influences such as Paul Gauguin and Lars von Trier, you can trace echoes of contemporary greats such as Björk and Kendrick Lamar in SÔNGE’s exploratory soundscapes. Whether based in her hometown of Brest in Brittany or dating back to when she lived in Germany and Amsterdam, SÔNGE’s insomnia has provided a silver lining of creativity: an opportunity to write songs free from the distractions of the daylight hours.