The singer Déborah Leclercq returns to the scene with her new EP Maison, written and produced by herself — an opus rich in pop, neo-soul, bossa nova, and more.
Throughout this project, Déborah Leclercq shares her experience as an ambitious young woman navigating her relationships and work life. She invites us to feel, reflect and cry with her through tracks infused with honesty and vulnerability.
Dimanche (Sunday), the opening track, immerses us in a soft, groovy and light-hearted atmosphere. In it, Leclercq describes her ideal Sunday after a tense workweek, offering an intimate glimpse into her life as a performer. With pop and neo-soul influences, she re-introduces French variety to a younger audience, modernizing it with an hybrid instrumental, sensual harmonies, scat and hip-hop inspirations.
The second track, BAD BOY opens with a sample crafted by Leclercq herself from two TikTok clips (“you keep on running around”). Throughout this track, the singer opens up about the desire to find a lover who is tender, gentle and kind: “Je veux pas d’un bad boy, je veux juste d’un gentil gars, je veux pas d’un bad boy, je veux que tu pleures dans mes bras” (“I don’t want a bad boy, I just want a kind man, I don’t want a bad boy, I want you to cry in my arms”). While her friends may be drawn to a different type of partner, Déborah Leclercq states that she desires to break the circle of toxic relationships and find emotional maturity in love.
TOUT CASSER (DESTROY EVERYTHING), is a powerful anthem, with Leclercq declaring in the pre-chorus: “À tous ceux qui m’ont lâchée, je suis encore là” (“To all the people who let me down, I’m still here”). Here, the singer confesses to her audience the never-ending struggles of a young woman reaching for the stars, while still giving hope. Déborah Leclercq’s lyricism shines through, presenting us with both light-hearted and deep lyrics: “Tu m’as donné la force en partant, j’ai le monde dans ma main, j’ai plus peur de demain” (“You gave me the strength when you left, I have the world in the palm of my hand, I’m not afraid of what tomorrow holds”).
The following track, Effacer ton passé (Erasing your past), explores the uneasy beginnings of a new relationship and the fear of abandonment. Through this song, Leclercq confesses her wish to erase her partner’s past loves, longing to be the only woman in his life: “Mon amour, je ne suis qu’une goutte d’eau dans ton océan […] le visage de ton ex me hante et je voudrais faire de ta vie une page blanche” (“My love, I’m only a tiny drop in your ocean […] your ex’s face haunts me, and I want to turn your life into a blank page”). Yet, she takes accountability for her insecurity and envisions a future where she is free from those fears.
Carton rouge (Red card) closes this beautiful EP, immersing us in the world of bossa nova. The title, referencing the red card used in football, serves as a metaphor for the singer taking responsibility for her own flaws and mistakes. Through this song, Leclercq voices her anxieties about her career, wondering if she’ll make it: “La vie passes et me dépasses et me fait des passes, je suis à la bourre.” (“Life goes on, outruns me and plays tricks on me, I’m falling behind”). She also shares the feeling of overwhelmed and of anxious about how others perceive her: “Et pardon j’ai trop de choses dans ma tête, j’essaie juste bien faire, mais le match faut que je le gère” (“And sorry, I’ve got too much on my mind, I’m just tryin my best, but I need to win the race”).
Déborah Leclercq delivers a project full of sensitivity, groove, and musical richness.
Her voice — with its raspy and sensual tone — effortlessly shifts from singing to belting, hip-hop influenced phrasing and playful scat.
An EP that hints at a promising a interesting musical future for the young artist.
Photo © Elvine Seguin
The Musician Insight 
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