London-based French singer-songwriter and producer Léa Sen has announced the release of Levels (Unplugged), a deluxe collection of stripped-back reworks from her debut album Levels, scheduled for 21 November via Partisan Records. The announcement coincides with the launch of the lead single “Ghostwriter (Unplugged)”, a dreamy acoustic rendition now available for streaming and sharing.
This unplugged version arrives as Sen embarks on her UK and European arena tour supporting Loyle Carner, capturing the raw essence of her evolving artistry. Co-produced with Florian Fourlin, “Ghostwriter (Unplugged)” begins with delicate acoustic guitar and builds into an intimate soundscape, highlighted by Sen’s ethereal vocals that convey emotional depth and vulnerability. The track explores themes of longing for connection, rooted in a personal narrative of familial communication struggles.
Sen shared insights on the single’s origins: “I wrote Ghostwriter in my brother’s living room after struggling to communicate with him. Even though I love the original, I wanted to bring it back to that first raw unplugged version.” This reimagination amplifies the lyrical intimacy, offering fans a closer look at the song’s heartfelt core.
Originally released in May, Levels marked Sen’s arrival as a standout talent in London’s music scene, blending experimental pop, R&B, trip-hop, and warm guitars into a cinematic exploration of change, memory, and identity. The unplugged edition pares down these elements to their emotional foundations, providing a more personal perspective on each track and revealing the raw craftsmanship behind her sound.
As part of her rising profile, Sen is currently opening for Loyle Carner on his UK and EU tour, including two performances at Brixton Academy. This follows her sold-out headline show at St Pancras Old Church earlier this year and appearances at festivals such as Pitchfork Paris, We Out Here, and 50 Lab in Belgium, where her textured performances drew acclaim.
Born in France and raised in a music-filled home, Sen received her first guitar at 15 and drew inspiration from artists like Ariana Grande, jazz influences, and Sufjan Stevens. After moving to London in 2019 following a personal loss, she quickly gained traction, contributing vocals to Joy Orbison’s “better” and collaborating with Sampha and Vegyn. Her earlier EPs, You of Now pts. 1 & 2, earned praise from The FADER, The Guardian, and BBC Radio, while Levels received support from NME, Dazed, Clash, and more.
Critics have lauded Sen’s work, with The Observer noting her “expansive electronics and vocals that are both piercing and ephemeral,” and Dork describing Levels as “more than just a debut album – it’s a meticulously crafted journey through the landscapes of memory, identity, and artistic growth.” Levels (Unplugged) promises to deepen this narrative, inviting listeners into the unfiltered spaces of her creative world.
Image credits:
Claryn Chong
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