Frenchie (formerly The Naked Eye) releases her enchanting, soulful new single "Can I Lean On You?"

Frenchie releases enchanting, soulful new single
"Can I Lean On You?"

 - First release from French-English artist formerly known as The Naked Eye
 - Produced by jazz guitarist Femi Temowo (Sault, Amy Winehouse)
 - Features vocal contributions from Hohnen Ford and Frida Touray
- For fans of Cleo Sol, Lauryn Hill, Solange, Khruangbin, Minnie Riperton

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(25th September) Frenchie is the project of the London-based French-English songwriter and musician formerly known as The Naked Eye. Today, Frenchie reveals the first release under her new guise, the enchanting, soulful "Can I Lean On You?".

Produced by one of the UK's leading jazz lights Femi Temowo - who has worked as a producer, guitarist, arranger and composer for Amy Winehouse, Sault, Gregory Porter, amongst others, "Can I Lean On You?" moves with a rare beauty and assuredness, highlighting both Frenchie's abilities as a singer, and as an excellent lyricist.

Opening with a luxurious string arrangement, the song sways between soulful understated R&B and pop-flecked jazz songwriting, with Frenchie unpacking her own people pleasing tendencies - wanting to be more of her authentic self with people.

With delectable backing vocals from friends and frequent collaborators Hohnen Ford and Frida Touray, the song exudes an irresistibly romantic and positive energy - backed by jazzy guitar motifs, delicate keys from Luke Smith (Corinne Bailey Rae, Chaka Khan) and a groove-stacked percussion section courtesy of KOKOROKO drummer Ayo Salawu - all led by Frenchie’s dexterous vocal.

On the release of "Can I Lean On You? - Frenchie said:

‘The song was inspired by a conversation I had with Femi about being a people pleaser - after he told me I apologise too much. During my first year of Master's training in Psychotherapy and Counselling, this theme came up a lot for me. The melody for the verses and chorus came to me unexpectedly in the shower; the whole song came to me at once. I had to run out with shampoo still in my hair, grab my guitar, and record a demo on my phone's voice memo app before the idea slipped away. I sometimes feel that songs come to you, and if you don't capture them in time, they will travel to someone else."

Drawing inspiration from acts such as Cleo Sol, Lauryn Hill, Camille and Khruangbin – as well as 60s/70s artists Minnie Riperton, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Bob Dylan, and The Meters - under previous name The Naked Eye - Frenchie received plaudits and support from sources including COLORS, The Line of Best Fit, CLASH Magazine as well as BBC 6 Music's Jamz Supernova, Jazz FM, Reprezent Radio, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Frenchie is also a member of female artist and producer collective Her Songs.

Frenchie is currently adding the finishing touches to her debut full length project, due for release in 2025. Frenchie's debut single "Can I Lean On You?" is out now.

"Can I Lean On You?" - single artwork

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