Few emerging artists are building a creative world as expansive and multidimensional as Cybèle. A French-American composer, producer, performer, and storyteller, her work effortlessly bridges contemporary pop and R&B, orchestral composition, musical theatre, and socially driven creative initiatives.
Having lived between Paris, Beijing, Los Angeles, and New York, Cybèle brings a truly global perspective to her artistry, combining emotional depth with a genre-fluid approach that has earned recognition from major cultural institutions, brands, and industry leaders. Her latest single 'Lovergirl' is a deeply personal exploration of self-worth, vulnerability, and the complexities of loving deeply while learning to protect your own peace.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was definitely the human voice. When I heard Michael Jackson sing for the first time, when I heard Whitney open her mouth, I was in awe of the vibration that emerged from their throat. To think that that was a sound powerful enough to unify millions of people around the world was a magical moment for me and it made me realize I wanted to pursue music.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in Beijing, China and I was at the height of the CD/DVD era. I distinctly remember watching the Mamma Mia movie for the first time and discovering the music of ABBA. Music that felt sentimental, intimate and could still make you get on your feet and groove. I also grew up binging Madonna and Michael Jackson videos on DVD. That was mesmerizing, seeing artists have the capacity to create worlds that invite audiences in. Beyond my love for pop, another huge influence growing up was listening to classical music. My mom was a professional violinist for 22 years and she would constantly play Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven around the house. Those influences really cemented my love for compelling melodies that felt timeless.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I vividly remember owning was actually Christina Aguilera’s “Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits”. I fell in love with the vocal power she had at a young age and would spend hours religiously practicing her vocal runs either in my bedroom or with my best friend, Eve. To this day, I am grateful that I was exposed to such soulful music so early on. I still obsessively sing that first “heyyyyy” run at the top of “Ain’t No Other Man”.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The one song I wished I could have written myself? That is a very difficult question but I think probably a Billy Joel song. Either “She’s Always A Woman” or “She’s Got A Way”. That man is just a songwriting god. The way he is able to understand a woman’s psyche and distill it into meaningful, poetic, and yet simple lyrics for generations of listeners to latch onto. What an incredible artistic legacy. I admire the pure craft that emerges out of him.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I wish I could say I have a ritual for it, but I think the most consistent habit I have is to drop whatever I’m doing to record the idea when it comes. If I’m in the middle of a class, or a lunch, anything at all, I will excuse myself from the room just to get the idea down. I know it feels a little crazy for people around me, for which I profusely apologize but the thing about ideas is that if you don’t capture them quickly, they might never come back to you again (or simply go to someone else).
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There are so many artists I listen to for different reasons. At the gym, it’s Doechii, Donna Summer, Beyoncé, and Megan Thee Stallion. In the morning, it’s Astrud Gilberto, Claudya (an incredible Brazilian artist), Tchaikovsky, and Janelle Monáe. And while I’m out and about, it’s Victoria Monet, Lucky Daye, Quincy Jones, and MJ. The list goes on and there are so many amazing artists I draw from. They teach me something new every day.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter. She is one of one. She is the QUEEN of the music industry. She has paved the way for every female artist and she is an inspiration for me every single day of what it means to strive for artistic excellence. I would love to open for her, or even just accompany her on tour to watch and absorb the way she works. I feel like watching her would be a masterclass in performance and artistry.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part about being a musician is watching the way your music can heal people. The vibration of sound in my own throat can not only soothe my pain but also heal other people? People can listen to my song and let that be the reason they’re able to cope with pain or celebrate their life? What a gift it is to be able to have a release for your own emotions and share that with other people. Music continues to be a surprise for me every day. Music is God’s gift to the world.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of being a musician is definitely the politics of the music industry. When people overly fixate on vanity metrics or just the appeal of “having a brand”, rather than the artistry that someone exudes. When a musician is purely evaluated on things that don't have to do with the music or ability, that is what frustrates me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I’ve received as a musician is to be a lifelong student. Music is an artform that is truly limitless and there is no end to the learning. Having the humility to be a student is the most important aspect of artistic, spiritual, emotional and professional growth. This is the common thread I’ve noticed among all of my heroes: they are first and foremost students of the craft and that is why they’ve become who they are.
-
Cybèle's new single 'Lovergirl' is out now. Check it out in the player below.