Céline Dessberg, a singer-songwriter and harpist of mixed French and Mongolian descent, seamlessly merges two worlds: the modern lifestyle of France and the ancient traditions of Mongolia. Her musical palette is as diverse as her heritage, drawing inspiration from jazz icons like Chet Baker, the innovative stylings of David Byrne, and the traditional melodies that echo across the Mongolian steppes.
Her latest track, “Chintamani,” released digitally today, captures the essence of the Mongolian countryside. Sung in Mongolian, Dessberg’s ethereal vocals narrate the tale of an ancient Buddhist treasure, accompanied by soft guitar, jazzy drums, and shimmering Yatga. This unique fusion transports listeners to a realm of sacred beauty. Céline will perform tonight as an opener for Thee Sacred Souls at Paris’s La Cigale.
In the summer of 2024, Céline spent two weeks in New Jersey’s Studio Zoe with producer Max Shrager (The Shacks, 54 Ultra), where she crafted an impressive array of new material, collaborating with Sal Samano and Alex Garcia (Thee Sacred Souls). This creative burst led to last month’s release of the Hödöö EP and a 7” vinyl single from That’s Love Records, featuring the magnetic track “Selenge,” highlighting her yatga’s haunting melodies over groovy soul rhythms—check out its music video for a taste.
Céline’s artistry is defined by her powerful, emotive voice and the haunting tones of the yatga, blending Mongolian cultural depth with contemporary indie and pop influences. Her multilingual lyrics—spanning Mongolian, French, and English—enhance her music’s global appeal.
A dynamic live performer, she has graced stages from intimate European jazz clubs to major festivals like Lollapalooza Paris. Additionally, she’s engaged in cultural exchange efforts in the UK, organizing events for the Asian community, and has become a notable presence in Mongolia’s music scene with performances at the Fat Cat Jazz Club in Ulaanbaatar.
Founded in 2024 by Alejandro Garcia (Thee Sacred Souls) and Max Shrager (The Shacks), That’s Love Records aims to champion distinct voices within the contemporary music landscape. Their debut release, “Heaven Knows” by 54 Ultra, quickly garnered international acclaim, securing a spot on Rolling Stone’s “Best Spanish-Language Songs of 2024” list. With an eye toward genre-blending, the label is set to leave a significant mark on modern music.
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