Lea Maria Fries steps boldly onto the international stage with her debut album Cleo, a stunning introduction to one of Switzerland’s most captivating new voices. Written and composed primarily by Fries, and produced by her longtime collaborator and bassist Julien Herné, the album is a delicate yet powerful statement — full of stories that trace an artist’s journey to define her own path with confidence, grace, and vulnerability.
Rooted in Black music and jazz yet unafraid of experimentation, Cleo moves fluidly across genres and languages. Across its 13 tracks, Fries weaves sonic textures that shimmer with elegance and emotional depth. Her voice — warm, arresting, and unflinchingly expressive — recalls the introspective explorations of Mélanie De Biasio and the haunting presence of Portishead’s Beth Gibbons. Like them, the stage is her true element: a place where she commands attention with what she calls an attitude both “classy and trashy.”
Cleo is an album of transformation — the story of a young Swiss woman discovering the world and herself along the way. Born in the Swiss countryside near the Alps, Lea Maria Fries (pronounced Fri-ès) grew up surrounded by nature and inspired by a music teacher who encouraged improvisation. The nearby Willisau Jazz Festival opened her ears to a world of creative expression, sparking her lifelong love for jazz and experimentation.
After studying at the Haute École de Jazz in Lucerne, Fries found the courage to step into the spotlight, competing in the Montreux Jazz Festival’s Vocal Competition, where Quincy Jones was among the judges. At just 21, she was the youngest finalist — and performing live for the first time. That moment proved transformative, launching her into a string of performances across the growing Swiss music scene.
To evolve further, she left the comfort of home for Berlin — a city of contrasts that would challenge and inspire her. In solitude and self-reflection, she found her creative voice, drawing inspiration from artists like Björk, Joni Mitchell, Shirley Horn, and Meshell Ndegeocello. It was there that she founded her first trio, embarking on tours across Russia and Eastern Europe, solidifying her reputation as a daring and emotive performer.
Now based in Paris, Lea Maria Fries stands at the crossroads of experience and innovation. Cleo captures her evolution — a portrait of growth, courage, and artistic freedom — announcing her as one of Europe’s most intriguing new talents.
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