Born in Paris and raised in a household where music held a cherished place, Manava Lery is an artist whose life and career are built on the traditions of jazz and classical music. Her early exposure to these genres set her up for a musical journey that’s taken her from Paris to Saint Martin and as far as Tahiti, where she now records all her original material. As a singer-songwriter, musician and dancer, Manava blends elements of jazz, blues, bossa nova, swing and Charleston into a style that’s as unique as it is elegant.
Her influences include a range of artists from Billie Holiday to Ella Fitzgerald as well as the smooth bossa nova stylings of Brazilâs music scene. Modern artists like Norah Jones, Stacey Kent and Lisa Ekdahl also inform her work, creating a bridge between classic and modern jazz aesthetics. This diverse mix of inspiration is reflected in her ability to flow across genres, delivering music that shines with both sophistication and joy.
Her career began with a focus on smooth jazz, where she channeled her sensitivity and gentleness through tracks like “The Peasant,” “Butterfly on Her Shoulder,” “Câest Quelque Chose” and “Je Voudrais Savoir.” These songs distilled her ability to craft memorable melodies that delight listeners seeking graceful and timeless music. Yet, as an artist deeply in tune with her passions, she also sought to expand her musical repertoire, infusing her compositions with the energy of swing and Charleston, an evolution which is mirrored in her love for dance.
In April of this year, Manava released her latest full-length record, Blowing Changes and now she brings us one of the singles lifted from the album with “Peach Bubble Tea,” an upbeat swing track full of good vibes and playful charm. For this release, she collaborated with a group of friends who provided backing vocals, adding layers of joy and spontaneity to the songâs infectious rhythm and lively instrumentation.
Jumping straight into a bouncy rhythm with bright brass pips, shuffling drums and walking bass lines, a smooth swing rhythm sets up Manava’s compelling vocal leads which glide above to spin uplifting melodies into the groove of the arrangement. Lifted by lush backing vocals, her stunning voice shines as she carries lighthearted lyrics to craft a fun listening experience that’s impossible not to love.
Cut with intricate lead guitar licks, flickers of brass and sax leads and driven by an infectious rhythmic sway, “Peach Bubble Tea” serves up a stunning slice of modern jazz pop. As she continues to win over listeners around the world with her original and thoroughly enjoyable sound, Manava Lery is fast becoming a must-watch artist capable of filtering her vintage influences through her exciting and modern sound.
We caught up with Manava Lery to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Peach Bubble Tea” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Manava Lery below.
Hey Manava Lery, howâs things?
I am doing very well, thank you very much.
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
I must have been five or six years old, and at my grandparents’ house, there was a Pleyel piano that belonged to my uncle. Whenever I went to their place, which was in Paris, I loved to lock myself in the room with the piano and spend hours playing. Well, playing is a big word at that age! But I kept at it, and I played absolutely everything by ear. All the melodies I loved, the popular songs from my childhood.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Itâs very hard to say, because when I compose one of my songs, I never think of a particular artist. However, I have an ear accustomed to all kinds of music, from classical music to today’s pop, as well as the great standards of jazz, of course. I discovered jazz primarily not through jazz singers but directly through instrumental music, especially Glenn Miller and his orchestra. I really loved that music; I felt like it got under my skin. I even imagined living in that era! I have always had a great passion for the retro style, both musically and in terms of fashion.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I find my inspiration in what I experience every day, the people I talk to, the thoughts that cross my mind. One day someone told me, “Weâre eating Chinese food and watching a movie with my boyfriend.” And immediately I imagined the song “Chinese Food”! I took my dictaphone and started to sing it. Itâs a jazz song, of course, rather cheerful and whimsical. There’s even a part where I sing a list of Chinese dishes in Chinese. But I was helped to work on the pronunciation, of course!
Whatâs been your highlight of the year?
This year, I released my first album titled “Blowing Changes.” Itâs a jazz album, but with different styles, including swing, Bossa Nova, Smooth Jazz, and even a Charleston song.
What do you love about the French music scene?
We have a lot of diversity, but that is probably the case everywhere in the world. In France, we have a wonderful institution called Les Francofolies de La Rochelle that highlights new talents as well as others who are much more well-known. It creates an extraordinary festival in July. I dream of participating in it, maybe very soon⊠Stay tuned!
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
My goal is for everyone to be able to listen to my music, whether or not they are jazz fans. I donât play a jazz that goes in all directions; on the contrary, I focus on well-defined melodies. My music consists of songs that people can hum and remember. In any case, if people are feeling a bit sad, they can listen to my music, and it will surely make them smile. I am someone with a natural good mood, cheerful; I like to laugh and have fun. So, of course, that comes through in my music. At least, that’s what people often tell me! And I believe it’s true.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
What has changed is that I have started to sing in French. Before, I couldnât do it; I found it a little ridiculous. But I have a few French songs that I really like, which are rather warm, sexy, a bit languorous, and also a bit cheeky! Otherwise, whatâs different is that I have new musicians joining my team. I really love being surrounded by so many talented musicians, and I had the honor of meeting one recently, a famous trumpeter named Alain Dell Maestra. We met in the Caribbean, in Saint-Martin. He is a wonderful and incredible man. I just composed a song especially for him. I will sing, and he will respond with his trumpet! I believe itâs going to be something pretty amazing!
Has your production process changed over the years too?
Not at all. I am someone who is loyal, especially when things are going well. I record all my music in French Polynesia, in Tahiti. That’s where it all started for me while I was living on that wonderful island. I record at the studio of Eremoana Ebb (Harmonie Prod). Eremoana is a music genius; he plays the keyboard and makes all the arrangements for me. He is an extraordinary musician and also an exceptional technician. I have to say I’m lucky; I immediately came across incredible people.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
There are so many extraordinary singers these days; itâs hard to choose. But I have a lot of admiration for Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, and the French singer Enzo Enzo. I recently recorded a duet that was released in November 2024 with a wonderful Danish jazz singer named Susanne O. Itâs a song we created togetherâ I took care of the music and she wrote the lyrics. Itâs called Seasons of Life. You can listen to it on all streaming platforms. Susanne O is extraordinary; she has an incredible talent.
How did you find making your single âPeach bubble teaâ?
I don’t think I can share that; it’s too personal!!! I need to take care of the David who inspired me in this song!!!
What message did you want to get across with this release?
This track really reflects who I am, as well as the image of all the people who enjoy light-hearted things, having fun, joking around, and taking life on the bright side.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
At the moment, I am listening a lot to a singer who doesn’t specifically do jazz, but I really love her delicate way of singing in some of her songs; it’s Billie Eilish.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I would like people to think, “Wow, jazz is cool. It swings and puts butterflies in your head! It makes you happy.”
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
I havenât had many opportunities to perform live yet. Iâm a new artist! But a few weeks ago, I sang “The Girl from Ipanema” accompanied on trumpet by Alain Della Maestra. It was an honor and a joy for me.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
I would mention my Danish accomplice Susanne O, Isabelle Antena, and Enzo Enzo, at the Francofolies de la Rochelle.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
I think that when you have music in your veins, you follow your path and never stop.
Finally, what do you have lined up for 2025?
New songs, particularly Bossa Nova and swing. I also really hope to perform at jazz festivals and on big stages.
Listen to Peach Bubble Tea below
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