Following a breakthrough year, rising Melbourne-born and London-based artist JACOTÉNE releases her uplifting new single ‘Leave Me.’ Having left everything behind and arrived in London, she wrote the track on her very first day in the city. The song blends her signature soul-rooted vocals with ethereal choral textures, a nod to her formative years singing in church choirs.
“I went out with my best friend the night before I left, and I had this question in my mind, why would I leave you and this world when it is so perfect?” JACOTÉNE shares. “The song is about saying goodbye, and realising that she will always be there, like my family will.”
Produced by Grammy-winning producer J Moon (Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys), ‘Leave Me’ highlights JACOTÉNE’s ability to weave intimate lyricism with bold, powerful vocals that resonate deeply.
The release follows last month’s ‘Why’d You Do That?’ - a striking, confrontation-led track recorded between Australia and the UK with producer Cadenza. Built around a sharp, hook-driven chorus, it showcased JACOTÉNE’s versatility and marked an exciting new chapter in her sound.
Both singles build on the momentum of her recent debut EP ‘Untitled (Read My Mind),’ a six-track introduction that explored everything from empowerment anthems ‘Stop Calling’ to tender ballads ‘Forgive Me’ and family tributes ‘Stronger.’ Released in June and recorded in Miami during some of her first ever studio sessions, JACOTÉNE says the weather made her feel at home, while the distance from home fuelled a sense of creative self-discovery. The EP reflects three years of rapid growth, from signing her first record deal to moving continents - all while honing her signature combination of gut-punch lyricism and timeless vocals. The focus track ‘Easy,’ co-produced with GhostNote and Ozmoses Arketx, blends funk, jazz, R&B, and touches of afrobeat, paired with a beautifully raw visual.
Fresh from wrapping her first full European tour, with shows across Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and France, JACOTÉNE made a striking impression on stage – from two headline London shows, to a standout performance at CHANEL’s Métiers d'Art Collection celebration, as well as key support slots for Tems in Sydney and Melbourne, Pa Salieu in London, and G Flip on their Melbourne and Adelaide tour dates.
But it doesn’t stop there: tipped by NME as one of their NME 100 for 2025, nominated for ELLE Magazine’s Australia Next Gen Musician Award, featured on the cover of 10 Magazine Australia, and supported by TLOBF, COLORS, Notion, Wonderland, Vein Magazine, Wordplay, Noctis, and more, JACOTÉNE is firmly cementing herself as an artist to watch.
At just 19, JACOTÉNE’s emotive storytelling, striking vocals, and fearless creative vision mark her as a truly remarkable emerging talent - and with more music on the way, her ascent is only just beginning!