AZEKEL AND CÉLINE DESSBERG JOIN FORCES ON DREAMLIKE BILINGUAL SINGLE "MOON & I"

The London and Paris-based artists unite for a lush jazz-pop duet that bridges languages, cultures and continents.

London singer, songwriter and producer Azekel has teamed up with Paris-based singer, songwriter and harpist Céline Dessberg for "Moon & I," a beautifully understated jazz-pop collaboration arriving via Thunderlightning Recordings.

Blending English and French vocals with dreamy harmonies, warm analogue textures and the delicate sound of the traditional Mongolian yatga, "Moon & I" feels suspended somewhere between classic jazz, contemporary soul and cinematic dream pop. Built around a gentle waltz rhythm, the track captures the magic of new connection, balancing intimacy with a quiet sense of wonder.

The accompanying visual, directed by Ola Adediji, extends that dreamlike atmosphere. Split across day and night, the film follows Dessberg cycling through London's Victoria Park under the afternoon sun while Azekel mirrors her route after dark, echoing the song's central refrain: "got the sun and moon following me."

The collaboration first took shape after the pair met in London before reconnecting during one of Dessberg's return visits while touring. What began as an informal writing session—fuelled by conversations about jazz records, nature and life on the road—quickly evolved into one of Azekel's most enchanting recordings to date.

"We had been spending some time in nature, and when we got in the studio we were messing around talking about our favourite jazz records and the joys and pains of tour life," Azekel explains. "Not long after, we just followed the vibe."

That sense of spontaneity flows throughout the track. Jazz-inflected drums, soft guitar and a hip-hop-inspired bass groove create an effortlessly warm foundation as Azekel and Dessberg trade vocals in English and French, the two languages intertwining rather than translating each other. Together, they use the moon as a symbol of love, imagination and the enduring presence of the inner child.

https://youtu.be/EYpIFcr0qKw?si=FT8mDfDU1xhCK3zu

For Azekel, the single marks another compelling chapter in a career defined by fearless collaboration and genre-defying songwriting. Having previously worked with Massive Attack and Gorillaz, earned praise from Prince, and recently appeared on Kokoroko's acclaimed "Three Piece Suit," he continues to push his sound into unexpected territory.

Meanwhile, Dessberg has emerged as one of France's most distinctive new voices, blending jazz, chanson and Mongolian folk influences into music that The Guardian has described as "hauntingly beautiful." Following her acclaimed Hödöö EP and recent support slot for Yussef Dayes at London's Royal Festival Hall, "Moon & I" offers another captivating showcase for her singular artistry.

Tender, transportive and quietly spellbinding, "Moon & I" is a collaboration that feels both effortless and entirely unique—an elegant meeting of two artists finding common ground beneath the same sky.

"Moon & I" is out now via Thunderlightning Recordings.