Born into a world steeped in the richness of Arabic culture in the vibrant city of Amman, Jordan, Taleen’s first words were in Arabic, and her earliest memories intertwined with the traditions of her Middle Eastern heritage. Feeling deeply connected to her roots from an early age, she knew this would serve as the foundation of her art one day.
But Taleen’s journey would take her far beyond the borders of Amman. A native of Los Angeles now based in Houston, she has lived a life defined by transitions. These moves, though challenging, have shaped her into a multifaceted artist with a uniquely global perspective.
“I’m blessed to be able to say that my palette is super colorful,” Taleen reflects. “From my background—things like culture and faith being from the Middle East to growing up in the West, especially in a city that’s also so rich in culture—and finding myself through that. Then later moving to Houston as an adult and evolving there. I think naturally a big part of shaping myself musically was looking for the soul in everything in all environments.”
A Journey Through Sound
Taleen finds her inspiration from a wide array of icons: Prince, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, and Fairuz. Her sound weaves in modern sensibilities with a flair for the vintage, creating music that feels timeless yet fresh.
Her debut single, Time Traveler, released in March 2023, introduced audiences to her soulful voice and thoughtful artistry. The success ushered in her second single, DML, which was released in April 2024 and is still gathering momentum on the internet.
Her creative process is as dynamic as her sound. Taleen wrote DML in her own home, crafting the song with an intentional weightiness. “The hook was the first thing that I wrote, and then I continued to finish the rest of the song,” she shares. The first lyric she penned? “Deep in my frustrations.”
Her latest single, For Play, released in August, signals an evolution in her artistry. With its house-inspired production, the track is a departure from her earlier work. “For Play was a little different because it’s more house-ish,” Taleen explains. “So only produced electronically, where the others had live instrumentation.”
A Resilient Spirit
Growing up in a conservative household presented its challenges. As a child, Taleen would wake up early on Saturdays to secretly watch MTV music videos, drawn to the charisma and style of artists like Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani. “UGH, I was just so enamored by all the artists. Their confidence, style, the beats—just everything,” she recalls.
Her father’s discovery of her singing talent marked a turning point, though her parents remained skeptical about music as a career. Undeterred, Taleen began vocal training in 2018, a decision that would launch her professional journey. “Honestly, the journey to becoming an artist is not only challenging but also very daunting,” she admits. But through resilience and determination, she found her path.
Her first studio experience—recording with a producer in Houston—cemented her commitment to music. She describes the Houston music scene as vibrant and supportive. “People are in love with music, and they show up to live shows even if you are up-and-coming,” she notes.
The Power of Gratitude
Beyond her music, Taleen finds balance and inspiration in her daily gratitude practice. Each morning, she begins with a prayer and a moment of reflection. “Every day I strive to be better,” she says. “Literally, I wake up and say, ‘Every day I’m better,’ and I start by thanking God and the universe for everything. Then I ask myself how I can serve myself and my community today.”
For Taleen, gratitude is a driving force in both her personal and professional life. “There’s a lot that goes into our lives daily that we should treat ourselves with love,” she says. “Having a healthy lifestyle and educating myself on how I could show up for myself by being grateful for life.”
What’s Next for Taleen
While fans are on the lookout for a full-length project, Taleen takes her time to make sure she crafts something meaningful. She hints that her first big release might be a mixtape rather than an album, while she continues to explore her sound and storytelling.
“I think my fans can expect more of exploration naturally from me,” she says. “I think more storytelling and an emphasis on vocals. I don’t wanna hold back anymore!!! Hehe.”
Her next single, Bayou Baby, is already creating hype; a snippet was posted on Instagram, and the track is available for pre-save here.
As Taleen looks back on how it has all been so far, she remains connected to her roots and is motivated by the urge to share her connection with all others through her art. Armed with her combination of resilience, gratitude, and deep love for music, Taleen is undoubtedly one of the artists to watch.
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