Influenced by folk-rock as well as chanson française, Bensé is a French contemporary singer/songwriter who made his album debut in 2008. Born Julien Bensé on April 18, 1980, in Nice, France, he cites a range of influences including legends of folk-rock (Neil Young, the Band, Cat Stevens) and chanson (Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Nino Ferrer), plus American contemporary singer/songwriters (Bonnie "Prince" Billy, M. Ward, Devendra Banhart). Bensé made his full-length album debut in 2008 with Album on the label Naïve. Produced in partnership with Yann Arnaud, Album features the lead single "Au Grand Jamais" and "Petite," a duet with fellow French contemporary singer/songwriter Rose. ~ Jason Birchmeier