Girl Power- Female Artists to Watch
For my first blog post (ever!), I figured it might be nice to start off with a music post! Anyone who knows me knows how much I love female musicians, being one myself, and I am always searching out the freshest, up-and-coming femme fatales in the music biz. This is a list of twelve talented ladies to keep an eye or uh, EAR on :).
1. Lucia
Similar to: Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, A Fine Frenzy
With only a few videos up on YouTube as of yet, this ninteen year old Romanian singer/songwriter is already causing quite a stir online. After releasing her video for her cover of "Silence" by her favorite band, The MOOoD, which now counts over 6.5 million views, she became noticed by a CEO at Global Music Management. Lucia is currently working on her first full length album, set to come out sometime in 2014. The only bummer is that until then, we only have a few beautiful songs to tide us over.
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2. Rainbow Chan
Similar to: Bjork
Rainbow Chan is definitely the most eclectic artist on this list, mixing acoustic elements and electronic beats with a myriad of instruments and odd samples thrown in. Based out of Sydney, AU, the songwriter originally comes from Hong Kong and pulls much inspiration from her childhood there, which accounts for the nostalgic, imaginative feeling you get from her music. Her EP Long Vacation came out in July 2013, but no word of a full length album quite yet.
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3. Tove Lo
Similar to: Marina and the Diamonds, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato
I will admit it, I am a sucker for pop music. When I discovered her song "Habits" by accident I was immediately hooked and unfortunately, left wanting more; she has very few songs. I can't find too much information on the Stockholm sweetie besides the face that she considers her style "Dirrrrrty Pop," her voice is fantastic, and "Habits" is one of the best pop songs I have heard in a while. If this song is any indication of what she is capable of, I sure hope to see more from her in the future!
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4. Lolo
Similar to: Lana Del Ray, Adele, Little Boots
Though her music under stage name Lolo is a new project, Lauren Pritchard is not new to the entertainment industry. The soulful singer has been writing her own songs since she was 14, moving to Los Angeles at age 16 in hopes of gaining success in a Reggae band. Lolo gained noteriety for playing the role of Ilse in the musical Spring Awakening for two years before returning to music. Lolo has released three songs thus far, and is a guest vocalist on the new Panic! at the Disco album for the song "Miss Jackson." No word yet of an EP or album, but I wouldn't be surprised if you hear her name again, and soon.
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5. Lorde
Similar to: Lana Del Ray, Charli XCX, Kimbra
By now, you have probably heard "Royals" and she may be old news, but still so worth mentioning. Her second single "Tennis Court" (below) has a different feel than "Royals," but is equally exceptional. The New Zealand native has been topping the charts in her home country, but has been rapidly growing in popularity in the states as of late. She recently announced the September 30th release date for her much anticipated album, Pure Heroine. No tour announcements as of yet, but I've got my fingers crossed so hard!!
...and she's sixteen. So, yeah, don't you feel super untalented and successful now?
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6. Ellie Rowsell (of Wolf Alice)
Similar to: I don't know, but I can hear the Hole and The Runaways influence.
Rowsell initially began Wolf Alice as a solo project. Eventually though, she was joined by band members Joff Oddie, Joel Amey and Theo Ellis and Wolf Alice evolved into the quartet it is today.Wolf Alice's music has been described as "the lovechild of folk music and grunge," but the band themselves consider their music to be "rocky pop." In October 2013 their EP Blush is set to be released. I love this band, their sound is so unique.
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7. Sydney Seirota (of Echosmith)
Sounds like: (a young) Paramore, Hey Monday
If you think the little miss above looks young, you are correct, but don't let her just-turned-sixteen baby face fool you. This four piece band of siblings (yes, they are all related) has already gained great notoriety after their tour supporting Owl City on a US tour and a brief stunt on Warped Tour this past summer. Graham, Sydney, Noah and Jamie Sierota will release their first full length album "Taking Dreams" October 1st. The song below is my favorite of theirs so far!
If you think the little miss above looks young, you are correct, but don't let her just-turned-sixteen baby face fool you. This four piece band of siblings (yes, they are all related) has already gained great notoriety after their tour supporting Owl City on a US tour and a brief stunt on Warped Tour this past summer. Graham, Sydney, Noah and Jamie Sierota will release their first full length album "Taking Dreams" October 1st. The song below is my favorite of theirs so far!
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8. HAIM
Sounds like: Fleetwood Mac with an R&B influence
Dare I say this is the song of the summer? If you haven't heard this track by now, you've been living under a rock. The indie rock trio of sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim (again, siblings!) play mususic that has been described as "nu-folk-meets-ninties-R&B," a delicious combo resulting in fun, catchy music. Their debut full length EP Days Are Gone out Sept 30th and I can't wait to see what else they've got!
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9. Little Daylight
Sounds like: Marina and the Diamonds, Charli XCX, Alpine
The Brooklyn trio got noticed after remixing songs from artists such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Freelance Whales, but have slowly been releasing original songs that are really fantastic. They supported Charli XCX and will continue to do so for select dates in the US in September.
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10. Meg Myers
Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Cat Power, Alanis Morrissette
One of my personal favorites on the list, this twenty five year old vocal powerhouse reminds me so much of Fiona Apple circa 1996 on the infamous "Tidal." Entertainment weekly said it best, saying she is "everything we want in a singer-angry, damaged, and supremely talented." Her solid EP "Daughter in the Choir" was released in 2012, yet there is no word of a full album release or tour yet. Come on Meg, we need MOAR!
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11. BANKS
Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Lauryn Hill, The Weeknd
I can't really pinpoint who to compare her to, I just love what I hear. The singer songwriter is set to go on tour with The Weeknd in the US starting in September and is sure to blow up as the tour progresses. My only complaint is that there isn't enough music of hers to listen to!
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12. Lauren Mayberry (of CHVRCHES)
12. Lauren Mayberry (of CHVRCHES)
Similar to: The Knife, Grimes, Purity Ring
I have to admit, I am obsessed with this band. The elecro synthpop trio from Glasgow, Scotland is taking the world by storm; Fuse TV named them one of the must-see artists of SXSW 2013, Huffington Post named their newest single "The Mother We Share" made the list of top 52 tracks of 2013, and they have already done numerous tours through the US, Canada, and Europe, including opening up for legends Depeche Mode. CHVRCHES first full length album, The Bones of What you Believe,is set to release September 23rd 2013 in the UK, and the 24th everywhere else.
Oh yeah, and the girl is SMART. She has her undergrad degree in Law and a Master's degree in journalism. Brush ya shoulders off, girl!
I hope you enjoyed these artists and much as I do! September is going to be an exciting month overflowing with new music and I can hardly wait!
Ba
