By Meredith Nardino
If there’s one thing I love more than anything, it’s female artists taking control of their image, their sound and their style. The music industry has a history of being a boys’ club (like pretty much every other professional industry, apparently). Women are finding ways to break those frustrating musical glass ceilings every day, even if it means leaving their major labels for smaller, more accommodating outlets. These six artists are ones to watch if you’re in need of an empowering pick-me-up.
1. “Underdog” – Banks
The Altar was arguably one of the top 10 records of 2016 and is an unbelievably honest compilation of dark pop hits. Banks’ latest single continues her transformation from ballads to bold radio-ready hits. “Underdog” is as fierce and ferocious it gets, her vocals untamed and unapologetic. Banks barks her way through an addictive hook that will be stuck in your head for hours.
2. “Supercut” – Lorde
It’s been three months since Melodrama came out and I’m still not over it. Lorde took a four-year hiatus after her debut record and came back an even better songwriter than before. “Supercut” is pop perfection, filled with the vibrant idealism of young romance and the sad reality of the inevitable break-up. Melodrama is certified proof that nothing is better than a song that makes you want to dance and cry all at once.
3. “Split Stones” – Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers’ discovery story sounds too good to be true, but the former NYU student lives up to the hype. If your demo leaves Pharrell Williams speechless, you’re the real deal. “Split Stones” is Rogers’ first single since releasing her debut EP this spring, and it might be her last for a little while. The rising star announced she would be taking a break after her tour ends, but “Split Stones” is a delightful parting gift.
4. “Bellyache” – Billie Eilish
How many 15 year olds do you know that can write a pop song about a psychopathic murderer and make it one of the catchiest songs of all time? “Bellyache” is one of those songs that hypnotizes you the minute you hear it, drawing you in with every well-placed synth refrain. Billie Eilish isn’t quite ‘voice of a generation’ material yet, but she has all the time in the world to prove she could be.
5. “Nighttime Hunger” – Overcoats
This New York-based duo is the epitome of girl power. Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell met during their undergrad years at Wesleyan and immediately knew they were musical soulmates. Their debut record Young is one of the highlights of the year, each song filled with more ambition and passion than you could ever imagine possible. “Nighttime Hunger” shows off what Overcoats does best: pairing emotional storytelling with hard-hitting melodies.
6. “You’re Not the One” – Sky Ferreira
A perfect blend of 80s pop and 90s grunge, Night Time, My Time was the first project that really demonstrated this model/actress/singer’s potential. At her worst, Ferreira is a dramatic Tumblr post brought to life. At her best, like “You’re Not the One,” she brings a strong sense of self to the table, proving she will never be anything other than authentic in her art.
