In celebration of International Women’s Day, Jennifer Hyman discusses a few of the upcoming and outstanding female musical artists to watch out for in 2019.
Emily Burns
If you’re a fan of electronic pop then look no further than Emily Burns. Burns accompanies sassy and clever lyrics with vocal samples and songs that are perfect to dance along to. In 2018, she released her debut, a collection of seven songs titled Seven Scenes from the Same Summer, which amassed more than 15 million streams. Last month, she released her latest single ‘Too Cool’, and she is set to embark on her first solo UK tour this year- you can also catch her performing in Leeds on 21st March at Hyde Park Book Club.
Poppy Ajudha
Hailing from South East London, Ajudha is a singer-songwriter whose style incorporates a blend of soulful jazz and funk. Last year, she featured on Tom Misch’s album Geography and received airplay on BBC Radio 6 with Gilles Peterson – she also featured on Brownswood Bubblers, a compilation album championing new artists that
Beija Flo
Based in Liverpool, Beija Flo is still a relatively new name in the music scene but one that is starting to garner quite an impressive reputation. Her music combines electronic and rock sounds to create a captivating blend. The latest of her two releases, ‘Mary’, is particularly haunting and seductive in equal measure. Having released only two tracks so far, this artist has so much more to offer.
Lauren Aquilina
After opening for Taylor Swift on her 1989 tour, Aquilina released her debut album on Island Records in 2016. Shortly after, however, she suffered heavily with depression and put her performing career to one side. Spending a few years out of the limelight focussing on songwriting, she recently decided to return to performing and released single, ‘If Looks Could Kill’. A pop number with a gritty undertone, it has over 200,00 streams on Spotify and is a clear sign that this is just the beginning for Aquilina’s return.
HAAi
HAAi is a DJ with a difference. Focusing on crafting music that evolves gradually, rather than offering a quick release into the full arrangement of the song, her music offers a unique experience for listeners. She released her first solo release in 2017 and became a resident DJ at Phonox in London. On March 1st, she announced a residency on BBC Radio 1 and she has also recently announced several upcoming festival appearances around Europe. This signals just the beginning for the incredibly unique DJ.
Grace Carter
Beginning to make waves in the music scene from the release of her debut single, ‘Silence’, back in 2017, Carter went on to support Dua Lipa on her European tour. She also collaborated on her second album with producer Mike Dean who has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Beyoncé and Frank Ocean. In 2018, Carter released her first EP, Saving Grace, and began 2019 with her latest single, ‘Heal Me’. ‘Heal Me’ offers a catchy yet emotionally driven number, stating “I’m not waiting for you to cure, you to heal me.” Having already established herself as a soulful pop artist with a growing fan base, Carter looks set to go from strength to strength in the upcoming year.
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