Looking for the next artists to dominate your Spotify Wrapped this year?
Like many of us, the last two years of pandemic living has meant I’ve dived into music. Music can be an escape, a distraction, an inspiration, therapy, and just a good time! While the last few years have seen some of the biggest names in music release absolutely outstanding records that I adore, I’ve really enjoyed discovering newer, up-and-coming female artists that I think have a lot to say. If you’re interested in trying something new below are four of my favourite artists that I can’t get out of my head!
21-year-old, English singer-songwriter Maisie Peters released her debut album You Signed Up For This in September 2021 and I’ve had it on repeat ever since. Unapologetically honest, evocative and just a little messy, Maisie’s first album and her earlier EPs paint a picture of a girl leaving her teenage years behind. This struggle of navigating the exhilarating freedom of being on your own for the first time is something I and many, many others can definitely relate to. Songs like “I’m Trying (Not Friends),” “Psycho” and “Villain” are vicious breakup bops that speak to the exes you regret and the experiences that shape you. While others like “Personal Best,” “Elvis Song,” “Take Care Of Yourself” and “Outdoor Pool” weave relationships into nostalgia-filled lyrics speaking to maturing and reflecting. Maisie writes songs depicting what it’s like being in your early twenties, making mistakes, having fun, and sometimes struggling a little just to get by. As her album title suggests, you signed up for this.
Favourite songs: “You Signed Up For This” and “Personal Best”
Try if you like: Taylor Swift
If you’re looking for bold, energy-filled bops give Rina Sawayama a try. Dropping in 2020, Rina’s most recent album Sawayama is packed full of aggressive instrumentals and cheeky, hard-hitting lyrics. Her songs cover a wide range of themes including self-confidence in “Comme des Garçons (Like The Boys)” and “Dynasty,” consumerism in “XS,” romance and self-identity in “Cherry,” and her personal relationship with Japan in “Tokyo Love Hotel.” The vast range of themes and ideas in her music means there’s something for everyone, and the general upbeat, addictiveness makes it hard to turn off. Rina’s honest and vivid lyrics immediately jumped out to me and hooked me in and her unapologetically brash melodies are impossible to ignore. She’s a fresh and exciting presence in the music scene and I’m eagerly awaiting new music.
Favourite songs: “XS” and “Bad Friend”
Try if you like: Lady Gaga, Charli XCX
Holly Humberstone is one of my most recent discoveries and I can safely say I’m obsessed. The 22-year-old is the most recent winner of the Brit Award for Rising Star and her two EPs Falling Asleep At The Wheel (2020) and The Walls Are Way Too Thin (2021) make it easy to see why. Full of poignant, honest lyrics and haunting, lilting melodies her songs are revealing and relatable, telling the story of someone painfully aware of themselves and their own existence in the world. Songs like “Deep End” and “Haunted House” detail her relationship to her family and childhood, while others including “Scarlett,” “Overkill” and “London Is Lonely” twist breakups into music that speaks to a level of self-awareness and maturity that I personally would love to achieve. Clever, almost sardonic lyrics weave throughout her discography in lines such as “I’m spending way too long on WebMD (Not so sure it’s good for me)” from “Vanilla,” and “We go together like bad British weather on the one day I made plans” (“Scarlett”) immediately hooked me in and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to see what Holly does next.
Favourite songs: “The Walls Are Way Too Thin” and “London Is Lonely”
Try if you like: Lorde, Sam Fender
Comprised of Wynter Bethel and Tessa Mouzourakis, Tommy Lefroy is a duo that doesn’t pull any punches. Named after the muse of author Jane Austen, the band released their first song, “Northern Towns” in early 2021 followed by their EP Flight Risk in November. Originating from Northern Michigan and Vancouver, BC respectively, Wynter and Tessa’s debut “Northern Towns” immediately grabbed me. Mellow and soft, the song highlights teenage romance in their hometowns, something that I, being from Vancouver myself, was enraptured by. Nostalgia is front and centre in Flight Risk, weaving through captivating, poetic lyrics focused on past relationships (“Mortals”), growing up (“Trashfire”), self-reflection (“Knievel”), and friendship (“Vampires”). Entirely self-produced, Tommy Lefroy’s songs are honest and imaginative, with a haunting quality that I can’t get enough of.
Favourite songs: “Northern Towns” and “Trashfire”
Try if you like: Phoebe Bridgers
Female artists have such a captivating presence in music, and I love hearing different perspectives from musicians who are finding their voices. All four of these artists offer something different, both musically and aesthetically, and I strongly encourage you to check them all out. I love being able to see their careers rise and develop and I’m so excited to see what they all do next!