Within the past decade especially, women have been making their mark in the music industry. Ranging in ages, backgrounds, and genres of music, these women have left large impressions on their large of array of listeners. Regardless of whether or not she makes the mainstream, the women on this list have made great impressions in their music, activism, and messages portrayed through their images. It is about time you checked them out.
1. Alice Glass
A former vocalist for Crystal Castles, Alice Glass has paved her way for success. After the band’s breakup, she started to work on her own sound one might say resembles the ethereal-meets-aggressive electronic sound she emulated in her previous project. An activist for women’s rights, Glass took it upon herself to ensure a safe space for the SXSW party hosted by Tumblr to celebrate feminism and female artists. Upon finding out her former band mate (a male) was to perform at the concert, Glass wrote on her Facebook, “As someone who knew Ethan Kath on a personal and professional level, it is my opinion that he is not an appropriate artist to be performing at a feminism-centric event.” Tumblr took this comment into account, as it dropped the Kath’s new Crystal Castles from the lineup. Check out her work here:
2. Aluna of AlunaGeorge
The London based duo, AlunaGeorge has been made huge strides in mainstream American music after DJ Snake remixed their song "You Know You Like It" giving it a high ranking in music charts across the country. It is Aluna Francis’ soft, child-like, ethereal vocals contrast with George Reid’s garage-meets-soulful production, calling for a really unique, fun sound. The duo recently collaborated with Zhu on their new track, "Automatic" off his new album, "Genesis Series." Check it out here:
3. Angel Haze
At the young age of 23 years old Angel Haze, or Raeen Roes Wilson, has achieved great success in her music. Hailing from Detroit Michigan, moving to Brooklyn, New York at 16, she began her musical endeavors in the sect of secular music. Among the mixtapes she released between 2009 and 2012, one might say the raw and heavy rhymes of her "New York EP" contrasts greatly with that of her more recent 2015 album, Back to the Woods, in which the rapper sings for the first time. Overall, Angel Haze’s ever changing sound reflects on personal parts of her life. Whether you’re in the mood for upbeat, overall dope rhymes that truly cannot be compared to any other, or crave trip pop, Angel Haze is one to cater to all ears.
4. CL
Chaelin Lee, or CL is a Korean artist, best known for her work in the all female Korean pop group, 2NE1. In more recent years, Korean pop and hip hop music artists have been crossing over onto the American music stream. CL is among those artists, as she has collaborated with Diplo, Riff Raff, OG Maco, on Diplo’s track, Doctor Pepper and most recently with Joey Bada$$ in her new song, "Hello Bitches!" she released as a goodbye to NYFW 2016. Her upbeat, not-taking-bullshit vibes she emits through her music definitely makes her an artist to look forward to in the coming months. Put in work, CL!
5. FKA Twigs
AKA Tahlilah Debrett Barnett, FKA Twigs started out as a backup dancer for artists such as Jessie J, Taio Cruz, and Ed Sheeran. She is more recently known for her music production, along with vocals (still killing the dance game), and candid lyrics. Her high production value, ethereal voice, and work with producer, Arca on "EP2" resulted in her receiving high praise and a large fandom as a result. Following the release of LP1 and "M3LL155X" (which contained four music videos directed by herself), Twigs is on the verge of releasing a new project in the near future. One might not know what to expect from her, as the artist’s highlights subjects ranging from insecurity to sex and death, but truth be told, whatever Twigs is to come out with next will surely be extremely enjoyable.
6. Honey Cocaine
An extremely talented artist who is a little under the radar one could say, Sochitta Sal from Canada (of Cambodian descent) is breaking boundaries in rap music. Her candid, dirty rhymes resemble the same style emulated by male rappers, making her less “lady like” when compared to other female artists. Her raw sound is one that evokes feelings of empowerment and remind women its cool to feel themselves and that its okay to not conform to the standards of character to which we are held every day, as we too can mob heavy. Check out her track, "Curveball":
7. Janelle Monae
Although Janelle Monae Robinson has been in the music industry for years, her ever-changing sound and ability to stay true to herself are qualities which make her such an admirable artist. Following her release of her first solo work, 'Metropolis' in 2007, on which the track "Many Moons" earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative performance. Since then, she has released two albums, has revamped Wondaland records, has been a Covergirl, and has been a big name in the #BlackLivesMatter movement all while releasing fun, feminist music (accompanied by her spectacular voice) and staying true to herself (and her tux). Check her out here:
8. Junglepussy
Shayna McHayle, a Brooklyn native is influenced by her early years by "Moesha," a television series starring Brandy. When asked about her influences during an interview with Paper Mag, the rapper/songwriter responded:
Growing up, I would see Brandy on "Moesha" and see her keeping in her cornrows and her braids, but still flourish in her art and music, looking fly. I loved "Moesha" as a child, but now I take away something more special from it. Just because you're a black girl, it doesn't mean you need to only care about hair and makeup. Brandy cared about books, culture and where she was going — you can do both.
Junglepussy embodies what it means to be a confident, fun, island girl, who can push social and societal limits through her music and image. Through her hype beats contrasted with an amazingly steady rap flow, one could say Junglepussy is definitely one of a kind.
9. Mistki
A New York based artist, Mitski has made amazing moves since her two indie rock albums, Lush and Retired from Sad. New Career in Business in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Her third work, "Bury Me at Makeout Creek" received critical acclaim from sites and publications such as the New York Times, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone. The New York Times writes, “the lyrics … toggle between pure heartbreak and the choices women make under the shadow of the patriarchy, both emotional and literal.” In her music, Mitski shifts from singing in English to Japanese at some points, further deepening the listener’s understanding of her as a multifaceted individual. Her melodic vocals and dope shreds really call for a unique listening experience, as likable is not a word that would do her music enough justice. Check out her new single, "Your Best American Girl":
10. Sophia Black
One of the newer artists on the rise, 20 year old trilingual Sophia Black has been making her mark in the music world. Having released a few remarkable singles and an EP along with a few video teasers, one might say Black is on her way to introducing a new method of sharing new music. Her comforting, clear, enthralling voice in sync with her bubbly chillwave beats call for a really unique listening experience in which everyone should take part.