Within the last few years there has been huge rise of talented female artists, more specifically, female artists from the UK and beyond. Technology has played a huge roll in the ability for international artists to connect to fan bases all over the world in a way that can only be found today.
I’ve personally found that the production level coming out of the UK is surpassing what we find over here in the States. The ladies below are not products created just for show, but true singer/ songwriters, musicians and producers. Looks like the UK’s got talent! (Oh, and one fearless Aussie!)
Katy B
I’ve been a Katy B fan for quite some time now and have anxiously been awaiting her acceptance here in the States. The sound of the UK has taken over in the form of Dubstep, but Katy B has been able to bring it to a whole new level. Combining the grunge in dub with beats that you can actually dance to, your love hate feelings towards the genre will leave you a little less conflicted. Listen to Ms. B’s single ‘On A Mission’ in my latest mix, Ça Ne Fait, at the 4:22 mark.
Iggy Azalea
New badass Iggy Azalea caught my ear on my last flight back from L.A. in January. Since then this Aussie has hit it big in the States. Her hard-hitting baselines and explicit rhymes have caused quite the stir. Ms. Azalea’s visual delivery is just as shocking as her lyrics. ‘My World,’ a top pick off of her first album, Ignorant Art, is sure to make any woman feel like a bad girl. I’m definitely excited to see just how far she’s willing to take her newfound career and if her masculine attitude on taboo topics will rub off on the masses.
Lianne La Havas
The first thing that comes to mind when I think Lianne La Havas is stunner! Not only does Ms. La Havas have good looks, but a killer sultry voice to boot. The Jamaican and Greek Londoner has the power of Adele, the swag and style of Lauryn Hill and the poetic lyrical flow of Jill Scott. This is an artist whose been able to give folk music some soul, combined with groovy beats that help keep this fresh face current. Watch her quirky video ‘Forget’ to get the whole picture! She reminds me of a younger Yukimi Nagano, the Swedish-Japanese singerfrom Little Dragon, No?
Jessie Ware
The soulful voice of Jessie Ware leads lo-fi and trip-hop beats mixed with a dash of the UK Garage scene. She’s a very close runner up behind the vocal styling of fellow Brit, Katy B. As beautiful as she is talented, I’d compare Ms. Ware to a more contemporary and edgy Sade. Her most popular track, ‘Running,’ is giving some extra groove in the Disclosure Remix, and is one of my top fave dance tracks to play at the clubs.
Rita Ora
Rita Ora mixes influences of pop, R&B, and neo-soul with her West London roots. I’ll admit it wasn’t her talent that first caught my attention, but her comparison to the Barbados songstress and super-megastar, Rihanna. How could I not dig up some dirt on the new lookalike? Much to my surprise, she has a sound all her own. Some tracks are a bit too sweet for me, but overall this chick knows the secret to her US counterpart’s success. Listen to her single “How We Do” below.
Are you feeling these music sensations from around the globe? What international artists are you listening to?
Chaisley Lussier is a DJ, producer and entrepreneur. You can check out more of her favorite songs & mixes out at http://jeparlemusique.tumblr.com/ and be sure to follow her on Twitter @chaisleylussier
Just listened to Lianne La Halvas, what a great song! I love discovering new music, thanks for the links. Oh and I’m currently loving Grimes
Cool! I did not know about these ladies and look forward to getting to know their music.
I can’t play the tunes, though, I think because I’m in Canada. I’ll have to seek them out on youtube or itunes.
I love learning about new music. I like to listen to stuff that isn’t being overplayed on the radio. Thank you so much for sharing these ladies’ links. I can’t wait to listen and add some new music to my playlists.