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2013 is the year of talent! There are many new musical artists that are making a bang this year but, we narrowed it down to the top three for you, collegiettes!
Elle Varner
Gabrielle Serene Varner, also known as Elle Varner, was born on February 12, 1989 in Los Angeles, CA. A proud graduate of New York University, Varner was destined to be in the music biz because her parents were songwriters. She would often listen to the music in her parents’ collection. Varner has such a soulful and jazzy voice that is very authentic. Varner stands out from most artists today because she does not try to be a good performer; she is trying to be a great artist that makes meaningful music. When hearing Varner’s voice on a record, it takes you back to the times when girl group, TLC, was on the radio or even the late singer, Aaliyah.  Her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, has amazing songs and her single “Only Wanna Give It To You” which featured rapper, J. Cole, was a sensation! Elle Varner is on her way to making musical history! Her entire album, Perfectly Imperfect , is absolute perfection, but some songs that are a MUST LISTEN are, “Leaf”, “Welcome Home” ,” I Don’t Care” and “So Fly”!
Allen Stone
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Allen Stone was born on March 14, 1987 in Chewelah, Washington. Stone began singing at a very young age in his church that his father was the Pastor of. It is a given that he would have a naturally soulful voice growing up in a Christian church. After going to two different colleges, Stone dropped out sometime between his sophomore year and junior year to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. Stone has a voice that is similar to Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye; his voice will send a tingle down your spine. He calls himself, “a hippie with soul” and HC Montclair thinks that is very fitting! Stone’s album, Allen Stone, has a hit single, “Sleep”. “Sleep” is very lively and makes you want to get up and start dancing! “Unaware” is a song that would make you cry or a song that you listen to after a hard day; “Unaware” makes you think.  On August 3, 2013 you can catch Allen Stone live in Holmdel, NJ at the PNC Bank Arts Center!
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
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(Left to right: Ryan Lewis and Macklemore)
Ben Haggerty, also known as Macklemore, was born on June 19, 1983 in Seattle, WA. Ryan Lewis was born on March 25, 1988 in Spokane, WA. Macklemore is a rapper and musician and Ryan Lewis is quite talented himself, Lewis is a music producer, musician, music video director, graphic designer, rapper and DJ. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are a dynamic duo that hit the radio stations instantly. Thrift stores are trending right now because who wouldn’t want to get a cute vintage outfit UNDER $20? Well, since everyone currently loves thrift stores, why not make a song about it? Macklemore did just that and Ryan Lewis was the DJ. “Thrift Shop” featuring Wanz is playing on every radio station! With the comical lyrics and catchy beat, you cannot go wrong. To hear more of their great music, you can see them live on May 19, 2013 in Freehold, NJ at the Skate and Surf Festival!  Â
Collegiettes, now you can run off to iTunes and purchase some great music by these artists! You all will not regret it!