I’m living for the girl power going on in music right now. Some of this decade’s biggest artists have been women, from Beyoncé to Ariana Grande to Taylor Swift. Whatever way you might feel about the leading ladies in music, there is no denying the impact they’ve made on the industry and on pop culture at large. Now more than ever, there is a diverse array of women breaking into the music scene. Here’s a list of ones I love, and who I think you’ll love, too!
1. Tiffany Young
Image Source: Galore Magazine
If you like K-pop, then you already know Tiffany. She was one of the main vocalists of Girls’ Generation, a Korean girl group who helped pave the way for current K-pop along the likes of Super Junior, 2NE1, and Big Bang. However, in October of 2017, Young left Girls’ Generation’s label S.M. Entertainment to pursue a solo singing career in the United States. Since then, she’s released six singles and an EP, was the face of H&M’s fall 2018 campaign, won the 2019 iHeartRadio Award for Best Solo Breakout, and has gone through an impressive number of hair colors and styles. Despite being a huge celebrity in Korea, she’s remained humble and very close with her fans. Her music is largely pop and focuses on self-love and empowerment.
Recommended Song: “Lips on Lips”
2. Allie X
Image Source: Billboard
You may know Allie X (aka Alexandra Hughes) from her songs on the Sierra Burgess is a Loser soundtrack: “Kid Wonder,” “Sunflower,” and “Paper Love.” Hughes has an incredible soprano voice that allows her to hit high notes and create a unique sound for her music. Though the melodies of her songs are often catchy and energetic, don’t let that fool you—there’s an underlying darkness in many of her lyrics. Hughes has been involved in music since the mid-2000s, but unlike many other female artists, she only broke into the scene in her late twenties. She is now 33, an age most celebrity-creating industries would deem “too old,” but it’s refreshing to see someone her age coming up in music.
Recommended Song: “Girl of the Year”
3. Tayla Parx
Image Source: Glamour
You know Tayla Parx, you just don’t know you know her. She lent a hand in songwriting “Thank U, Next,” and “7 rings,” not to mention two other Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles—and that was just in 2018 alone. She’s also written songs for and with countless mainstream artists (I’d love to see her resume). Despite her industry experience, she only just released her debut album in April of this year. Much like the album cover, her music is fun and colorful, a pop album clearly influenced by hip-hop and R&B. She’s done a lot behind the scenes, so it’ll be interesting to see what she pens for herself.
Recommended Song: “Me vs. Us”
4. Mallrat
Image Source: Isolated Nation
Mallrat is the stage name of Grace Shaw, a young (20 years old—makes me wonder what I’m doing with my life) Australian singer. She’s already had two of her singles certified gold and opened for Post Malone when he toured in Australia in 2018. Her music is somehow light and dark at the same time, both wistful and wise. Her latest single, “Nobody’s Home,” was equal parts endearing and lonely. Shaw’s ambitious nature and seeming lack of self-doubt have taken her far already. I have high hopes for this girl and what she’s got coming next.
Recommended Song: “Nobody’s Home”
5. Kim Petras
Image Source: Billboard
If I had to bet on any female artist to break into the mainstream, I’d bet on Kim Petras. Listening to her, you’d never guess that she’s German, or trans for that matter. Her debut single, “I Don’t Want It At All,” went viral—a good sign for her career—and the music video starred none other than Paris Hilton. Since then, she’s released an array of singles, a Halloween-themed mixtape, and in the past four weeks alone she’s released four more singles. This girl is on a roll. Her vocal range is insane, and her music is pure pop, making for a fun and catchy sound. Keep your eye out for Kim Petras. She and the other artists on this list are going to take the world by storm.
Recommended Song: “Heart To Break”