In a male dominated industry, it’s always good to see female artists making strides. Here are 5 female artists to check out this semester:
1. The Veronicas
Most noted for their hit single “Untouched” back in 2007, the Australian pop duo recently released their self-titled album The Veronicas in 2014. Composed of twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso, the duo is signed to Sony Music Entertainment and were the opening act for the band 5 Seconds of Summer on their Rock Out With Your Socks Out tour.
2. Ellie Goulding
I actually remember watching Ellie Goulding perform live when she opened for Bruno Mars on his Moonshine Jungle tour back in 2013. Aside from being absolutely fantastic, Goulding became known in 2011 with the single “Lights” and rose to prominence with the song “Love Me Like You Do” from the movie adaptation of Fifty Shades Of Grey. Last year, Goulding released her third studio album Delirium.
3. Tori Kelly
I have a soft spot for Tori Kelly since I’ve been a fan since her YouTube days, so it really excites me she’s finally getting the recognition she long deserves. From singing covers, like Frank Ocean’s “Thinking Bout You” on YouTube, Kelly signed to Capitol Records in 2013 and since released her album Unbreakable Smile on June 23, 2015.
4. Selena Quintanilla
Titled the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was a Mexican-American Tejano singer that started performing just when she was 9 years old. Learning Spanish phonetically, the singer produced multiple hits like “Amor Prohibido,” “Como La Flor,” and my personal favorite “No Me Queda Más.” However, just as her stardom was rising in the U.S. she was taken too soon at the age of twenty-three. For more, check out her albums Amor Prohibido and Dreaming Of You.
5. Lauryn Hill
One of my favorite artists, Lauryn Hill began her career working with the Fugees before releasing her solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998. She was a prominent singer and rapper and has appeared in films such as the Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. With hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Everything is Everything,” and her sweet rendition of Frankie Valli’s song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” Hill solidified her place in the music industry with five Grammy’s before going underground.