Bad A** Female Artists To Look Out For

By Melissa Aguilera on August 1, 2016

All my life, I’ve been drawn to the female voice. Partly because I sing and identify with the range of the voice, but mainly because female musicians inspire the hell out of me. Every little girl and every woman needs a good role model. No matter how old you get, you need someone to keep inspiring you to strive for the best version of you. Inspiration is a huge source of joy and magic and without these mediums, life can become utterly dull. There’s something about watching and listening to the lead female completely own herself; her body, her language, her sexuality, her artistry. It’s incredibly awesome to watch a strong woman grow alongside you, even if it’s only through their music. Here’s a concise list of some truly bad a** female musicians that are on the rise. Each of these women have inspired me immensely and what’s more? Their music is the best aspect of what they have to offer; just as it should be.

3. Willow Smith

Image via eonline.com

We all know and love her; the daughter of the beloved Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. I began listening to Willow’s music in 2014, when she released her EP 3 at the age of 14. The EP reflects tones of soul and R&B with a slight hint of electronic beats, but nothing like something you’d hear in a popular EDM song. Her music has so much soul and sincerity. What really drew me to her were her lyrics. In her song “8″ on her 3 EP Willow sings:

Burning bridges
We just fallin’ down
Our consciousness is nothingness
And nothingness is well
Who are you?
Who am I?
Where is me?
Where is I?
There’s no “I”
It’s just all

And in the song “Flowers” she says:

love is the air we breathe, the people we see
The realization that were all in unity
So you and me, and I and I
We’re the flower

The “flower” she is referring to is the flower of life, which is a sacred geometric design that could be found all throughout nature.

This young woman is so intelligent it blows me away. Her songs comment on consciousness and the human condition. She questions who we are and what we are. Here is a link to her music video for the song Female Energy. Her music has depth and power. And her voice? Absolutely soothing and controlled. I was so impressed with this EP and I had it on repeat for quite some time. Willow dropped her debut album in May of 2015 and titled it ARDIPITHECUS. As an anthropology major, I was so stoked and impressed. She is an incredibly smart autodidact who is full of layers that have yet to even be discovered. She is conscious of her evolution and potential. Commenting on the title of her debut album Willow said ”Ardipithecus Ramidus is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth. I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs I was in such a transitional state. Digging deep in the soil of my heart and finding bits and pieces of my ancient self that tell stories, which end up being the lyrics to the songs.” Now that is the most mature thing I’ve heard from a young teen ever. This woman is utterly inspiring and is only going up from here. Signed onto Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, with other artists such as Beyonce and Rihanna, Willow is undoubtedly bound for greatness.

2. FKA Twigs

Image via hollywoodtake.com

FKA Twigs has been on the scene for quite some time now. I recall listening to her experimental music years ago. Only recently has she gained mass media attention, punctuating the covers of magazine stands everywhere. Her real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett and she was born and raised in England. She reminds me of Bjork in the sense that FKA Twigs is creating a genre that is all her own and is a visual enigma. Her look is so endearing, just as Bjork’s. Her father is Jamaican and her mother is English of Spanish descent and was also a dancer and gymnast. Basically, she is utterly beautiful in the most unique way. But we all know it’s not about the look. Her genre is a blend of experimental, hip hop, trap hop, alternative R&B, and noise. Her angelic voice plays over the spontaneous clicks, synths, and statics that arise in her compilations. FKA Twigs has a very soft and dreamy voice. It’s hard not to feel goosebumps all over when she is playing. Twigs adds to her originality through her unapologetic eccentricities. One of her music videos Pendulum showcases her dancer talents ( she was once a back ground dancer for major artists), as she is suspended in the air while executing a perfect dancer pose. FKA Twigs is an all original bad a** female who we all need to know and experience.

1. Kali Uchis

Image via scoremoreshows.com

Kali Uchis has absolutely stolen my heart and has become the anthem to my summer. This Colombian born and Virginia raised 22 year old is breaking molds as she is completely owning her beauty and sexuality and, like FKA Twigs, she is creating a genre all her own. Her sound is the R&B baby of Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey. Her voice is so jazzy, robust, and full of variety. She can sound as soft as a fairy or as strong as a storm. Her large dyed blonde hair, super long lashes, and attire are likened to the aesthetic of the late sixties and seventies. Her music videos are very pink and very fun, however, the music reflects the sound of a seriously talented musician, not just some dumb lyrically senseless pop star. This woman has goals, and has just conquered one by being invited to perform at the White House. Her sound helps me embrace my feminity and sexuality. She inspires me to love myself and to get the show on the road already! This girl has literally started from the bottom and is completely self made, at just 22. For your own sake, listen to this woman’s music. Kali Uchis is a Colombian bad a**, making huge waves through her compelling and mesmerizing voice and overall aesthetic. Here are some of my favorite music videos of hers, enjoy: Loner and Know What I Want.

 

These ladies are fierce and are communicating sounds so ethereal, raw, and original that they cannot be ignored. Give them a listen and prepare to be inspired.

Image via thehunt.com

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