Girl power- The new breed of female artist making waves in 2012
A new year means a new set of females ready to take the music industry by storm. After the success and rise of fierce and fearless female artists making waves in 2011 such as: Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga and Ke$ha, it seems that in 2012 a new breed of female artist has emerged from under the woodwork to claim their place in the music industry. Oh yes, the sisters are doin’ it for themselves, check out our top 5 femme fatales below!
Iggy Azalea
We’ve had our eye on 21-year-old Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea (real name Amethyst) since she first put out her fiery mixtape ”Ignorant Art” back in September, talking on her mixtape, Iggy said it was made “with the intent to make people question and redefine old ideals”. We were also impressed by Iggy’s raw lyrics and feisty video’s for her tracks ”Pu$$y” and “My World”. Iggy has a fearless attitude about her which is something we love! She sings about what she wants, wears exactly what she wants and is most definitely a woman on the mission to re-define female rappers in the music industry. Iggy is set to release her debut album The New Classic this June via interscope records, the same record company behind music big timers like: 50 Cent, Lady Gaga and Madonna. Excited to hear the new album by Iggy, who by the way, named herself after her dog ”Iggy”.
Lana Del Ray
25-year-old New York-born singer Lana Del Rey is a girl with a story to tell. Her unique look and deep voice has attracted us to her not only musically but visually too. The video for her song ”Video games” impressed us, taking us back to a time where the world was free and full of fun, sex and rock n’ roll. Lana’s look reminds us of the 70′s with her full lips and long blonde hair, her style is reminiscent of a time where everybody expressed themselves through what they wore, Lana doing so through her most distinct accessory- a gold tooth. Not just an interesting artist, Lana’s sharp features (including her famous full lips) have helped her land a deal with NEXT Modelling agency which has lead to her gracing the cover of V Magazine. We’re excited to see what Lana will come out with in 2012, her album Lana Del Rey A.K.A. Lizzy Grant will be re-released this summer.
Rita Ora
Kosovan-born Rita Ora first came onto our radar early last year. After catching the eye of Jay-Z back in 2009 the 21-year-old blonde quickly signed to his label Roc Nation. We had been waiting for a Rita Ora single to drop for a while but were pleasantly surprised when we heard her feel-good summer jam ”Hot right now” which she featured on alongside DJ Fresh. Rita has dabbled in some modelling also, featuring in the Calvin Klein viral campaign alongside model Lara Stone. Admittedly, we haven’t heard much of Rita’s music but we’ve seen much of her style- which could be summed up quite simply as dope. Her album is set to drop this summer and if her single ”Hot right now” and her cover of Outkat’s ”Hey Ya’s” anything to go by, Rita is on her way to becoming an international star.
Delilah
Meet Delilah, the next big thing to emerge from the British music scene. We first came across 21-year-old Delilah when somebody played her cool electro-inspired song ”GO” in the office which managed to stayed on repeat for the whole afternoon! Parisian-born Delilah (real name Paloma Stoecker) has a real laid back and chilled vibe about her which we like, she has a soft yet melodic voice to match and her Cuban, Nigerian, English, French and Spanish heritage has meant that she has a very unique look. Delilah signed to Atlantic records aged just 17 and has already toured the world with Chase and Status (impressive!). She is set to release her debut album in March which she describes as dupstep and drum and bass influenced.
Azealia Banks
Word on road has is that Harlem-based rapper Azealia Banks is THE one to watch for 2012. After being handpicked by Karl Lagerfeld to perform her single ”212” at a private dinner at his house in Paris, the 20-year-old lyricist is proving to be one of the most talked about girls in the music industry with the likes of Kanye West championing her skills. Azealia has a feisty attitude with a feisty and innovative sound, her sold out tour is coming to the UK in February and she’s also working with Lady Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti, who’s directing her new video ”Liquorice” (the visuals of that are out of this world). We’ll definitely be keeping a very wide and well-mascaraed eye on Ms Banks this year!
By Jessica Anuna
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