13 Feminist Singer Songwriters You Should Be Listening to in 2019
Since the rise of internet platforms like Spotify, Songkick and Soundcloud — listening, streaming and learning about new music has never been easier. Nonetheless, in case you don’t have the time or the desire to dig through the internet in search of empowering, current, female artists that have a great message and inspiring vocals, I’ve compiled 13 feminist artists making music in 2019.
- Alice Phoebe Lou
Alice Phoebe Lou is a refreshing, fierce inspiration. Originally from Cape Town, she began busking her way around Europe at only 16. Alice has stated that she doesn’t believe in musicians using their platform and wealth for personal gain (Ted Talk). She maintains a very intimate relationship with her fans.
2. girl in red
Norwegian singer/songwriter marie, writes in all lower case. She makes all her music in her room and she’s only 20 years old. Her lyrics tell stories about lesbian love, depression, and other powerful commentaries.
3. Lucy Dacus
Lucy Dacus is able to connect with her audience about regret, resolve, bitterness, loss, life and death. Her album Historian is a 10 track masterpiece.
4. Billie Eilish
Who says female artists need to write songs that are pretty? 17 year old Billie Eilish is taking the world by storm with her haunting music that is so vulnerable and, at times, even frightening, it’s no wonder she’s on her way to becoming a household name.
5. Lizzo
If you can get through listening to Lizzo’s “Juice” without dancing and smiling and then feeling like a badass I might have to give up writing and having opinions. “Heard you say I’m not the baddest bitch — you lie!”
6. Gabrielle Aplin
“I’ve been wondering why we’ve been wasting all this time” not listening to Gabrielle Aplin’s pretty, pop songs that have been inspired by Taylor Swift.
7. The Internet
We need more black, genderqueer, LGBT performers like this — why the industry doesn’t promote this band better is one of the world’s great mysteries. “You fucked up and I don’t even want you, can’t believe I wrote another song about you. I don’t love you no more”…then the whole tone of the song changes and we have “got a letter from an old flame the other, says she’s doing just fine and that I’ve been on her mind and…I tried, just know that I tried.” It’s perfect.
8. Poppy Ajudha
Poppy Ajudha reached a new level of fame when Obama listed her as one of his top listened to artists, which she responded to with all the humbleness and graciousness of a modern Grace Kelly.
9. Fenne Lily
“I wondered if you saw that I was sorry for the beating of my heart, that it woke you in the car park. And maybe I should tell you that I’ve villanised my body for too long. Would it help you find excuses to move on? Like I needed more excuses to be stronger.” We’ve all dated someone we allowed to let us down too many times, amirite? Fenne Lily is relatable gold.
10. Lala Lala
Atmospheric and inspired. The message: just be as you are.
11. Ane Brun
This cover of Beyonce’s “Halo” is everything.
12. Phoebe Bridgers
“You gave me 1500 to see your hypnotherapist. I only went one time. You let it slide. Fell on hard times a year ago. Was hoping you would let it go and you did”. Also, Phoebe Bridgers in a suit on a scooter is goals.
13. King Princess
This song is perfect and so is King Princess who is every queer woman’s current heartthrob. She might be everyone’s current heartthrob. Watch this video and you’ll understand why.