By Magnolia Wang ’19, Staff Writer

Getting tired of listening to Justin Bieber complaining about girls?  Need a break from your usual Queen B playlist?  From blues to bubblegum pop, here are 10 of the newest female singers you’ll find refreshing.

1. Dua Lipa.  London singer Dua Lipa’s new single “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)” exudes upbeat vibes filled with sassy lyrics and a catchy chorus, but she also features EDM and soul on her self-titled upcoming album, Dua Lipa.  If you like Amy Winehouse’s luxurious voice or Lana Del Ray’s deep resonance, Lipa’s got it.  
2. Noname.  Oh, the irony!  Her popular debut album, Telefone, was released this August, showcasing her stylistic rhythm.  Noname flaunts her soft rap with a bit of attitude.  Noname even harmonizes in her song “Diddy Bop”, contributed to her graceful voice.  Reminiscent of Chance the Rapper mixed with Frank Ocean, you’ll love her smooth style.
3. Young M.a. Never the “girly girl”, rapper Young M.a. brings out her uniqueness in her new single “Ouuuu” released just this October.  Young Ma.’s loose enunciation makes her a favorite among hardcore rappers.  If you like 50 Cent’s beats, Young M.a. is for you.
4. Kiiara.  This singer’s electronic, glitchy stutter is to love.  Kiiara’s chart-topper “Gold” is filled with her moody, minimal sharpness.  Her fluttery high-pitched voice pairs perfectly with her futuristic beats and persistent bass, great for parties.  My friend Justine Seo is a Kiiara fanatic, and she told me, “Whether I’m running or chilling, I’m always listening to Kiiara.  I find her music really catchy and sleek.”
5. CL.  For all you K-pop fans out there, CL is worth a listen. Chaelin Lee is singer, songwriter, and a model, but above all, she loves to rap. After leaving girl group 2NE1, CL’s brings her rebelliousness to her songs. Her swagger in new single “Lifted”, featuring Jamaican-like beats, complements her edgy vocals.  
6. Leon.  Her most popular song, “Tired of Talking”, introduces her large vocal range as she raises from a low mutter to a high cries.  Leon balances her songs between indie and pop.  If you are a fan of Tori Kelly’s soprano vocals but prefer a little less screaming, Leon’s got those laid-back vibes.  
7. Elle King.  A versatile artist, songwriter, and banjoist, King sings pop, blues, and rock and roll.  King’s gritty voice and hair-raising riffs makes her album Love Stuff  irresistible.  Despite her tambourine-laced hits like “Ex’s and Oh’s,” King also goes acoustic in “Kocaine Karolina” and “Song of Sorrow”.  King puts deep emotion into her songs, personalizing every one of them.
8. Daya.  At only seventeen years old, Daya has produced two chart toppers in her new album Sit Still, Look Pretty.  Daya fuses her folksy, wavering voice with prominent beats, contributing to her well-written, uplifting songs.  Daya’s all about female empowerment, and incorporates positive lyrics in her songs. In her song, Sit Still, Look Pretty, she sings, “This gal right here’s gonna rule the world…no I don’t wanna sit still, look pretty”, which can ease even the grumpiest out of a bad mood.  
9. Melanie Martinez.  After competing in The Voice, Martinez went on to produce her own album, Crybaby.  Martinez’s voice ranges from whispery low to high-pitched yelps in her hit single, “Pity Party”.  Martinez’s songs are based off of her own feelings of love, danger and madness.  You’ll love her lullaby-like eeriness that she emanates.  
10. Alessia Cara.  The nineteen-year-old singer of “Here”, the song that peaked at number five on Billboard Top 100, is an anthem for many teenagers because of its down-to-earth lyrics.  Alessia Cara goes against the “popular” enthusiasm for wild partying and instead conveys her uncomfortableness in the song.  My friend Michaela praised, “I love Alessia Cara! Whenever I’m having a bad day, her songs remind me that everything’s okay.” Cara’s elegant voice graced with beautiful vibrato, combined with her positive lyrics, makes her a powerful singer.  

The hand-picked female singers flaunt their prowess in vocals, witty lyrics, and flawless sass that you’ll fall for.  Whether you’re relaxing with your friends or need a pick-me-up after a long day, check these ladies out and give them a listen!

Drawing courtesy of Justine Seo ’19