The future is female
Don't know where to start when it comes to boosting underrepresented artists? Try here.
I had a right old moan about diversity and representation at festivals recently. Unhelpfully, I tried to throw my hat into the ring and share a few solutions, proclaiming that there’s plenty of emerging female talent out there. So let me prove that to you.
Here are a mere handful of fantastic tracks I stumbled across when researching the piece, before diving into the depths of this year’s festival line-ups and asking why none of these artists were present.
See what you reckon – and please do share your favourites with me.
Honourable mention: The Last Dinner Party – Nothing Matters
A quick aside on this one. The debut single from this charismatic quintet strikes a brilliant balance between summer anthem, indie playlist favourite and art-pop excess – and it’s gaining traction at a breakneck pace; with more than 2.5 million plays.
Why? It’s an accessible, lovingly-crafted banger that marks an astounding debut effort. The last artist that made this much of an impact was might have been Royal Blood; hopefully The Last Dinner Party won’t give out to crowds on stage for not vibing with them.
Hannah Robinson – When I Was High
There’s something dark and mysterious about this one. Hannah Robinson creates a B-movie horror soundtrack wrapped up in a traditional indie rock cocoon. The result – conveyed uniformly through each instrument – is an etherial grit that taunts you, beckoning you a little closer to unpick its layers.
The track elevates you to a higher plain, before making the descent all the more emotive with a barrage of creeping, fuzz-laden tones that crush the airy keys and vocals you’d quickly become addicted to.
Kate Bond – Divide and Rule
Once you’ve given this track a play, soaking in its lounge-inspired strings and soothing arrangement, pull up the lyrics and follow along with Kate Bond’s effortlessly confident delivery.
It’s a truly inspired track that reminded me of indie-pop stalwarts I grew up listening to; only reimagined for the modern listener. She’s forging a searingly distinct identity that any budding fan – be they longing for something new, or pining for noughts nostalgia – can get behind.
Viji – Down
Picture the bedroom-core, reflective Americana of Phoebe Bridgers and her contemporaries, then add just a little extra edge. What is lost in atmosphere is made up for in character. That’s what Viji is all about.
Down is a ode to the fuzzy soundscapes of the nineties, verging into shoegaze territory while never losing sight of the melodies and sharp contrasts that make Viji’s songs what they are. It’s more than worthy of your attention.