1. Courtney Barnett
Listen, if you don't know who Courtney Barnett is yet, you should stop living under a rock. This Australian rocker has been nominated for various honors in the music world, including Best New Artist in the 2016 GRAMMYs. I recommend giving her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit, a spin, as it has a very relaxed, yet rocking vibe about it. She released an album with Kurt Vile last year, Lotta Sea Lice, that is definitely worth a listen or two (or three). You can (and should) find more of her music on Spotify!
2. Bleached
Bleached is a LA-based sister duo. They have two albums and an EP out, and have most notably toured with Paramore. Jennifer Clavin, lead singer, has this to say about their music: “We don’t want perfection because it’s boring. We want to make music that’s as real as life.” I saw Bleached back in the fall, and it was one of the funnest sets I've ever seen. The energy the gals brought to the stage was incredible. During the last number the bassist crowd surfed WHILE she was playing. Rad. You can find all of their music on Spotify.
3. Tash Sultana
I first saw this video on Facebook almost a year ago. I was taken aback by the talent in front of me on the screen. Tash Sultana is a busking musician from Melbourne who, through hard-work, raw talent, and the internet, has drawn a lot of attention. Tash regularly sells out shows without any promo. Talk about goals. As you can see in the video, every element of her music is produced by her. When asked how she got where she is, she responded with “when you completely love what you do, it just takes you somewhere else". Check her out on Spotify!
4. Francesca Simone
While Simone doesn't have her own music out, she still rocks hard. The guitarist from the Bay Area has toured with various big name acts, such as Beyoncé and Kehlani (when I saw her). When she played for Kehlani, she drew my attention in the best way. She rocked the acoustic and the electric and overall just killed the entire performance. Check out her Insta: @francescasimone
5. Liza Anne
Liza Anne, an American musician from Georgia, has two studio albums available for streaming. Her most noteworthy song, "Paranoia", she released last year. People have embraced the song as a vivid interpretation of anxiety. Including "Paranoia", she has been periodically releasing singles off her newest album Fine But Dying, which is set to be released March 9, 2018. Keep an eye out for it!
6. Ida Maria
This Norwegian rocker earned her success in 2007 after winning two national competitions for unknown artists. She's had a number of placements in television and video games, which began with "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" (featured above) in My Life as Liz. Fun fact: Ida has been known to experience synesthesia, or seeing colors with music, which is pretty wild! Anyway, you can check out her stuff on Spotify.
7. Melanie Faye
If you're looking for chill vibes and some beautiful guitar playing, check out Melanie Faye. I can't really tell you all that much about Melanie, because she's just beginning, but what I can tell you is that she's crazy cool and talented. And that you should follow her on Instagram: @rainbow_fever_1998_
