It's important that the world has strong women to look up to. Especially with the promotion of body-shaming and insecurity, it's crucial that women have a voice. I chose these five female artists based on their ability to authentically express themselves as well as promote self-love. Whether it's in the form of music, social media, or through the work they do, these artists have stepped up to redefine what it means to be a woman in 2019.
Mahalia
British singer/song-writer, Mahalia Burkmar, is popular for her silky R&B voice and her relatable lyrics. Her debut album "Love and Compromise" focuses on self-awareness and relationships. According to Mahalia in an interview with Gal-Dem, the album was inspired by a thirty year-old interview with Eartha Kitt about compromising in love. "Eartha's message with its emphasis on the fundamental importance of self-love and self-awareness is clear as day in Mahalia's work, musical or otherwise."
Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez's writing style is very much like that of Tim Burton - twisted. Her songs uncover harsh truths about the world that are often difficult to swallow. The "Crybaby" artist revealed her second album "K-12" on September 6th. The album took almost four years to finish and includes a feature film. Martinez states in an interview with Idolator that "It's mostly about being in an environment that makes you feel like you can't be your most authentic self. It's about being stripped of your identity and making you feel like you can't really fully be empowered." Take a listen to "Orange Juice" and "Strawberry Shortcake" for a peek into her voice on body image and insecurities.
Lizzo
Quite possibly the queen of "keeping it real," Lizzo is not afraid to be herself. Songs like "Soulmate" and "Like A Girl" from her album "Cuz I Love You" encompass her feelings of self-love and confidence. Lizzo has struggled to love herself and has openly mentioned her depression on social media. In an interview with Elle, she says, "Being in those places is inevitable for me; I'm going to end up there again... But the fact that I'm prepared now to go to those places - and I have a toolbox, and I know I can pull myself out - is really helpful to me in my mental health journey." Lizzo's energy is infectious and her strength is inspiring.
Nicotine
Soulful in every way, Nicotine has a lot to say about vulnerability. In an interview with Pinkprods, she discusses how depression and being in an abusive relationship has affected her life. Her album "An Open Letter" was released February of 2019 and reflects these feelings of overcoming adversity. Even after everything, her story opens us up to having these difficult conversations. She states, "The motive behind my music is to spread love and knowledge of self and those around you. I want everyone to feel me. I am love. I am light. Feel me."
Lady Gaga
Is any list ever complete without Lady Gaga? Being a singer and an actress, Gaga has been on many platforms. She is big on expressing herself and encouraging others to be honest versions of themselves. Along with her inclusive discography, she makes it a point to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, survivors of violence, and people who struggle with mental health conditions. In a 2018 interview with Vogue, Gaga mentioned that she has her own personal experience with PTSD and understands the pain of trauma. Even though she is a pop-culture icon, Gaga is able to relate to her fanbase and has maintained her own sense of self throughout her busy career.
