What's so good?
By Devin Duckworth | December 11th, 2012
2012 was a significant year for blasting the “male electro musician” typecast. Throughout the years, I have heard a bevy of male-dominated electronic music, and from what I can make of these past twelve months, women have undeniably entered the electro genre — and they are diminishing this stereotype with full force.
Coming from all corners of the world, these synth-empowered females have been welcoming interest and praise from magazines and music blogs across the board — and let me say, the attention is well deserved. They don’t hide behind their swarms of synth; these women can actually sing. Some have attained academic training in their craft while their counterparts are self-taught, but each artist carries a distinct sound that is disarmingly beautiful and cannot be contained.
We’ve watched 2012 fall under the female charm; this compilation goes out to the female exponents of cutting-edge electronica. Enjoy.
"Charli XCX - Cloud Aura (Ft. Brooke Candy"
This UK singer joins forces with our favorite stripper-turned-rapper Brooke Candy for a dark and sublime single titled "Cloud Aura." While it comes as no surprise that this 20-year-old has already crossed over as one of 2012's breakthrough artists, she is clearly deserving of a spot on the badass list, with her plethora of emotive pop songs and a growing army of producers and artists itching to work alongside her.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Azealia Banks - Luxury"
I think it's safe to say that this rapper/singer/model/muse deserves to hold a high spot on this list. From her musical range and rap game genius to her stints in Alexander Wang's seasonal campaigns, Azealia Banks is probably one of the baddest bitches around. From the age of 20, she was already talking about ruining cunts and calling herself Yung Rapunxel... if that's not the makings of a badass, I'm not sure what is.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Santigold - Disparate Youth"
What better way to express your badassness than to write a song about how our youth should not have to deal with bullshit that is going on and to just make a new start? Santi sings about "a life worth fighting for" as she fights her way to be one of the coolest bitches around.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Jessie Ware - 110%"
From her powerhouse pipes to her head-turning looks, this UK artist is opening up a whole new genre of female-fronting pop music while still managing to kill her competition of contemporaries. But don't let Jessie Ware's sweet tones fool you -- this lady's got a whole lot of tricks up her sleeve, and I for one am excited to see what she brings to the table in 2013.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Grimes - Oblivion"
Canadian weirdo Claire Boucher is one artist that grabbed 2012 by the balls with her synthed-out album Visions and an ever-changing mix of fashion styles. She's opened tours for Lykke Li, danced with swords and snakes in her music videos, and describes her eclectic mix of styles as "ADD music." Her musical inspiration can be drawn from the likes of Bjork to Aphex Twin while still managing to sound like everything and nothing you've ever heard before.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Chromatics - Lady"
Ruth Radelet of Chromatics hypnotizes fans, critics, and even Karl Lagerfeld with her striking vintage looks, incredible voice and stellar stage presence. She brings a needed femininity to an all-male group, like Nico to the Velvet Underground, with music covering themes from sex to violence to more sex. If you didn't know her before, thankfully now you do.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Solange - Losing You"
Stepping away from the traditional sound of indie pop music, Solange breaks through barriers with this R&B-inspired dance track "Losing You." Her retro style is adequately paired with her soul aesthetic, making her music not only audibly pleasing, but visually appealing. If anyone is able to step away from the spotlight of an über-famous sibling and make a name for themselves, it's Solange. Get it, girl.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Foxes - White Coats"
Louisa Rose Allen, aka Foxes, is an electronic Londonite that has garnered attention from over a million fans across the globe. With looks similar to Zooey Deschanel and ear-perking productions compatible to the stylings of Jessie Ware, Allen marks her spot on our list just by being a gorgeous electronic artist that might just surprise you by kicking your ass.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"KOPPS - Mourning Sex"
Frontwoman Patricia Petrone is an experienced soul/rock singer that writes about sex and fills her website with erotic innuendos. Her album is titled Fuck Jams and you can purchase condoms from her bands homepage. Yeah.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Joyce - Keep the Lights On"
Joyce is the moniker of 21-year-old London songstress Katherine Fussey, who is also the niece of Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. This blond bombshell's re-working of the Wave Machines track "Keep the Lights On" has been a breakthrough gem getting her noticed from blogs all across the world, even Clams Casino has taken a stab at remixing her work.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Devin is a contributing writer for Nylon, a copywriter for Dolls Kill and founder of TEETH MAG.
Instagram: @devinduck
Twitter: @devinduckworth
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