The Sassiest Sounds of the Summer

Somewhere in a valley in America thousands of music lovers (and pretend music lovers) are dancing away to prove that the festival season has well and truly begun! Yes, Coachella is the first of the notorious summer events to take place and it's it has got me all hot under the collar for the rest of the season to get going!
   You may remember a few weeks (or maybe months) back, when the line up for Reading and Leeds festival was released? Few were quick to point out that the listing lacked a little bit of a feminine touch. Only nine acts out of hundreds included women. Shocking! (Or is it?)
   It would be so easy to criticise the festival organisers or the music industry or society but I want to try something new. I want to shine a light on some fabulous women who are knocking about this summer with new music for our little ears to get a hold of. Nothing wrong with a little girl on girl promo. Maybe this way 2016 will boast copious amounts of wonderful, talented beauties and people will moan that there's not enough testosterone. One can only wish...

Marina & The Diamonds

Marina has charmed her way back into the music industry with 'Froot', her utterly sassy third album. If you couldn't tell already I think it is bloody brilliant!! A far cry from the synthetic vibes of 'Electra Heart' this album offers a new side to the Welsh singer, a side which explores her and the entire human race's ability to hurt people. All of this undercut with cleaner and funkier instrumentals. In interviews she boasts it was the first time she's chosen to use live drum and track recordings, going as far to work with Jason Cooper (The Cure) on her track 'Savages'. This album really transcends the traditional 'pop music' genre, which in time where stereotypes and audiences are breaking down to become the most diverse crowds ever, is super important. Performing at Coachella this weekend and hopefully at plenty more events to come, if the opportunity strikes, please check out this mega-babe!

Alabama Shakes

This gal, Brittany (plus the rest of the guys in the band) have been on my radar for a long while now. That debut album was, as cheesy as it sounds, the soundtrack to my summer a few years back and it has made its way back onto my iPod every summer since. They have such a classic sound, like a legendary rock band, could definitely headline any festival kind of sound. I'm currently watching their livestream from Coachella and I am honestly in awe. Second album, Sound & Colour is on the cusp of being birthed into this musical zeitgeist so I suggest you get on the bandwagon, pretty bloody sharpish. 

Shura

You might not realise it, but you probably have heard Shura's not so current hit 'Touch'. I say not so current because it was actually released over a year ago! Sure enough, it sounds current as heck. If you haven't heard it before, then you're just about to find your perfect summer sound. Stunning raspy vocals, with all the reverb you could want, layered over the perfect beats, more releases simply cannot come quick enough. Catch Shura performing her new singles 'Indecision' and '2Shy' at Field Day (Victoria Park, London) for the ultimate summer vibes. I hope I will. You're welcome!

All We Are

This album gives me life. If you like Jungle or Blood Orange then you will for sure need this album in your ears. It's beautiful. Simply beautiful! The album cover, the harmonies, the individual voices, all beautiful. You get my point? They have a few sold out dates about the UK and a couple of festival appearances so do go and be chill to this wonderful wonderful music. 

Wolf Alice

One of the magical nine acts worthy of the Reading and Leeds stage, Wolf Alice 100% deserve it! I happened to catch their live set supporting Alt-J in London and I can confirm that they are one of the coolest bands about. They just ooze cool. Their latest release 'Giant Peach' is festival ready; full of guitar riffs and sassy vocals! I reckon they will be one of the highlights of the summer.  Go and hear and see them before their ticket prices boom. They won't be a new band forever. Their album is due to be released in June- just in time for Glastonbury...

In a world where women's voices are being stamped out, it's great to hear some of the most powerful vocals, sounding better than ever. Above is a very small sample from a pool of brilliant, beautiful and talented women who are creating something amazing at the moment. In a world where Taylor Swift, Florence and FKA Twigs are about (and all playing high up on festival line ups), how can we not have more women following suit? & more festivals booking 'em?

Get your ears around all of the above, because I said so.