Emerging Female Artists

Emerging Indie Female Artists Summer 2023

It’s no secret that more and more women are dominating the music industry and finding unique ways to get their voices heard. This month, we’ve received countless buzz-worthy submissions from emerging indie female artists all over the globe. This post highlights some phenomenal women to watch for the summer in the independent music scene.

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Emerging Indie Female Artists

Emerging Indie Female Artists

ALBA

ALBA is a French pop artist who released her most recent EP, Le bon sens, on July 5th. Her polarizing two-single project, “Oh! Chéri !” and “Oui chérie ?” shows a relationship from both sides (chéri/chérie) with two different production styles.

The first, “Oh! Chéri !” depicts a frustrated partner singing, “dis-moi pourquoi avec toi, c’est toujours comme ça ? Les promesses vaines, ta mauvaise foi* !” While the visual is in color, the song stays in a melancholic realm of doubt, unanswered questions, and exasperation. In contrast, “Oui chérie ?” is a more upbeat, synth-pop track responding to all the questions. “J’ai jamais menti. Je vois bien le problème, mais moi, j’ai rien promis**.” ALBA portrays this “couldn’t care less” side of the story in a black & white video accompanied by violins and a Latin influence.

*Tell me why it’s always the same with you? Your vain promises and bad faith.

**I never lied. I can see the problem, but I didn’t promise anything.

Amelie Lucille

Emerging Indie Female Artists

Amelie Lucille’s latest single, “Mess,” will have you questioning whether you are listening to Billie Eilish, Nina Nesbitt, or Olivia Rodrigo. The NYC indie-folk artist released her self-titled debut EP on June 15th. At the young age of 14, she already sets herself apart with her classic influences ranging from Björk to Lana Del Rey. Her pure vocals and tone highlight her “old soul” mentality. “Mess” is one of seven tracks on her EP. The single is well-polished, exquisitely written, and perfectly delivered. Within seconds of listening to this track, you won’t believe your ears. Furthermore, Amelie Lucille emulates raw talent and poise and is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the indie scene.

Ferielle

Emerging Indie Female Artists

Parisian pop artist Ferielle shares singles “JAMAIS” and “JETER UN SORT” on her debut EP l’eau qui dort. Her voice is sublime and rich, often compared to the likes of Maggie Rogers or King Princess in her musical style. You may recognize her 2022 single, “dis-moi on où va,” from season 3 of Emily in Paris. Her voice is undoubtedly recognizable, soft, and ethereal. The catchy melodies in “dis-moi où on va” and “JAMAIS” linger in your head, even if you don’t speak French. Her music transports you to a lighthearted rom-com movie you idolized in the 90s.

Hello Sister

Emerging Indie Female Artists

Pop-punk sister trio, Hello Sister, is on a kick to follow the path of the Jonas Brothers but in the musical style of Avril Lavigne or Paramore. The Orlando, Florida sisters previously appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2021. This year, the pop-rock teens shared a catalog of singles, including “Invisible Girl,” “Lately,” “Things You Never Said,” and “tragic.” “Invisible Girl” shows a softer, more emotional side to the group, while “Lately” brings on Avril-esque teenage angst. Their songs are incredibly catchy and memorable, staying with you even after one listen. The lyrics relate to teenagers going through similar growing pains in relationships, friendships, life, and love. Above all, Hello Sister demonstrates a knack for blending genres with their charismatic flair.

Kaÿcie

Kaÿcie is a Franco-American artist born in France known for her folk/pop indie style. Her single, “MOON,” is an innovative blend of indie, pop, folk, and acoustic styles. A haunting twangy guitar rings out in the introduction, encouraging the listener to stay alert. Kaÿcie’s folky vocals lure you in and draw you to the chorus, encompassed by rock-esque guitars as it builds. It’s alluring, earthy, serene, and thought-provoking.

Her recent single, “Young Hearts,” showcases her superb vocal ability, soft indie folk style, and poetic lyricism. The chorus soars over a harmony of “My young heart is old, for my love is bold, and your fire’s beauty to behold.” Kaÿcie’s songwriting shines brightly on this track as she uses imagery to describe how her youth has dwindled, revealing an older, wiser, more poised version of herself in love.

Micaela Kleinsmith

Micaela Kleinsmith is a South African country artist and the first winner of the Apple TV+ series My Kind of Country. The series, executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Kacey Musgraves, features coaches from the country music scene. Orville Peck scouted and coached Micaela on the show, leading her to victory. Micaela dazzled her audience with hit singles like “If I Die Young,” “Need You Now,” and “Good Kisser.” The soulful artist shared her original songs “Stupid Love” and “Butterfly” while on the show.

Micaela’s recent EP Butterfly includes her most popular single, “Raise This Cup,” a dance-worthy country drinking song. In contrast, a softer side reflects in her latest release, “Over You,” with Rudi Simon & Marcel Aquila. “Over You” spotlights her rich vocals on a surprising dance track showing her depth outside of the country music world.

Naya

Emerging Indie Female Singers

French singer-songwriter Naya shared her single, “vaguémo,” a melancholic dream-pop tune. The gloomy lyrics create a somber and sorrowful atmosphere around her mesmerizing vocals. Her voice is unique and memorable after a few seconds, setting her apart from many artists in this genre. The chorus draws listeners into a trancelike state as her voice rings out, “comme une tempête qui souffle dans ta tête, et tout le flot, tout le flot de cette vague émo*.”

Naya’s hypnotic vocals and distinctive style put her in line with the likes of Holly Humberstone, Gracie Abrams, and Beach House. Most recently, Naya opened for The 1975 at the gorgeous L’Olympia music hall in Paris.

*Like a storm blowing in your head, and all the flood, all the flood of this emo wave.

Sarah Lake

Emerging Indie Female Artists

Nashville country artist and former American Idol top 20 contestant, Sarah Lake, has had success lately with her single, “Good to Be Gone.” She released two versions of the track; a radio single and an acoustic version. Sarah co-wrote “Good to Be Gone” with Songland finalist Alyssa Newton. The song is produced by her husband and Grammy Nominated producer Ernie Lake. Sarah’s voice sounds flawless in this summer breakup track, especially on the acoustic version. The lyrics and storytelling aspect put you directly into the singer’s shoes. “Good to Be Gone” is an immediate earworm stuck in your head for days.

Sarah recently released a collaborative single with Lucas Grabeel entitled “Back to You.” She follows this with her brand-new track, “To Alabama,” a love song to Alabama, a peaceful place to escape. The single is a writing collaboration with the Nashville country rock group Everette.

tiger del flor

Emerging Indie Female Musicians

Emerging indie pop artist tiger del flor drops an ‘in-your-face’ grunge-inspired single, “shut up and kiss me!” You may recognize the singer from the popular reality series Love Island, USA (Season 4). Del flor makes a bang with “shut up and kiss me!” combining pop, punk, and grunge elements. She pays homage to fellow Seattle legends Nirvana, Hole, and Mudhoney, some of the groups she grew up listening to. “Shut up and kiss me!” is melodic, edgy, seductive, and nostalgic; it creeps into your ears and echos in your brain. tiger del flor is gearing up to release her debut EP see me in hell.

Discover these incredible Emerging Indie Female Artists and so many others on our “New Music Emerging Now” playlists for the season.

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Sterling Drake Highway 200

Now Spinning Sterling Drake ‘Highway 200’: Timeless Troubadour Tunes

Artist Q&A: Sterling Drake Highway 200 EP. Country crooner and Montana to Nashville artist Sterling Drake released his Highway 200 EP pressed on colored vinyl by Soul Step Records this month. Sterling, known for his deep country and western roots on his family’s ranch in Florida, connects his love of music to influences from his parents and grandparents. Drake grew up listening to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Roger Miller, all of whom played a formative role in his music career.

If you’re new to Sterling Drake’s music, travel back to the era of outlaw country with Highway 200. Today’s mainstream country music seldom hits the wistful longing of a genuine country and western troubadour. You’ll be head over boots with one listen of “In the Pines” or “Highway 200” from this noteworthy rugged EP. Today we chat with Sterling Drake about living between Montana ranches and Nashville and the background of Highway 200.

Shop the Sterling Drake Highway 200 on vinyl by Soul Step Records HERE.

Sterling Drake Highway 200

Q&A with Sterling Drake //

PDLR: How have you found being in Nashville beneficial to your career? Do you still go back and forth between Nashville and Montana? 

Sterling Drake: “I think most artists that have spent time in Music City realize that it’s a love-hate relationship. If you move to a large music community, keeping your goals in mind is important. It’s easy to lose yourself in all the happenings of a big city. At times I’ve put too much stock into that town, which has ultimately led to a bit of resentment.”

“I went back to Montana during Covid, and my time away helped restore my perspective on Nashville. There is nowhere else with the amount of concentrated talent and abundance of country music lovers in a several-mile radius. The biggest benefit is mingling and playing with pickers and songwriters on any night. Currently, I spend my year split between Montana and Tennessee. When I’m in Nashville, I’m on the road, co-writing or recording. My downtime is back in Montana.”

PDLR: I’m eager to know more about country music’s influence on your childhood.  Can you paint the picture of when you realized you wanted to pursue country music?

Sterling Drake: “My father and grandparents introduced me to country music as a kid. Papa was a big Willie, Waylon, and Roger Miller fan. It’s safe to say that it’s in our genetics. Admittedly, that wasn’t the music that piqued my interest in my teens. While I wrote country songs, most of my musical time involved playing drums or lead guitar in rock bands. I like to say that country is emo music for people with adult problems. It takes a little bit of living for it to grow on ya.”

“It’s a long Montana winter, and it’s likely to drive us both insane, and the livestock and the jukebox are the only thing to occupy my brain.”

PDLR: Did you have any specific influences for this EP?  Whether it be another artist’s music or personal experiences.

Sterling Drake: “I wanted to incorporate several different styles of music that I enjoy. Highway 200 includes western traditional, old-time, and outlaw country. As a fan of American roots music, I aspire to fuse its different features into something new yet familiar.”

PDLR: Do you work with other songwriters, musicians, etc.?  If so, who are some of your favorite collaborators? 

Sterling Drake: “I’ve been fortunate enough to call a lot of great musicians and songwriters close friends of mine. I particularly enjoy discussing music and playing with Ryan Stigmon, a gentleman I’ve spent the past few years with on the road. He’s a steel guitar player out of Asheville, NC. Nashville is my musical home base. In Music City, I enjoy my time away from the road playing music and spending time with folks like Timbo, Sierra Ferrell, Hannah Juanita, Mose Wilson, Brennen Leigh, and many others.”

PDLR: What song on Highway 200 has the most meaning for you and why?

Sterling Drake: “I’d say the title track. It’s a true story about one of my experiences ranching in western Montana. Admittedly, there’s a bit of self-inflicted romanticism about western culture and ranching as a whole that I prescribe to. “Highway 200″ attempts to paint a more accurate picture of the lifestyle.”

“And I rented out a motel room off of Highway 200 just to work a riding job to earn my pay. And they never say this cowboy life was a good place to bring a wife, and I ain’t got a dollar to my name.”

PDLR: If you could collaborate or tour with any country artist, who would it be?

Sterling Drake: “I’ve spent time on the road with many of my contemporary artists and idols! In a fantasy world, I’d love to work with George Strait. One can dream.”

PDLR: What future goals do you have for your music career?

Sterling Drake: “Keep making more music and playing more shows for the good people!”


*Soul Step Records upfronts the cost of vinyl production for new artists. For more information on Soul Step Records and their mission, visit their website or follow them on Instagram below.

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best of Raleigh

Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music

As Raleigh, NC steadily grows, so does the Raleigh music scene. We’ve zoomed in on local upcoming music artists to create an Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music guide and playlist. Local residents of Raleigh can easily catch these artists playing events while exploring the Triangle. Check out our song picks and playlists below featuring Christian James, Paige King Johnson, Heather Sarona, Stray Local, and more!

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

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best of Raleigh music

Best of Raleigh Music: Top Songs

// “Lately” by Christian James ft. Laith, and Chico //-Alternative/Hip-hop

Christian James, a local Hip-hop/Rap artist, released a more Alternative style single, “Lately,” this May. “Lately” is an infectious earworm that takes us back to the days of streaming “Waves” by Mr. Probz while enjoying a summer cocktail. The single incorporates clever lyrics, “Baby, baby grab the phone seven digits, seven minutes till I land, Amy Winehouse records spinning like a ceiling fan.” The verses hit with just the right amount of diction and flow, leading to an undeniably catchy pre-hook and chorus. “Lately” is one of those songs you listen to once and can easily sing along by the last chorus. Follow Christian James for more new music coming next week!

// “Window to Break” by Heather Sarona //-Americana Singer-songwriter

Holly Springs native singer-songwriter, Heather Sarona, debuted her first album, Head Above Water, this past January. “Window to Break” is a standout coda to the Alternative-folk style LP. Haunting lyrics like “My treasure and my pride, there for you to take, my window’s yours to break” showcase the vulnerability of being unguarded in a relationship. Her folky vocals and southern charm will win you over in this soothing single. You can catch Heather in the Triangle over the next few months with her next appearance on September 17th at Mason Jar in Fuquay.

// “Maybe We’re All” by John Sierra //-Singer-songwriter

“Maybe We’re All” is a pensive, thought-provoking track by Raleigh Singer-songwriter John Sierra. The beautifully written, coffeehouse playlist-type song embodies longing and commonality. Sierra recounts several stories of lonely passersby and links a common ground by singing, “Maybe we’re all looking for love, maybe we’re all looking for home.” Check out John Sierra live around Durham and Raleigh from now until December!

// “Holding Hope” by Jon Ward Beyle //-Folk-rock

Jon Ward Beyle has an Avett Brothers-esque style of vocals and storytelling on the single “Holding Hope” from his debut album Worth Stopping For (2021). “Holding Hope” is reflective and wistful, a perfect folk-rock ballad that starts soft and amps to close. The track is a true homage to songwriting in the sense of being able to connect with listeners and send a powerful message through music. Jon Ward Beyle frequents one of our favorite venues in Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle, and is set to play at The Evening Muse in Charlotte this Friday with Courtney Lynn & Quinn.

// “American Beauty” by Paige King Johnson //-Country singer-songwriter

If you’re looking for an America’s sweetheart country singer in the Triangle, Paige King Johnson is your girl. Her single “American Beauty,” off of her debut album Honky Tonk Heart (released June 2022), could easily land her a few gigs opening for some of your favorite country artists. In fact, Paige has already been an opening act for the likes of Kane Brown, Scotty McCreery, Joe Nichols, and Gabby Barrett! “American Beauty” is a ‘tale as old as time’ classic country song with mature flawless vocals. The story of “American Beauty” is a reminder to young women, as well as a personal anthem to the artist, that you can chase your dreams, and everything will work out.

Paige has several upcoming tour dates in the area. She’ll be playing with local The Voice star Britton Buchanan in Sanford this Thursday!

// “Shiver” by Stray Local //-Indie-pop

Stray Local is an upbeat Indie-pop band that you may stumble upon while out in the Raleigh area. The husband-and-wife duo, Hannah and Jamie Rowen, have several catchy singles, including “Shiver,” an easy-listening pop track. Stray Local are also avid runners, and “Shiver” is a great soundtrack for a scenic jog in the triangle. Catch them live as they hop from breweries to coffee shops in the area.

// “Worthless” by Tiger Beach //-Indie-rock

Raleigh’s own Tiger Beach is on a roll of releasing new music. “Worthless” is our favorite track of their recent releases over the past year. Reminiscent of Wallows Tell Me That It’s Over vocally and The Cure’s Disintegration sonically, “Worthless” defines Tiger Beach’s Indie-rock sound. The key change on the bridge draws you in closer to the melancholic chorus, “Tell me that it’s always just so worthless, tell that I’m wasting all of my time, tell me that I’m never gonna make it.” The defining repetitive bassline continues through the end in a culmination of power-surging sounds. Follow Tiger Beach for updates on upcoming shows!


Check out all of these songs and more on our Emerging Now playlists below

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new music upcoming artists

New Music Summer 2022: Seven Songs Seven Genres

We are interrupting your Friday Eve with new music from a diverse group of upcoming artists. Luckily, we didn’t have to go further than our inbox to find a variety of tunes to soundtrack your workweek blues and get an early start to the weekend. Scroll through to your favorite genre or check out all seven tracks and more on our weekly new music summer 2022 playlist.

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform to ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

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New music summer 2022 playlist

New Music Summer 2022 Playlist

// “Lost Sheep” by Onyi Moss //-Singer-Songwriter

Singer-songwriter Onyi Moss takes you on a dreamy journey in her new release “Lost Sheep.” The Manchester-based British/Nigerian artist’s soothing voice will be the perfect addition to your meditation or relaxation playlist to cure those Sunday Scaries.

// “Heartbroken in a Honkey Tonk” by J. Antonette //-Country

Our Nashville country queen J. Antonette has the cure for your achy breaky heart. Drown out your tears with a few tequila shots and some Coyote Ugly style bar dancing to “Heartbroken in a Honkey Tonk.”

// “You Said” by Misa //-Trip-hop

London-based trip-hop singer Misa released the airy break-up single “You Said” last Friday. Her unique style of combining dance music with smooth ambient sounds and elements of hip-hop introduces a genre that is entirely new to us as listeners. The track sounds as if a cool evening sea breeze is whispering her feelings.

// “DIS MOI” by Omran //-French Rap/Hip-Hop

Maintenant pour un peu de musique française. “DIS MOI” est un nouveau morceau par rappeur et chanteur français, Omran. Sa voix douce peint une image de couples dansant sous le coucher de soleil à la fin d’été. On veut vraiment danser !

// “TALK RICH” by HeyStax //-Rap/Hip-Hop

Upcoming Atlanta, GA artist Heystax released his third studio album entitled “A Beautiful Way to Let Go” last Friday. The ATL rapper brings the heat with the single “Talk Rich,” which could easily be played on repeat with windows down all summer long. Be sure to check out the rest of the album as well! Some of our other favorite tracks are “Break the Rules,” “Believe,” and “Right Hand Man.”

// “Kick It Up” by Michelle Fabre //-Pop

New York-based pop singer-songwriter Michelle Fabre blessed us with an all-out dance anthem, “Kick It Up.” The new track exudes elements of 80s dance music alongside upbeat pop vocals to serve as a great addition to your summer playlist. Michelle is certainly an artist to watch as she has been breaking the scene in NYC.

// “10:36” by beabadoobee //-Alternative

Indie-alternative artist beabadoobee (bee-uh-buh-doo-bee) is no stranger to the new music scene. Beatrice Laus of Dirty Hit Records will release her second studio album, Beatopia, on July 15th. “10:36” is the third single from her highly anticipated sophomore album. “10:36” sounds like a background track to a 90s movie, filled with lines of angsty spoken voice. We are fully prepared for this album to take us on a nostalgic 90s flashback of luscious female vocals.

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