Approximately 40,000 songs are uploaded to Spotify's platform daily [1]. That means nearly 280,000 tracks weekly, and 1.1 million monthly on Spotify alone. With all this new music constantly being released, it's more than likely that some songs have flown under your radar. To help you navigate the massive world of the music industry, we rounded up 15 of our favorite up-and-coming female producers, singers, and songwriters to revamp your playlists. Our suggestions range from emerging indie-pop acts like Cray and R&B gems like Alina Baraz to hype-queens like Rico Nasty [2]. Get ready to turn up the volume!
Kali Uchis
When Kali Uchis debuted her 2015 EP, Por Vida, it was destined she'd become R&B's next big thing. Fast forward nearly five years later and the genre-defying Virginia-born artist has world tours and Grammy nominations under her belt. Embodying the true definition of a creative, Kali Uchis (real name Karly-Marina Loaiza) is more than just a singer and songwriter, but a poet, multi-instrumentalist, and fashion trendsetter. In her reggae-pop fusion, "I Know What I Want," Kali Uchis perfectly expresses her empowering and straight-to-the-point attitude fans have come to adore.
Cray
DJ/producer-turned-live-act Cray (real name Cheney Ray) has been bringing a unique flavor to the electronic scene since her debut in 2015. In her diary-like, coming-of-age EP, Seasons Change znd So Do I, she explores her shapeshifting tendencies, while sonically illustrating what it's like to outgrow a relationship. Written over the course of a year and a half, the indie-pop seven-track EP celebrates the flow of emotions that come during and after breakup, as well as the process of learning how to love yourself. Her lead single from the EP, "idontwannnatalkaboutlove" is an electronic-indie hybrid paired stunningly with a music video inspired by her love of all things horror.
Wafia
Wafia's latest music video "Flower & Superpowers" is an artistic, retro dream. Wafia Al-Rikabi, better known by just her first name, is a soulful electronic-pop visionary. She first began writing music as an escape to the monotony of daily university life while studying biomedicine in Australia. Fans may recognize her voice from Louis the Child's single "Better Not", which has amassed over 150 million streams!
Alina Baraz
Emerging from the shadows of Cleveland, OH, in late 2015, was Alina Baraz with her collaborative EP alongside Galimatias, Urban Flora. The soft-spoken R&B singer and songwriter made a serious impression on the music industry, later collaborating with Khalid for their charting single, "Electric." As she continues to work on her debut studio album, Baraz has been steadily releasing singles. The latest to come from her poetry-like mind is her track "To Me" — a sonic celebration of appreciating the blessings in life despite heartbreak.
DeathbyRomy
DeathbyRomy gives a new definition to gothic-chic. At only 19 years old, DeathByRomy (Romy Flores) unapologetically brings an aesthetic fit for the underworld to the forefront of the indie scene. Her latest six-track EP, Love U — to Death, is a hip-hop infused, thematic cut that effortlessly delineates the "terror pop" label she's given herself.
TokiMonsta
There's a lesson to be learned from the awe-inspiring story and sounds of TokiMonsta (real name Jennifer Lee). TokiMonsta, a trailblazer in the electronic scene, released her first studio album back in 2010. During the height of her career, four years later with multiple albums added to her discography and being backed by industry-leading labels, Lee was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. This condition affects blood flow to the brain, and Lee eventually needed to undergo two brain surgeries, which caused her to briefly lose her comprehension skills and ability to understand music. (Check out Vox's Netflix series Explained to hear Lee share the difficulties of relearning how to produce.) "Don't Call Me (feat. Yuna)" is the lead single to come off her 2017 album, Lune Rouge, which was released less than two years after her brain surgeries.
Doja Cat
Nobody embodies modern pop culture quite like Doja Cat [3] (real name Amala Zandile Dlamini). At only 24 years old, Doja Cat has built an empire around her tongue-in-cheek viral hits, as well as her boundary-pushing sense of fashion. She rose to the forefront of the pop industry after her 2018 song "Mooo!" became a viral meme. In a Genius "Verified" interview, Doja Cat explained she was "just having fun" [4] and "made the song and music video in one day." Since its release, not much goes unnoticed from the eccentric pop star. Her latest music video, "Juicy" featuring Tyga, which was released in August 2019, has already surpassed 64 million views!
Elohim
Electropop producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Elohim proves to be one of the genre's most mysterious artists. Though her face can be seen in images, she chooses to keep her real name, age, and voice a secret. Despite this hidden approach, her music tells a different story. Packed with raw lyrical content and upbeat addictive melodies, Elohim juxtaposes the harsh realities of mental illness with vivid beats in her two-part album, Braindead. To honor this, she even donated proceeds of the EP towards various mental health charities during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Whipped Cream
Rising bass queen Whipped Cream (real name Caroline Cecil) has always had an undaunted approach to the music industry. This type of can-do attitude has made her a force to be reckoned with in the electronic scene. Her debut on Atlantic Record's Big Beat imprint was only the beginning of the massive breakout year she had in 2019.
Rico Nasty
Few carry the same amount of boldness that Rico Nasty (real name Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly) does. Whether it's her matter-of-fact, defiant delivery in songs, her forward-thinking fashion sense, or her raw online presence, Rico Nasty doesn't hold back. Her latest music video "Hard" is a perfect summary of her bold aura.
George Maple
George Maple is one of Australia's most influential artists. Aside from singing and producing her own music, she has also been known to write for other recording artists and ghost produce, as well as direct her own music videos. Maple has also been recognized as a fashion icon [5] by Vogue and Elle. She is expected to release her second EP next year.
Com3t
Electronic DJ/producer Com3t (real name Dani Thorne) is known for her colorful hair and even more vivid tunes. The 25-year-old artist has made a name for herself in the bass community through her genre-less, fun-loving DJ sets. She is also in an electronic duo, Master of the People.
CloZee
CloZee (aka Chloé Herry) has a style unlike any other. Her unique blend of organic sounds with electronic beats has lead her on a journey of world tours and countless festival performances. Often described as a "spiritual experience," fans around the globe have come to adore her serene tunes.
Daya
Daya (real name Grace Martine Tando) is no stranger to the limelight. Aside from consistently releasing charting singles, the 21-year-old has embarked on multiple supporting tours, as well as been invited to perform at the White House by Michelle Obama [6]. Her music video for "Let Me Yet" is a chilled-out pop cut about the struggles of a relationship.
Ava Max
Ava Max is best known for her track "Sweet but Psycho" and broke out onto the pop scene in late 2018. Drawing inspiration from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey [7], Ava Max shines thru with her powerful vocals and upbeat melodies. Her studio album is set to debut in 2020.