Indie pop female vocalists
May 26, 2012 7:46 PM Subscribe
I'm really liking female indie-pop vocalists right now (Kimba, Florence Welch, Adele, Marina + the Diamonds). Who else should I listen to? Sorry, I hate Kate Bush.
*Maybe* this is your kinda thing:
:)
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 7:50 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
:)
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 7:50 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I bet you'll have some fun with Tegan and Sara.
posted by General Malaise at 7:51 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by General Malaise at 7:51 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Bosque Brown
Regina Spektor
St. Vincent
Esperanza Spalding
Chairlift
Bat for Lashes
Tori Amos
Bjork
Kate Havnevik
Imogen Heap
Jem
Goldfrapp
Psapp
My Brightest Diamond
posted by John Cohen at 7:53 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Regina Spektor
St. Vincent
Esperanza Spalding
Chairlift
Bat for Lashes
Tori Amos
Bjork
Kate Havnevik
Imogen Heap
Jem
Goldfrapp
Psapp
My Brightest Diamond
posted by John Cohen at 7:53 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You might enjoy JJAMZ -- here's Never Enough.
posted by shamash at 7:59 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by shamash at 7:59 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: The Bird and the Bee
Camera Obscura
A Fine Frenzy
Lenka
posted by John Cohen at 7:59 PM on May 26, 2012
Camera Obscura
A Fine Frenzy
Lenka
posted by John Cohen at 7:59 PM on May 26, 2012
Slightly different and weirder, but close -- Gang Gang Dance. Lizzi Bougatsos!
posted by darksong at 8:00 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by darksong at 8:00 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Beth Orton is worth a listen
posted by Fiery Jack at 8:00 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Fiery Jack at 8:00 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
Best answer: heather christian and the arbornauts -
mama said
hambone
teardrop, a massive attack cover
posted by nadawi at 8:03 PM on May 26, 2012
mama said
hambone
teardrop, a massive attack cover
posted by nadawi at 8:03 PM on May 26, 2012
Old school: Cocteau Twins
International: Dengue Fever
posted by sleepytako at 8:11 PM on May 26, 2012
International: Dengue Fever
posted by sleepytako at 8:11 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Janelle Monae
Universal Hall Pass
Deb Talen / The Weepies
Jodi Shaw
Katie Herzig
posted by nicebookrack at 8:15 PM on May 26, 2012
Universal Hall Pass
Deb Talen / The Weepies
Jodi Shaw
Katie Herzig
posted by nicebookrack at 8:15 PM on May 26, 2012
Missy Higgins started out as more folk, but has become more pop in the Aussie scene. I love her lyrics.
Another that I love is Brandi Carlile, who is also folk/country/soul. They're very good vocalists. Hope you like'em.
posted by icollectpurses at 8:16 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Another that I love is Brandi Carlile, who is also folk/country/soul. They're very good vocalists. Hope you like'em.
posted by icollectpurses at 8:16 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
You've already favorited answers that contained most of my recommendations, but I'll add:
Anya Marina (indie-pop)
Christina Perri (more pop than indie)
Silversun Pickups (more rock than pop)
posted by gatorae at 8:16 PM on May 26, 2012
Anya Marina (indie-pop)
Christina Perri (more pop than indie)
Silversun Pickups (more rock than pop)
posted by gatorae at 8:16 PM on May 26, 2012
Bic Runga
Gretchen Lieberum
Madeleine Peyroux
Lisa Bassenge
posted by jet_silver at 8:17 PM on May 26, 2012
Gretchen Lieberum
Madeleine Peyroux
Lisa Bassenge
posted by jet_silver at 8:17 PM on May 26, 2012
Coeur de Pirate
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 8:25 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 8:25 PM on May 26, 2012
Rilo Kiley (their lead singer is Jenny Lewis).
posted by katie at 8:26 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by katie at 8:26 PM on May 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
frente -
bizarre love triangle
labor of love
lenka
heart skips a beat
the show
bunnygrunt -
silly girl
the muffs -
rock'n'roll girl
candypants
dishy
kim deal - the amps/breeders/pixies
pacer
the freed pig
gigantic
daisy chainsaw
love your money
mazzy star
blue flower
fade into you
drugstore
superglider
amanda palmer
in my mind
do you swear to tell the truth...
map of tasmania [mnsfw]
posted by nadawi at 8:45 PM on May 26, 2012
bizarre love triangle
labor of love
lenka
heart skips a beat
the show
bunnygrunt -
silly girl
the muffs -
rock'n'roll girl
candypants
dishy
kim deal - the amps/breeders/pixies
pacer
the freed pig
gigantic
daisy chainsaw
love your money
mazzy star
blue flower
fade into you
drugstore
superglider
amanda palmer
in my mind
do you swear to tell the truth...
map of tasmania [mnsfw]
posted by nadawi at 8:45 PM on May 26, 2012
really, all the amanda palmer links should probably be considered mnsfw
posted by nadawi at 8:47 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by nadawi at 8:47 PM on May 26, 2012
Lianne La Havas: Lost and Found, Forget, and No Room For Doubt
Delilah: Strong For Me and Breathe (Feat Liam Bailey)
B Lewis: Choice One Stay and Choice Two Leave
jj: Let Them, I'm The One/Money On My Mind, We Can't Stop, and No One Can Touch Us Tonight
MoZella: Light Years Away, Killing Time, Messiah
My internet has been slow tonight which is why I didn't include the Youtube links.
posted by livinglearning at 8:59 PM on May 26, 2012
Delilah: Strong For Me and Breathe (Feat Liam Bailey)
B Lewis: Choice One Stay and Choice Two Leave
jj: Let Them, I'm The One/Money On My Mind, We Can't Stop, and No One Can Touch Us Tonight
MoZella: Light Years Away, Killing Time, Messiah
My internet has been slow tonight which is why I didn't include the Youtube links.
posted by livinglearning at 8:59 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Ahh, I can't believe Lana Del Rey hasn't been mentioned yet! Absolutely love her work, listen to Video Games, Born To Die, Summertime Sadness, and Blue Jeans.
posted by livinglearning at 9:01 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by livinglearning at 9:01 PM on May 26, 2012
Thao Nguyen -- performing a Tiny Desk Concert on NPR, or as Thao and Mirah on the song Eleven
Jenny Owens Young -- Last Person
Zee Avi -- Bitter Heart
posted by vespertine at 9:03 PM on May 26, 2012
Jenny Owens Young -- Last Person
Zee Avi -- Bitter Heart
posted by vespertine at 9:03 PM on May 26, 2012
Tegan and Sara
Kate Nash
Asobi Sesku
Azure Ray
Ellie Goulding
The Joy Formidable
Leona Naess
Olivia Broadfield
The Organ
Reverie Sound Reverie
Stars
Uffie
Uh Huh Her
posted by thischarmingirl at 9:05 PM on May 26, 2012
Kate Nash
Asobi Sesku
Azure Ray
Ellie Goulding
The Joy Formidable
Leona Naess
Olivia Broadfield
The Organ
Reverie Sound Reverie
Stars
Uffie
Uh Huh Her
posted by thischarmingirl at 9:05 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Feels sort of weird to do this because I've never seen it happen, but this recent song on MefiMusic struck me as in line with current pop female vocals without being nearly as derivative as most.
posted by cmoj at 9:57 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by cmoj at 9:57 PM on May 26, 2012
Check out: Sharon Van Etten and First Aid Kit. Laura Marling is an incredible UK folk talent—not exactly indie, but very much worth checking out. Her latest album, A Creature I Don't Know, channels Joni, but her previous album, I Speak Because I Can, is more her own style.
Liz Phair is kinda divisive—her latest stuff is atrocious, but her first couple of albums are worth a shot.
Some people have mentioned Jenny Lewis—her album as Jenny And Johnny has some good stuff on there.
posted by Specklet at 10:11 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Liz Phair is kinda divisive—her latest stuff is atrocious, but her first couple of albums are worth a shot.
Some people have mentioned Jenny Lewis—her album as Jenny And Johnny has some good stuff on there.
posted by Specklet at 10:11 PM on May 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Cate le Bon
posted by roboton666 at 11:17 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by roboton666 at 11:17 PM on May 26, 2012
Seconding Ingrid Michaelson, also maybe Little Boots (might be too electronic).
posted by clerestory at 11:34 PM on May 26, 2012
posted by clerestory at 11:34 PM on May 26, 2012
Best answer: Seconding First Aid Kit & Laura Marling
My indie lady playlist at the moment is something like this -
Ren Harvieu
Beth Jeans Houghton
Eleanor Friedburger
Anna Calvi
Kathleen Edwards
Lykke Li
Nina Nastasia
The Unthanks
Cathy Davey
Of course my heart will always belong to Sandy Denny
posted by brilliantmistake at 1:58 AM on May 27, 2012 [2 favorites]
My indie lady playlist at the moment is something like this -
Ren Harvieu
Beth Jeans Houghton
Eleanor Friedburger
Anna Calvi
Kathleen Edwards
Lykke Li
Nina Nastasia
The Unthanks
Cathy Davey
Of course my heart will always belong to Sandy Denny
posted by brilliantmistake at 1:58 AM on May 27, 2012 [2 favorites]
I saw Gabby Young and Other Animals live a few months ago. They were fantastic.
posted by TheOtherGuy at 3:16 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by TheOtherGuy at 3:16 AM on May 27, 2012
Kirsty MacColl. Always.
posted by shallowcenter at 3:51 AM on May 27, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by shallowcenter at 3:51 AM on May 27, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Nellie McKay? [ I Will Be There | The Down Low | Gin Rummy | Galleon ]
Ani DiFranco? [ Heartbreak Even | Pixie | 32 Flavors | Your Next Bold Move ]
Dar Williams? [ As Cool As I Am | Your Fire Your Soul | Closer to Me | It's Alright | What Do You Hear in These Sounds | I Won't Be Your Yoko Ono ]
Seconds for Aimee Mann, Regina Spektor, Poe, and the Cardigans (they're more than just "Love Fool" ...)
posted by orthicon halo at 4:41 AM on May 27, 2012
Ani DiFranco? [ Heartbreak Even | Pixie | 32 Flavors | Your Next Bold Move ]
Dar Williams? [ As Cool As I Am | Your Fire Your Soul | Closer to Me | It's Alright | What Do You Hear in These Sounds | I Won't Be Your Yoko Ono ]
Seconds for Aimee Mann, Regina Spektor, Poe, and the Cardigans (they're more than just "Love Fool" ...)
posted by orthicon halo at 4:41 AM on May 27, 2012
Best answer: No one has mentioned Fiona Apple?! Fiona Apple.
posted by gentian at 5:22 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by gentian at 5:22 AM on May 27, 2012
Silversun Pickups
The lead singer of this band is actually a man.
On the flip side, Beach House, a band with a low voiced female singer.
posted by teekat at 6:25 AM on May 27, 2012
The lead singer of this band is actually a man.
On the flip side, Beach House, a band with a low voiced female singer.
posted by teekat at 6:25 AM on May 27, 2012
Scandyland rep-re-sent!
Ane Brun
Rebekka Karijord
Irya's Playground
The Knife / Karin Dreijer / Fever Ray (not as poppy)
Laleh
Not indy per se, but poppy and you probably haven't heard them.
Robyn
Lisa Miskovsky
Not scandy, arguably not indy, don't know if it's pop, but you gotta try this!
The Gossip - Heavy Cross and Standing in the way of control
Also, Of monsters and men aren't solely female fronted, but have a sound you might like, and if you do, you can also check out Beautiful South who often did lovely duets.
posted by Iteki at 6:59 AM on May 27, 2012
Ane Brun
Rebekka Karijord
Irya's Playground
The Knife / Karin Dreijer / Fever Ray (not as poppy)
Laleh
Not indy per se, but poppy and you probably haven't heard them.
Robyn
Lisa Miskovsky
Not scandy, arguably not indy, don't know if it's pop, but you gotta try this!
The Gossip - Heavy Cross and Standing in the way of control
Also, Of monsters and men aren't solely female fronted, but have a sound you might like, and if you do, you can also check out Beautiful South who often did lovely duets.
posted by Iteki at 6:59 AM on May 27, 2012
Another vote for Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins, but also her other stuff) and Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star).
posted by BibiRose at 7:54 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by BibiRose at 7:54 AM on May 27, 2012
Sorry to keep adding posts. Julee Cruise; she has worked with Angelo Badalamenti.
posted by BibiRose at 7:59 AM on May 27, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by BibiRose at 7:59 AM on May 27, 2012 [1 favorite]
Check out Greta Gertler/Universal Thump. Fantastic stuff.
posted by mintcake! at 8:17 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by mintcake! at 8:17 AM on May 27, 2012
Lisa Hannigan maybe
posted by book 'em dano at 9:59 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by book 'em dano at 9:59 AM on May 27, 2012
Best answer: Nthing Anna Calvi and Lisa Hannigan. The last (latest?) two Cardigans albums (Long Gone Before Daylight and Extra Super Gravity) are wonderful. They're sad and a little dark and not at all like the cutesy and poppy stuff of their earlier career. If I had to pick one of those albums, Long Gone would win.
posted by TheDonF at 11:06 AM on May 27, 2012
posted by TheDonF at 11:06 AM on May 27, 2012
KT Tunstall
Sara Bareilles
Ivy (sample off their album In the Clear, but I recommend checking out their album Long Distance too)
posted by StrawberryPie at 6:38 PM on May 27, 2012
Sara Bareilles
Ivy (sample off their album In the Clear, but I recommend checking out their album Long Distance too)
posted by StrawberryPie at 6:38 PM on May 27, 2012
Maylee Todd
The DoneFors
Fiona Apple, First Aid Kit, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins,
posted by SassHat at 12:13 PM on May 28, 2012
The DoneFors
Fiona Apple, First Aid Kit, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins,
posted by SassHat at 12:13 PM on May 28, 2012
Best answer: Seconding: Uh Huh Her, Feist (correct spelling), Jenny Lewis.
I like Sara Bareilles and KT Tunstall, but I wouldn't necessarily call them "indie" — more like straight-up, mainstream pop.
Some of the suggestions like Dresden Dolls and Daisy Chainsaw are good indie/alternative rock with female vocals, but quite different from the kinds of indie pop the OP mentioned.
posted by John Cohen at 12:57 PM on May 28, 2012
I like Sara Bareilles and KT Tunstall, but I wouldn't necessarily call them "indie" — more like straight-up, mainstream pop.
Some of the suggestions like Dresden Dolls and Daisy Chainsaw are good indie/alternative rock with female vocals, but quite different from the kinds of indie pop the OP mentioned.
posted by John Cohen at 12:57 PM on May 28, 2012
I like Sara Bareilles and KT Tunstall, but I wouldn't necessarily call them "indie" — more like straight-up, mainstream pop.Well ... alright, I agree they're not very indie, but at the same time, my sense is that they are closer to indie than someone like Björk or Adele. I could be wrong, however.
(BTW, good call on Camera Obscura earlier.)
posted by StrawberryPie at 4:08 PM on May 28, 2012
well, indie is obviously being used as a loose term, since of the singers the OP listed, only one could be even argued to be indie (and that's a stretch). kt tunstall, especially in the linked video fits in the same sort of "not obscure, but maybe slightly left of totally mainstream." sara bareilles is more mainstream, but she fights the power and certainly isn't as mainstream as, say, adele.
i don't know if most of the dresdan dolls fit, but amanda palmer solo absolutely fits if we're using florence welch as one of the criteria. AFP does a lot more than just standard rock. her recordings are chock full of big, huge note, very much not standard rock, songs.
i admit that daisy chainsaw is a stretch, but their melodies are straight up pop. it's certainly more pop punk than indie pop but i still think they're on a continuum with lenka, bunnygrunt, cardigans, the muffs, etc. cutey girl fronted groups with varying degrees of edge.
posted by nadawi at 7:12 PM on May 28, 2012
i don't know if most of the dresdan dolls fit, but amanda palmer solo absolutely fits if we're using florence welch as one of the criteria. AFP does a lot more than just standard rock. her recordings are chock full of big, huge note, very much not standard rock, songs.
i admit that daisy chainsaw is a stretch, but their melodies are straight up pop. it's certainly more pop punk than indie pop but i still think they're on a continuum with lenka, bunnygrunt, cardigans, the muffs, etc. cutey girl fronted groups with varying degrees of edge.
posted by nadawi at 7:12 PM on May 28, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by phunniemee at 7:49 PM on May 26, 2012 [5 favorites]