Female singer-songwriters have been all the rage over the last few years, and indeed this list includes several young ladies that have begun to make waves into what is becoming a highly competitive area of the music industry. Twenty one year old Charlotte Aitchison, otherwise known as Charli XCX, is more influenced by synthpop and new wave music than most, and has carved out a niche for herself as a result. Having begun recording at the age of 14 on MySpace (shudder), XCX's first release in five years, True Romance, didn't exactly set the charts alight despite its content. What did, however, was a song she wrote, 'I Love It', the sleeper hit from Swedish duo Icona Pop which became a worldwide phenomenon over the summer, having initially picked up a following after being featured in an episode of Lena Dunham's TV series, Girls. Having also worked with Ellie Goulding, Marina and The Diamonds and Paramore throughout the year, XCX's next album, due in 2014, may reflect the regard in which she is held by many in the industry more accurately, particularly whilst its lead single, the catchy 'Superlove', remains on rotation on both radio and television. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPWcX-16A9Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5b5BLT1CM
Honourable Mention 1 - The Chain Gang Of 1974
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8puEIliGOg Given that the name involves the word 'gang', which is a word usually used to describe a host of different individuals, The Chain Gang Of 1974 is actually a one-man project. Said man is Kamtim Mohager, whose song 'Sleepwalking' was chosen to score the trailers of the most anticipated video game of all time, Grand Theft Auto V. The track can be listened to in the game, and Mohager will certainly have picked up a wider audience for his future releases as a result.
Honourable Mention 2 - CHVRCHES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81RqEnvczV8 Heavily incorporating synthpop into their work, much like Charli XCX has, Glaswegian three-piece CHVRCHES are one of the most interesting and widely-praised acts around at the moment, even if on paper, their highest achievement is only a #38 single. Expect more highly enjoyable tracks in the vein of 'The Mother We Share', 'Lies' and 'Gun' as time goes by.
