Around this time last year, Olivia Rodrigo dropped “drivers license” and took the music world by storm, absolutely blowing up and breaking records.
Now in 2022, it’s about time for a new artist to join her in the spotlight. There are tons of super talented female singer-songwriters, both music industry veterans and new to the game, whose music deserves to hit the mainstream.
Here are five of my picks for musicians who deserve to rise to prominence the way Olivia did.
1. KAYE
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The fact that KAYE is so underrated is a CRIME. Most of her music videos only get a few thousand views, even though each one is gold.
While KAYE can deliver plenty of bops and dance anthems, she holds the power of breaking your heart with just a single lyric.
KAYE originally released music under her full name, Charlene Kaye. In 2012, she came out with an album called “Animal Love,” and I swear it changed my taste in music forever. So if you’re taking a deep dive into her music, you won’t regret giving this album a go.
After “Animal Love,” she took a long hiatus on her solo career, only emerging briefly to release an EP in 2016. But her late 2020 album “Conscious Control” showed she had not lost her magic, and her songwriting chops had matured with her.
The album’s title track has a line that says, “I’m not okay, I don’t need to be for anyone,” and I swear I was never the same after that.
2. dodie
dodie has been enjoying some success already, especially online, as she’s had a big YouTube presence for years.
Since the early years of making covers on her bedroom floor, dodie has blossomed into the artist she was always meant to be. She released her first full-length album, “Build a Problem,” in 2021, and it’s incredible.
She shows that soft voices can hold so much power just in their words and inflections. Her songs are heartbreaking, but in a “hurts so good” kind of way.
Also, her music videos are some of the most thought-provoking I’ve ever seen from any artist. I especially recommend the videos for “Human” and “Intertwined.”
3. NIKI
NIKI is the most popular artist on this list, with her music videos regularly getting millions of views. However, I think she deserves Olivia Rodrigo levels of views!
First of all, her tone is to die for. Her voice is the kind that could sing the phone book, and you’d feel blessed to hear it.
Second, her lyrics pack an emotional gut punch!
NIKI started by posting original songs to YouTube as Nicole Zefanya. Years ago, she posted an expertly written song called “Little Souls” about growing up that FLOORED ME. When she started releasing more professionally produced music, she took down the channel. But luckily, people saved and reposted her old songs.
Now, if NIKI can delete a song as amazing as “Little Souls,” you know she’s got some great songs in her arsenal!
Her 2020 album “MOONCHILD” was a cinematic experience. Some of the songs feel like a blend between Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, making for an experience like no other. So PLEASE do yourself a favor and listen to “MOONCHILD.” And I mean all of it, in order.
4. Lauren Aquilina
Lauren Aquilina has been flying under the radar in the music world for too long! She released some truly incredible music in the early to mid-2010s, and after a hiatus, she’s back. Her latest album, “Ghost World,” dropped in 2020, and she’s had multiple singles come out since then.
Her voice is somehow soft and powerful at the same time, and her songwriting is just top tier. She also has writing credits on songs by big artists like Demi Lovato and Little Mix.
5. golda may
I recently came across golda may singing live at a Sofar Sounds concert, and she is truly an indie queen. Her live vocals sound like they were ripped straight from her studio recordings.
Her voice is serene and relaxing, but her lyrics evoke such strong emotions that I had to look up her songs on Spotify after the show. And I’m so glad I did because the production on her songs just elevates them all the more!
Which musicians will you be checking out in 2022? Let us know in the comments!
Photo by Anish Prajapati on Unsplash
