Check out the best and brightest female singers of this year’s ACL Music Fest.
By Sylvia Kim
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2014 is promising to be one of the biggest and best yet. We at ATX Man took the time to spotlight this year’s sexiest sirens coming to town.
Lana Del Rey
With her sold-out U.S. headlining tour and No. 1 charted album, Ultraviolence, released this June, Lana Del Rey has been making waves in the music scene. You probably already heard her hits like Summertime Sadness on the radio, or on the big screen with Young and Beautiful in The Great Gatsby. With music as ethereal as her presence, the distinctness of her sound lays in the battle between sweet yet sensuous and the baby-soft yet powerfully mature tones of her voice. Del Rey reawakens old Hollywood glamour with luscious jazz as her muse while tangling it all into a beautiful mess with trendy vibes of pop inspired by her home state, New York. She is one artist you definitely don’t want to miss at this year’s ACL Fest. For up-to-date news on Del Rey, visit lanadelrey.com.
Lorde
New Zealand native Ella Yelich-O’Connor, better known as Lorde, already has two Grammy Awards under her belt at just the age of 17. Her worldwide success and the enormous popularity of her debut album, Pure Heroine, and single Royals is just a testament of her raw talent. Lorde overcomes the plausible stereotype of teenage, generic songs with quick-witted and heartily honest music you can dance and philosophize to. The electronic beats of her music amazingly add to—rather than smooth—her soulful vocals and overall pop style. One of the biggest names to perform at ACL Fest, Lorde is a star amongst the highest league of musicians today. If you want more of Lorde, watch out for the leading single coming your way in the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack, to be released this fall, or check out her tour throughout the U.S. this fall. For more details, visit lorde.co.nz.
Jhené Aiko
Finally, an authentic female R&B artist that stays true to the genre and her own personal edge. Jhené Aiko has already recorded with Miguel, Drake and Kendrick Lamar on her EP, Sailing Souls. Aiko’s soothing melodies have set high expectations for her debut album, Souled Out, to be released Sept. 9. Just a single taste of her music, such as her captivating single The Worst will keep you coming back to listen for more of this songstress’ light yet three-dimensional vocal chops and laid-back goodness. Jhené Aiko is one of the artists you’ll feel lucky to discover early at ACL Fest because you know she’s about to make it big. Visit jheneaiko.com for more information.
Iggy Azalea
Coming to the states at just the age of 16 to pursue a music career, Iggy Azalea has made history, being the top female rapper with the longest running No. 1 hit, Fancy, which has been the song of the summer and an anthem for men and women who wish they could rap as well as she can. Not only that. Azalea ties with none other than The Beatles for having the No. 1 (Fancy) and No. 2 (Problem by Ariana Grande) Billboard chart-topping songs from debut albums. The New Classic, released this April, features famous collaboration, such as T.I. in Change Your Life and Rita Ora in Black Widow. Azalea wins over radio lovers and audiences with her powerful, beat-driven music and unabashed, super-girl-esque lyrics. Major anticipation is awaiting Azalea’s party presence to arrive at ACL Fest this October. For more, visit iggyazalea.com.
Lana Del Rey photo courtesy of Neil Krug. / Lorde photo courtesy of The Windish Agency. / Jhené Aiko photo courtesy of Def Jam Recordings. / Iggy Azalea photo courtesy of pressparty.com.
