Holly Humberstone 

Kickstarting our list is the enchanting Holly Humberstone, who has just been announced as the recipient of the 2022 ‘Brits Rising Star’ award, following in the footsteps of Adele, Emeli Sande and Sam Fender. Her EP ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’ was released on the 12th of November, receiving high praise for her captivating lyricism and comforting production style. The EP’s title track has accumulated over 12 million streams, showing us why she truly is the Rising Star to watch.

Gayle

Tiktok has been a haven for musicians during the pandemic, offering a free space for artists to showcase their talents and grow their fanbase. For Gayle, her track ‘ABCDEFU’ has been a part of a huge viral trend on the app, with her song now having over 200 million streams. Viral trends aside, Gayle is an incredibly talented artist and we can’t wait to hear her next angsty anthem.

Olivia Dean

The infatuating voice of Olivia Dean has been responsible for taking us out of our hectic schedules this year, as her blissful tone lifts you away from any stress you may be dealing with. Recently, Olivia released ‘The Christmas Song’, and her soulful voice put us straight in the mood to get cosy and festive. 

Priya Ragu

Priya Ragu rose to fame in 2020 with her debut single ‘Good Love 2.0’, and we have been hooked on her ever since. She released her highly anticipated debut mixtape ‘damnshestamil’ on September 3rd, featuring the single ‘Lockdown’. The song went on to be ​​the Hottest Record on Radio 1’s Future Sounds and gained high praise for its vibrant fun sound, and the relatability of the lyrics surrounding craving human contact after isolation. Priya’s music is so unique to the mainstream industry, as she blends her Sri Lanken roots into a fun pop style, making her one of the most exciting artists out right now.

Lola Young

Seeing the year out with perhaps one of the biggest honours for a British musician is the insanely talented Lola Young. If you aren’t familiar with the name, you will definitely be familiar with her vocals, as she is the voice for this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert. Her original music is honest with a certain edge to her lyricism that makes you feel every emotion, this is certainly apparent in her latest single ‘FAKE’. 

Gracey

Gracey is fast becoming one of the most relatable artists of the moment, with honest lyrics that get us right in the feels. Her latest single ‘the internet’ was written around her experience with online hate, and how it broke her heart receiving such hateful comments. 

Jaz Karis

Jaz Karis has evolved into a frontrunner of the UK’s music scene, as she occupies her own unique space blending genres such as Neo Soul, R&B and jazz. Her latest single ‘Home’, is a beautiful track, telling the painful moment of discovering you have fallen out of love with someone. If you’re into deep tracks with smooth accompaniments, Jaz Karis is the artist for you.

Pink Pantheress

With Tiktok sending her track ‘Just for me’ viral, 2021 has been a crazy year for Pink Pantheress. Following her viral hits, the British singer, songwriter and producer released her album ‘To Hell With It’ on October 5th. The album is complete with her viral hits and songs that are less well known, but just as joyous to listen to.

Pip Millett

With 3 successful EPs under her belt, Pip is definitely making her mark in the industry. Her debut single ‘Make Me Cry’  has accumulated over 17 million streams, becoming her biggest single to date. Her latest EP ‘Motion Sick’ gave us the single ‘Hard Life’, a track detailing the struggles faced by many, fused with soulful and jazzy accompaniment.  

Pa Salieu

Pa Salieu has been releasing music since 2018, but this year has been his most successful yet. He finished 2020 on a high after his debut single ‘Frontline’ became BBC Radio 1XTRA’s most played track of the year. He has had multiple hits this year including the collaboration with Aitch on ‘Bad’ and ‘Glidin’’ featuring slowthai. Both tracks have gone on to receive a warm response, and we can’t wait to see what 2021 has install for the rising rap star.

Alewya

There is no disputing that Alewya is one of the freshest artists of the moment, as she moulds music to fit her unique style and influence. Her latest EP ‘Panther in Mode’ merges upbeat instrumentals with Neo-Soul and honest lyricism. She unveiled a visualiser for the featured track ‘Channel High’, further letting us into her creative mind. The song sees Alewya use her middle eastern heritage and influence in the vocal line, creating an enchanting and unique sound. 

Mysie

Striking vocals take centre stage when Mysie enters the chat. In 2020, Mysie started gaining recognition for her musical talents, leading her to receive The Ivor Novello award. This year has seen Mysie release her second EP ‘Undertones’, a record exploding with vibrant tracks and electrifying vocal lines. The song which gained the most traction from the EP is the dreamy ‘Seven Nights’, a song encapsulating the excitement of newfound love and adventure.

Hope Tala

Ending our list is the soft storytelling Hope Tala. Hailing from West London, Hope blends R&B with rich Bossa Nova styles to create her unique and bold sound. Her latest single ‘Tiptoeing’ was dubbed ‘Hottest Record In The World’ by Clara Amfo, creating further hype around Hope’s name. Fusing the Bossa Nova beat with the tongue n cheek lyrics, Hope tells the story of being cautious not to jump straight into a romance, with tiptoeing becoming a metaphor of indecisive emotions.

Words By Nadia Clasper

Photo Credit: Olivia Dean Instagram

The post Voir’s Top Artists To Watch In 2022 appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It’s only the second week of 2021 and already we’ve had a number of memorable music videos released by some top artists. Setting the standard high for the rest of the month, and for the rest of the year, could these tracks and iconic music videos just be a taste of what’s to come for great music this year?

1. Lana Del Rey – Chemtrails Over The Country Club

Ahead of her new album releasing March 19th, Lana Del Rey shared the music video for her title track, ‘Chemtrails Over The Country Club’ on January 11th. The video starts off very Del Rey – lace and pearl adorned and Gatsby-esque, showing a large house, a little red sports car and a pool scene, all shot somewhere between 1920 and 2020, brought up to covid times by the mesh diamante mask that caused her criticism last year. The music video then takes a darker turn as the song slows and the scene changes to dark shadows, wolves and vampires, and the same little red sports car now on fire. The video’s dark and fantastical last two minutes have us all wondering about the theme and concept of the upcoming album, we can’t wait to hear and see more.

2. Bree Runway – ATM (Ft. Missy Elliott)

Bree Runway returns with another iconic video for her 2020 album 2000AND4EVA, this one featuring an appearance from the one and only Missy Elliott, who features on the track, costume changes and all. When released, the visuals were described as ‘the 1950s meets ‘2000AND4EVA’: a celebration of women, black beauty and luxury living, [with] the final frame an homage to the iconic Grace Jones’, and it conforms to this statement entirely sporting cabaret scenes, diamond-studded performance and ATMs galore.

3. Harry Styles – Treat People WIth Kindness

Styles brought us joy with the visual for his topically titled song ‘Treat People With Kindness’. Spoiling the internet with his (pretty impressive) dance moves and a feature from Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) – his dance partner in the video – we couldn’t have asked for more as a positive start to the year. The cheerful, black-and-white clip will surely be on everyone’s mind for a while to come, due to the rare and wonderful sight of Harry Styles dancing and the delightful optimism of the track.

4. Saweetie – Best Friend (Ft. Doja Cat)

Saweetie’s latest video served us fashion and feminism with Doja Cat in the passenger seat. The video for her single ‘Best Friend’ starts with a telepathic conversation about fake woke men (“B*tch please that kind of crass virtue signalling is nothing but a less overtly nefarious form of toxic masculinity”- Doja Cat) and shows the pair having fun in the strip club, jail, a hotel lobby and a bedazzled Tesla. Styled by Bryon Javar, Doja and Saweetie wear Dapper Dan for Gucci head to toe, making ‘Best Friend’ an iconic fashion moment as well as a girl anthem. As the title of the upcoming album says best, this is indeed Pretty B*tch Music.

5. Justin Bieber – Anyone

Justin Bieber kicked off 2021 with a new single and music video, both released on New Year’s Day. In this video, clearly inspired by the film Rocky, Justin trades in his tattoos and plays an old-fashioned boxer, training and fighting for a living. It’s a dramatic video, mostly focusing on the boxer and his love interest, played by Zoey Deutch (Why Him?, Set It Up), as Bieber sings about the only one he’ll ever love over the retro-hued beach and boxing scenes. Bieber released the single and video with fans in mind, describing the song as a ‘hopeful anthemic song’ that ‘sets the tone for a brighter new year full of hope and possibility’.

Words by Daisy Greetham, Graphics by Victoria Zhao

The post Iconic Music Videos Of 2021 So Far! appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Since the 1980s, the MTV Video Music Awards (also known as VMAS) have been the stage of memorable performances by the greatest artists in music, such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé and Britney Spears. In the past, these stars have dominated the show, giving us some of the most iconic pop- music moments.

This year, with the event taking place completely outdoor maintaining social distance, the VMAS will have a new setlist of performers which includes Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus, Maluma, Doja Cat and more. We are certain that their exhibitions will live up to fans’ expectations and make the night unforgettable. In the meantime, here are some of the most remarkable performances of the last two decades.

Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke – ‘We Can’t Stop’/ ‘Blurred Lines’ (2013)

After years of struggle to claim her independence, Miley transitioned into a new phase of her life and, consequently, her music changed with it. Perhaps, you may remember this performance not for the singing itself but rather the over the top twerking. Once Robin Thicke hopped on stage, things got a weird turn as Miley started ‘rubbing’ on him. It sure was a shocker performance that night for the audience.

Britney Spears – ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’ (2001)

Matching the sexy vibes of ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’, Britney’s jungle-themed performance saw the singer in a tropical attire and belly button. But after coming out of a cage and dancing for over two minutes, she walked around the stage with a giant yellowish python around her neck like an accessory. This performance went down to be one of her best ones.

Britney Spears ‘I’m s Slave 4 U” Official Video

Beyonce – ‘Love On Top’ (2011)

Shining from the centre of the stage in her tux-inspired suit, Beyonce started her performance of ‘Love On Top’ belting out ‘I want you to feel the love growing inside of me,’ an iconic quote that shocked both the Internet and the audience. But if this wasn’t enough to hint to a possible pregnancy, she revealed it herself at the end of the song: after dropping the mic and unbuttoning her jacket, Beyonce winked and rubbed her belly with a big smile.

Taylor Swift – ‘You Belong With Me’ (2009)

Still rocking her country girl style, the young Taylor first took over the uptown subway station singing her hit single ‘You Belong With Me’ through a crowded coach with her famous red dress. She later was joined by a jumping crowd outside the Radio City Music Hall as she continued to sing on top of a car.

Lady Gaga – ‘Paparazzi’ (2009)

Fresh from the release of ‘Paparazzi’, Lady Gaga put on a quite dramatic performance which replaced the video’s fall with a dripping faux blood epilogue. Dressed in all white, Gaga sang, danced, and played the piano. Mother Monster finished the performance after being strung up from the ceiling covered in fake blood. That moment left the audience with a gasp in their mouth.

Chris Brown & Rihanna – ‘Wall To Wall’/ ‘Umbrella’/ ‘Kiss Kiss’ (2007)

Opening the show with a Charlie Chaplin tribute, Chris Brown took over the stage dancing and singing his 2007 hit ‘Wall To Wall’. Switching from stage to stage, he was later joined by Rihanna: rocking a sexy black ensemble, the singer strutted down the stage singing her smash hit ‘Umbrella’. The performance then continued with Chris Brown honoring Michael Jackson with some of his most famous moves like the moonwalk on the notes of his song ‘Kiss Kiss’.

Madonna, Missy Elliott, Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera – Medley (2003)

Channeling the original 1984 performance, the new princesses of pop performed in a medley of ‘Like a Virgin’ by Madonna as they strutted down in wedding dresses from a huge cake. But the show heated up as soon as Madonna herself came out of the cake joining Spears and Aguilera for a rendition of ‘Hollywood’. As if that wasn’t enough, she shared a kiss with both singers that had the audience stunned. Last but not least, Missy Elliott joined them afterward setting the act to become one of the most memorable moments in VMA history.

Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande – Medley (2014)

As the opening act of the 2014 VMAs, Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, and Ariana Grande didn’t fail to impress the audience. Starting off with a bang, Ariana took us to space rocking a silver sparkly spacesuit in the first-ever live performance of ‘Break Free’. After her spaceship took off, Nicki Minaj appeared in a jungle-themed stage and outfit to perform her hit ‘Anaconda’. The booty-shaking performance was then followed by Jessie J who kicked off the beginning of their smash collaboration ‘Bang Bang’. Under thousands of flashing lights, the singer was joined by Ariana and later Nicki who had undergone some quick costume changes. Their performance set a bar for the 2014 VMAs which was hard to overcome.

Visit the MTV site to explore the best moments in VMA history Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post VMA’s: 8 Timeless Performances You Should Watch Before This Year’s Show appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As we all know the ongoing pandemic has drastically changed our everyday lives. And although it seems we are taking slow steps down the path to normality one of the biggest industries to be affected by this is the music industry.

We don’t think anyone could envisage a situation where there would be a ban on all live shows. Gigs and festivals offer such a unique and memorable experience and often are what we’re all looking forward to throughout the year. On the other hand, for artists, this is arguably the worst possible scenario and one that none of them were ready for. Live Nation, who were one of the first organisations to postpone all of their gigs, have stated they hope to resume concerts at “full scale” in the third and fourth quarter of 2021. Which will be a torturous wait for any musician.

With all concerts and festivals being canceled for the foreseeable future it’s beginning to take a toll on the up-coming artists over the world who rely on touring meticulously to make most of their money. Independent artists who don’t have the machine of a major label behind them are starting to struggle, this pandemic could throw away huge amounts of potential due to the fact that without touring it’s difficult for artists to stay financially afloat. Given that The Music Industry Investigative report revealed that just 17% of musicians said that they were not always able to pay their bills every month even before COVID-19, it’s quite startling to think about what those numbers maybe today.

Live Nation, who were one of the first organisations to postpone all of their gigs, have stated they hope to resume concerts at “full scale” in the third and fourth quarter of 2021. Which will be a torturous wait for any musician.

The one thing artists have been able to do more of is make music. With this excess of time on their hands, there has been a surge of users on music distribution services such as TuneCore and United Masters uploading music at a never before seen rate. It may seem obvious but the best thing an up-coming artist can do right now is to keep on releasing music, and try to reach as big of an audience as possible while they have the time to do so.

Looking on the bright side, many independent artists tried to make the most of the circumstances and began doing live performances via streaming. Although it’s not the colossal moneymaker that is live touring, it’s given artists a great way to interact with their fan bases without having to be directly in front of them. It’s clear that the smaller artists using this tool are really trying to keep a strong connection with their fanbase and cultivate it even further which in turn will hopefully support them during these unprecedented times.

Luckily, there are still ways to support your favourite artists in these dire times, one of the best ways to help out is buying their merch. Many artists who had tours planned will have made huge orders on tour merch which they would have expected to sell at their upcoming shows. However, due to their cancellation, they are now stuck with endless amounts of merch and a huge financial loss. Buying a t-shirt from an artist you love could go a long way in ensuring they continue to make music and remain in a financially stable situation to do so.

Although it would be understandable for any musician to take a break right now in favour of financial stability, equally we have every hope that emerging artists will bounce back and be able to show their talents in the flesh, as we slowly return to normality.

Words by Chris Saunders

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post How the Pandemic is Affecting Emerging Musicians appeared first on Voir Fashion.