Supporting Women in Music: Lapsley and Clairo Special.

One of the most exciting parts of the new year is all of the upcoming music releases, tour and festival line up announcements and 2020 is set to be a big year for music. Dua Lipa has already announced the release date for her new album Future Nostalgia, but we’re set to see new releases from many more artists this year, including The xx, The Killers, Grimes and many more. But last year also brought some amazing music, from the likes of SG Lewis, Mabel and of course Billie Eilish.

What about the smaller, up-and-coming artists that don’t get as much media attention? Well, welcome to this post about the music I’m loving at the moment from two smaller artists, who are set to make a big impact, and who have both helped me to develop my own artistry.

Lapsley

Figure 1: Lapsley performing live, from her instagram feed (@Lapsleyyyy)

First up is Lapsely. She is 24 years old, originally from Merseyside and is an electro pop artist. Her debut album, Long Way Home, was released in 2016. This album had quite a unique style in my opinion, and involved the use of synths and distorted vocals. Most of the album was quite slow-paced, with the exception of Operator (He Doesn’t Call Me), which was a particular favourite of mine.

The overall aesthetic of the album reminded me of Lorde’s debut album, Pure Heroine, shared by their minimal production aesthetics, use of synths and distorted vocals. Station by Lapsley and Ribs by Lorde are particularly comparable as they both contain minimal instrumentation and contain repeated sets of lyrics, differing by different voicings. Similarly to Lorde, Lapsely took some time out and returned with a different, more intricate sound. After spending three years honing her craft and embarking on other projects, at the end of 2019, Lapsley released her new EP, These Elements.

The lead single from this EP 'My Love Was Like The Rain' encompassed Lapsely’s old "synth" sound from the offset, however you can see how she has developed her musical style and aesthetics. The intro features a low, synthetic riff which initially sets a sad, almost ballad tone, however, the electronic drums come in quite quickly, and immediately get your feet tapping. This is going to be a different kind of song than initially thought. The melodies throughout are intricate, and her tone is beautifully suited. She features lots of similes and imagery, starting every verse line with “Remember when you said” then continuing to compare herself or her love to aspects of the elements or of nature. It is a marvellous piece of songwriting, it is simple, yet intricate.

Each song from the EP has a different vibe, but still features electronic drums, intriguing, catchy and fresh melodies, as well as compelling production aesthetics, making the whole EP very easy listening which you will want to play on repeat.

On 4th February of this year, Lapsley released a new single; 'Womxn'. Following in a similar style to her EP, 'Womxn' has a synthpop vibe, with intricate production and melodies, which both make you want to tap your foot and bop along to it. The lyrics feature discuss coming of age, turning from a girl into a woman, and gaining power in yourself. It has an important message, well suited for the state of society.

Lapsley is set to release her second LP, Through Water, on 20th March 2020, so keep your eyes peeled.

Clairo

Fig 2: Photo of Clairo from her instagram feed (@clairo)

Secondly, Clairo is an up-and-coming American bedroom-pop artist, who has quite a different sound. She has also released one album, Immunity, in August 2019. I first heard of Clairo when she featured on the SG Lewis track 'Better', which is one of my absolute favourite songs. She also featured on his track 'Throwaway', which is another masterpiece.

Clairo’s music evidences that music production, recording and mixing, don’t have to be perfect, or what we have conventionally come to expect in the world of pop music, which is absolute smoothness and perfection. By doing things the way she wants to do, and giving a DIY or "bedroom production" aesthetic (particularly featured in ‘Pretty Girl’) she maintains the emotion, meaning and passion behind each song, which often gets lost in the search of perfection. She brings a fresh, raw style and approach to the music scene.

Last year she was named Apple Music’s Up Next artist, which Billie Eilish was awarded the previous year. She has also joined the likes of Charli XCX, A$AP ROCKY and Christine and the Queens by featuring on a Mura Masa song, which perfectly marries their two sounds.

Her debut album focuses on the use of drums and electric guitars, however her songs never sound empty. Her vocals are soft, and the album doesn’t contain many intricate melodies, but this is a highlight of mine, are vocals are heavenly so her tone and instrumentation mean that she doesn’t need overly intricate vocal melodies.

However, electronic instruments and effects do not go completely amiss in this album, the conjunction of both kinds of sounds is very interesting, and makes it easy to differentiate each song.

‘Sofia’, ‘I Wouldn’t Ask You’, 'Bags' and ‘Closer to You’ are particular favourites of mine from this album. If you haven’t heard of Clairo, now is your opportunity, as she is set to make a big impact in this industry.

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