In 2024, we have much to look forward to in the music industry, especially from female artists. With both established artists and new, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, with summer approaching there are a number of music festivals to enjoy.
In early March, Ariana Grande released her new album, “eternal sunshine.” Ariana Grande is a pop artist that originally joined the entertainment industry as an actress on Nickelodeon. Before announcing her album she released the single “yes, and?” along with a music video. The album consists of 13 songs and is a concept album following her recent divorce. This is her seventh album following her 2021 album “Positions.”
The up-and-coming artist Lizzy McAlpine released her third album, “Older” in early April. Lizzy McAlpine is a new artist that surfaced in 2020 by posting songs and covers on Soundcloud and YouTube. This alternative album has 14 songs, and she led the album with the single “Older.” She is popular for her vulnerable lyrics and organic sound.
In late March, Beyonce came out with “Cowboy Carter,” her eighth studio album. Beyonce is a singer and businesswoman and has been named one of the greatest vocalists of all time by “Rolling Stone.” She started in the female group Destiny’s Child and has won the most Grammys of all time — 32. This album has 27 songs and is her first country album following her last album “Renaissance.”
Taylor Swift released her eleventh albumin April, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Swift has been in the music industry for nearly 18 years and made a name for herself early in her career. Originally a country artist, she shifted genres and become the pop star many have come to know and love. This highly anticipated album has 16 songs with 4 bonus tracks only available on CD or vinyl. Her previous album that came out in 2022, “Midnights,” won album of the year and best pop vocal album at the Grammys.
Billie Eilish has announced her new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” that comes out this May. Eilish is a singer and songwriter who makes music with her brother Finneas who produces for her. She is known for her deep lyrics and unique voice, which has won her nine Grammy awards The album is 11 songs long and is her third studio album. Her last album, “Happier Than Ever,” was very well received as it was among the 10 most successful albums from 2021.
Olivia Rodrigo came out with her sophomore album, “Guts,” last year but recently she released “Guts (spilled).” This is the deluxe version of her album with five new songs that were originally hidden songs on her vinyls. The tracks include “obsessed,” “stranger,” “scared of my guitar,” “girl i’ve always been,” and “so american.”
Chappell Roan recently released her single, “Good Luck Babe.” In 2023 she put out her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Recently, Roan has been gaining more popularity as she opened for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour and performed at Coachella, all while on her own tour. She is especially popular within the queer community as she sings about her queen relationships and has drag queens open for her at her shows.
Lana Del Rey has announced her 10th album, “Lasso.” This album is scheduled to be released in September. Del Rey is a singer, songwriter, and producer and her previous album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” sold more than one million units worldwide.
There are a number of music festivals this summer that are highly anticipated every year. Recently, the famous Coachella music festival headlined artists like Del Rey, Doja Cat, and Tyler, The Creator. In late June and early July, Summerfest is going on for three weekends in Milwaukee. Some artists performing are SZA, Maroon 5, Keith Urban, and AJR. In late July, Lollapalooza is in Chicago with headliners like Tyler, The Creator, SZA, The Killers, and Hozier. One more music festival in the Midwest you can check out is Pitchfork Music Fest in Chicago in July. The lineup has artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, and St. Vincent
There is much exciting music to come out this year. From pop to alternative to country, there is something for everyone to appreciate, including both new and well-known acts.
