27 Mar 2017 Girl Talk
In December, former First Lady Michelle Obama was spotlighted in a short film for Billboard’s Women in Music gala— an annual event honoring spectacular women within the music industry. Her words constantly creep into my head.
“Women have been rising to the top of just about every industry in this country,” Obama said. “And that’s particularly true of the music industry.”
I’m thankful there are so many talented female artists singing right now at the top of their lungs. Beyonce, Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna continue to gift us with songs that leave us feeling empowered, humbled, and heard.
This May, SunFest will showcase new, brilliant voices that demand your attention. Listen:
Billboard’s video also spotlighted Tori Kelly, a remarkable singer-songwriter headed to the JetBlue Stage on Saturday, May 6.
You’re probably very familiar with this soulful pop artist. Kelly got her start by sharing YouTube videos of her original songs (and the occasional cover) as a teenager. She quickly gained more than 700,000 subscribers, who tuned in to hear her remarkable voice. In 2012, Kelly released her first EP, Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly, which was written, produced, engineered and recorded in her bedroom.
In 2013, Kelly was the sole opener of Ed Sheeran’s (another SunFest veteran!) Madison Square Garden show, and released her second EP. Fans wanted more. Her debut album, Unbreakable Smile, was released in 2015– debuting at number two on the Billboard 200.
And in 2016? Kelly was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2016 Grammy Awards. She is just 24 years old.
This woman is quickly clearing a path within the music industry. Her range has been noticed by Sam Smith, John Legend, and now– you. If you’ve ever kicked yourself for sleeping on an artist, Kelly can help soothe your past regrets. She will undoubtedly continue to rack up glowing accolades and awards as she matures in her sound. You do not want to miss her West Palm Beach performance. The next time she comes back, she’ll probably be selling out stadiums.
Another unmissable female artist is Rachel Platten. You probably know every word to her massive hit, “Fight Song,” which reportedly took two years for this uplifting singer/songwriter to perfect. Platten’s debut anthem peaked at number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart for four weeks. It has sold more than 2 million downloads in the United States and was used in commercials, TV shows, and even former campaign events for Hillary Clinton.
This talented woman is no one hit wonder. Her third album Wildfire, released in 2016, contains gems “Stand By You” and “Better Place.”
Don’t miss Platten on Sunday, May 7, on the JetBlue Stage.
The last female artist I’ll spotlight today is three-time Grammy nominated artist, actress, and songwriter Tayla Parx.
You might recognize Parx’s beautiful face from her roles in Hairspray (she played Little Inez), Gilmore Girls, Bones, and Victorious, but you might be surprised by how you know her words. This 23-year-old Texas has written and produced songs for many of your favorite artists, including Alicia Keys, Fifth Harmony, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, and SunFest veterans Jason Derulo and Meghan Trainor. Let that all just sink in for a moment.
Parx first mixtape has not even been released yet (due out this spring) but she’s already collaborated with some of the biggest names (and women) in the music industry. Come Wednesday, cozy up to the Tire Kingdom Stage to see Parx perform live.
These women will be in good company come May. There are many more inspiring female artists coming to West Palm Beach for SunFest. Those words coming soon.