Since the day “Misery Business” became the anthem of a generation, it became a cliche rite of passage for female pop-rock vocalists to be compared to Hayley Williams upon entering the pop-rock scene. Whether they truly resemble the neon-haired powerhouse or not, the inevitable comparisons are unrelenting. It is simultaneously flattering and frustrating as these artists strive to create identities of their own in a brutally competitive industry.
If you are a fan of powerful vocalists and the unique flair of pop-rock, I implore you to listen to these 10 femme pop-rock artists of the modern era. Each one possesses distinctive qualities as they bring fresh ideas, styles, and influences to expand our minds beyond the vital influences of Paramore.
Honey Revenge
The neon style of Honey Revenge vocalist Devin Papadol‘s wardrobe and hair is an unmissable signal that their music is just as colorful. The Los Angeles duo formed in 2021 and hasn’t left my Instagram feed ever since. Their charismatic yet painfully self-aware breakthrough track “Airhead” created a tidal wave of buzz and represented pop-rock’s trajectory in the 2020s. They have moments of sugary-sweet pop melodies interwoven with their emo-roots, making them an accessible, lovable band for the masses.
Vukovi
Vukovi may be new in the American scene but their die-hard fanbase is flourishing in the UK. The Scottish alt-rock band, fronted by Janine Shilstone, is making big moves to become a worldwide sensation after crossing the pond for their first U.S. tour this spring. Their band name comes from the Serbian word for wolves, perfectly depicting their grit and resilience to bring new iterations of pop with heavy riffage to the globe.
Calva Louise
Innovation is the first word that comes to mind in association with Calva Louise. The band’s DIY ethics have led to custom keyboard rigs and guitar pedals to create never-before-seen possibilities for their live performances. In case that wasn’t enough, their self-produced short film music video for “Under The Skin,” which is set in outer space, is further evidence that ingenuity in music continues to thrive. Their mindset for out-of-the-box creativity is revitalizing and mind-blowing.
The Warning
This all-female band, The Warning, from Monterey, Mexico, is the definition of power. Their music is more on the rock side of the genre, citing legendary influences including Foo Fighters, Placebo, Metallica, Muse, and more. They have taken over rock radio airwaves with their latest single, “S!CK” and have recently toured the world alongside Stone Temple Pilots, Three Days Grace, Halestorm, and more.
Lexi Layne
Lexi Layne‘s superpower is her range. Not just her vocal abilities (which are unparalleled) but her wide-spanning influences too. This woman can sing notes that could shatter glass, growl like a metalhead, and serenade a heartfelt ballad. She may be a newer artist on your radar but don’t underestimate her abilities. She has honed her craft tirelessly and dedicated her life to her art after she made the cross-country journey from Florida to Los Angeles to pursue music.
Leah Martin-Brown
It started with the band Evol Walks, and now Leah Martin-Brown is dropping the moniker and letting her true identity shine. While Leah’s previous project leaned into her love of rock music, her new solo endeavor casts a light on her poppier side. She is a formally trained vocalist with college degrees to back it up. Her perseverance and resilience have taken her around the globe from Australia to Sweden to Los Angeles. Both projects continue to thrive, so no matter which style you prefer, there is something out there for you to rock out to!
Against The Current
Coming off the heels of bands like Hey Monday and We Are The In Crowd, Against The Current took the crown for the next generation when their success began to bloom in 2014. It’s no surprise, considering Against The Current features Will Ferri, the younger brother of We Are The In Crowd‘s bass player, Mike Ferri. However, we can’t undermine the band’s success through comparisons. They’ve built their name through over a decade of hard work, perseverance, and growth on their own accord. Their latest collaborations with From Ashes To New, League of Legends (yes, the video game), and VOILÀ have cemented them as a staple act among the pop-rock community.
Cassadee Pope
Cassadee Pope is not a new name. In fact, she rose to stardom on the same record label as Paramore with her band Hey Monday in the 2010s. However, after a brief stint in country music after winning The Voice in 2012, she returned to her roots in 2023 with new pop-punk music and a Hey Monday reunion slated for this year’s When We Were Young Festival. The full-circle journey is a new start for a legendary artist who deserves a second chance.
LØLØ
Fans of early Avril Lavigne, Paramore, and Green Day—this one is for you. LØLØ arrived on the scene in 2018 and became inescapable on my radar. She rose to stardom on TikTok as a key artist redefining alternative music for new ears. She’s shared stages and collaborated with New Found Glory, State Champs, Waterparks, Travis Mills, and more. She dubs her music “psychotically sentimental,” and I can’t think of a more perfect description for her.
Maggie Lindemann
Maggie Lindemann is a force to be reckoned with as a fashion icon and influential figure. She combined heavy metal influences with pop on her debut album, SUCKERPUNCH, in a way that sucker-punched my heart. She is a dark and brooding anti-popstar influenced by the OG women of rock—Evanescence, Flyleaf, and Gwen Stefani. Her music has moments of vulnerability spliced with breakdowns and riffs that feel cathartic and completely one-of-a-kind.
This is only scratching the surface of the new artists in today’s music scene. This list would have been three times longer if I had my way. I hope you continue to relish in the dazzling musical creations of the women commanding today’s pop-rock scene. idobi Radio is a perfect place to start for new music discovery 24/7!
