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With your favorite ladies or just by yourself, listen to this Female Mixtape curated by Empty Mug Records. From Solange to SZA this playlist features some of the leading female artists that are changing the music industry landscape today.

 

Japanese House, "Lilo"

 

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"Lilo" is a beautifully sentimental preview into an upcoming album release by Japanese House. The lyrics pay tribute to Amber Bain’s recent relationship with singer, Marika Hackman suggesting the natural end to a cherished relationship. If you really want be moved to tears, watch the music video for “Lilo” following the memories, fights and affection between two lovers.

 

Solange ft. Sampha, "Don't Touch My Hair"

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A classic track for channeling female energy, “Don’t Touch My Hair” focuses on preserving individualization and not letting others influence your style. Similar to Solange’s other works, her smooth and alluring voice along with the lyrics in this track, represent and empower the spirit of black women and aims to reconfigure beauty standards.

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Courtney Barnett, "Nameless Faceless"

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“Nameless, Faceless” is Barnett’s lead single from her recent album, Tell Me How You Really Feel. In this song, Barnett is rebellious and blunt as she sings about women’s fear to walk alone at night because men might kill them. Barnett touches on male violence and misogyny in this killer track, all the while maintaining her gritty tone notable to Barnett’s grunge-pop style.  

 

SZA, "Drew Barrymore"

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SZA, along with other artists, like Jorja Smith and Kehlani, are creating necessary spaces in the R&B genre for black female artists and challenging outdated gender inequity in the music industry. SZA’s song, “Drew Barrymore,” addresses female insecurity and vulnerability while combining grainy instrumentation with SZA’s natural voice and assertive lyrics. “Drew Barrymore” is without a doubt a respected female anthem.

 

Tennis, "Girls Don't Play Guitar"

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Tennis - the dreamy, melodious indie-pop duo - released “Ladies Don’t Play Guitar” on their album, Yours Conditionally, in 2017. Alaina Moore told stereogum that in creating this song she was inspired “to make more assertions about the way I feel constricted or shaped by gender.” This is the perfect track for a private dance sesh in your bedroom or a girls night in.

 

Kali Uchis ft. Jorja Smith, "Tyrant"

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This track is iconic to me because it features my favorite female energy duo. It’s a fiery and luxurious debut that recounts summer flings and self-confidence. The music video filled with alternating fluorescent backdrops and the glorious Jorja Smith and Kali Uchis laying on beach blankets in candy-colored outfits, is seductive, glittering and the best thing I’ve seen all week.  

 

Sabrina Claudio, "Messages From Her"

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“Messages From Her” gives an inside look into Sabrina Claudio’s process of healing and self-care. It is somber, slow-tempoed and reflective - all of the beloved features of Claudio's past work, like “Confidently Lost” and “Unravel Me.”

 

Girlpool, "Slutmouth"

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“I go to school every day just to be made a housewife one day.”  “Do you wanna make out? I heard you had a slut mouth.” Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad are constantly challenging gender norms with their music. This track is abrasive in all of the right ways, and you should definitely check it out.

 

Halsey, "Without Me"

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This past October Halsey (also known as Ashley Frangipane) released her breakup single, “Without Me,” - it is potent, personal and possibly about her summer breakup with G-Eazy. I really admire Halsey’s dedication to consistently revealing her emotional vulnerability throughout her music. Being mixed raced, bisexual, and a proud feminist Halsey’s music has provided a female empowering edge to the music industry.

 

Willow, "Romance"

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"Romance" embodies Willow’s laid-back alternative R&B sound that is far removed from her first single, “Whip My Hair.” "Romance", like the rest of Willow’s music, is reflective and eclectic as she plays with themes of higher consciousness, youth and freedom through love.

 

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Hope you dig this mixtape with some of Empty Mug’s most loved female artists! Check out the Spotify version of this playlist below and give it a follow while you’re at it.

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