As Women’s History Month continues in full force, acknowledging women’s contributions to music becomes essential, as does celebrating women-driven art. Women have often been sidelined within the music industry — often being snubbed by their male counterparts when it comes to recognition for their music. Nonetheless, the contributions women have made to the music industry are crucial.
Massive female artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé continue to break barriers at the top of the industry — with Swift being the top solo artist with the most weeks at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and Beyoncé holding the record for the most Grammys. At the same time, a new generation of artists who bring their own unique contributions to the music industry is also emerging. The industry benefits from women continuing to shatter established standards at both ends of the spectrum, because the emerging artists of today are the generational inspirations of tomorrow.
In celebrating female artists’ and their songs, this list highlights some recently released tracks of rising female artists who innovate in and exemplify their respective music genres.
“Catfish” by Doechii
Florida-born artist Doechii approaches the hip-hop scene with a nontraditional style refusing to conform to any one subgenre. Doechii has seen an incredible rise in success in the past year with her 2024 album “Alligator Bites Never Heal” winning the Grammy award for Best Rap Album in 2025.
With “Catfish,” the 5th track on the album, listeners hear a taste of the “Swamp Princess” persona Doechii has adopted on this album — her bold ode to her hometown of Tampa, Florida. Here, Doechii does not shy away from experimenting with her flow on this track, as she switches from a neutral tone in the chorus to a more aggressive vocal during the verses. She calmly, confidently calls herself “Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler” at the end of each chorus, and then proves that assertion in the more lyrically complex verses. The musical contrast forces listeners to pay attention when she shifts flows, amplifying the impact of her lyrics.
With her readiness to explore and experiment with new genres in hip-hop through both her rapping and singing abilities as well as her varied instrumentals, “Catfish” shows how Doechii is reinventing the hip-hop scene.
“All I Ever Asked” by Rachel Chinouriri
Having recently opened for Sabrina Carpenter on her European leg of the Short n’ Sweet Tour, Rachel Chinouriri is another artist on the rise. The indie-pop English singer has seen notable success on TikTok, with her song “So My Darling” having just shy of 100,000 posts under the acoustic version. Released in 2024, Chinouriri’s first full length album “What a Devastating Turn of Events” includes the song “All I Ever Asked,” which has quickly become one of Chinouriri’s most popular releases.
The song is a breakup song in which the singer reflects on how all she asked of her partner was “a little more time.” Chinouriri, through production, adopts softer vocals, playing around with an echo effect within the intro and chorus of the song, which creates a dreamlike feel to the song. This feeling paired with the melancholic lyrics of a failed relationship allows listeners to feel multiple emotions at once.
“All I Ever Asked” is a strong indie-pop record in which Chinouriri sings over an upbeat yet slow track, allowing her vocals to be the main attraction. This track, hailing from Chinouriri’s first full project, is indicative of a promising future for Chinouriri in the music industry.
“Heaven” by Maude Latour
Another indie-pop pick, Maude Latour has been in the music scene since 2019 with the release of her first EP “Starsick EP.” Since then, she has performed at big name music festivals such as Austin City Limits and All Things Go.
Releasing “Heaven” in 2023 as a single in preparation for her EP “Twin Flame,” Maude Latour creates an angelic sound fit for the title. The track contains Latour’s airy vocals overlaying a synth pop instrumental to create a sound that evokes the feeling of a young romance. The lyrics are simple, often referencing angel numbers — singing that she could “11:11 with you” and “be your lucky seven with you” — which further the heavenly theme.
While Maude Latour still remains a largely underground artist, with tracks like “Heaven” in her repertoire that evoke angelic imagery through the breathy vocals and upbeat pop instrumentals, it is clear that Latour is an artist who represents the indie-pop scene.
“Sports Car” by Tate McRae
In a list discussing rising female artists, it would be remiss not to mention Tate McRae. The Canadian artist has, at only 21, seen a meteoric rise to pop stardom — with multiple singles on the Canadian Top 100 and Billboard Top 200.
“Sports Car” stands out among her popular singles — not only due to it making the Billboard Top 100 chart — but also with how it marks McRae’s spot as an upcoming pop princess reminiscent of Britney Spears.
Through her breathy vocals on the chorus, McRae embraces her sexuality on a 2000s pop inspired track with a synth heavy, powerful drum beat. In the chorus, McRae whispers to her partner “I think you know what this is,” not shying away from female desire, an often taboo topic. In taking back female sexuality within the song, Tate McRae is subverting traditional gender norms and doing so on a worldwide stage.
As we recognize Women’s History Month, it is instrumental to recognize these rising female artists that have each created tracks that are creative interpretations and solid representations of their respective genres.
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