Playlist: Five Female Vocalists That Prove Midwest Is Best

The Midwest might be best known as the land of the hot dishes and corn fields, but we also have a slew of talented artists representing the cities we call home. Here's a sampling of tracks from five ladies we're proud to have coming out of our earbuds right now. 

1. Channy Leaneagh

image via Debi Del Grande 

By now, you're probably familliar with Channy Leaneagh's critically-acclaimed band, Polica, or her work with Gayngs, Atmosphere, or even her previous band Roma di Luna. She's a versatile voice-about-town in the Twin Cities and it seems like no one can get enough of her unique sound. While we love almost everything with her fingerprint on it, we can't get enough of her vocals on this Marijuana Deathsquads track. It's perfect for cruisin' (preferably in a convertible with the top down). 

 

2. Caroline Smith

image via Anna Gulbrandsen

We’ve been big fans of Caroline Smith since her residency days at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis (before it was in the MOA) and that time we caught her rapping to XXplosive. Now, she’s evolved from a talented girl with feelings and a guitar to a grown lady with a backing band, sold out shows and a cool, ‘90s R&B-influenced soul sound (note:  you should also check out her background singer Mina Moore when you get the chance because she really knows how to carry a Winehouse tune). Off topic, but noteworthy: Ms. Smith also has the enviable ability to pull off any shade of hair.

 

3. Vic and Gab

Photo via Benjamin Wick

Milwaukee sisters Victoriah and Hannah Gabriela got their musical start singing songs in the back of the family car... which means there's hope for the rest of us, you guys!  Before the sisters hit their teenage years, they were mastering guitar and bass... we were only mastering the art of butterfly clips and French braids. Since then, Vic and Gab have been performing delightful indie-pop songs and catching the attention of MTV music supervisors. We couldn't help but pick this track to share because the eerie synth intro is just the coolest.

 

4. K. Raydio

Photo via Anthony Gilbert 

According to K. Raydio's Facebook page, her genre is "all the feels," which couldn't be more accurate. We were instantly drawn to her sultry-smooth voice and cool demeanor when we saw her perform at The Electric Fetus. While she's dabbled on a few different tracks with different artists and producers, we've got a thing for her collaboration with Minneapolis producer Psymun. We suggest you start with "Yearbook," because it's one of those anthems for the underdogs and can easily be played on repeat. 

 

5. Aby Wolf

Photo via Jon Behm 

If you're a Dessa fan, you'll be familiar with her number one wingwoman, Aby Wolf. Aby's rich voice appears to blend effortlessly with Dessa's, but she's not just backing talent. Aby is a singer and songwriter, which has led to collaborations with many other talented Minneapolis artists, including Grant Cutler. We took a special liking to the airy, haunting track, "Flower in Winter." 

Let's hear it for the ladies that put the Midwest on the map.

If you have another artist that should be on our radar (and in our iPods) let us know in the comments!