Indie and Alternative Female Singers You Need to Hear

15 Alternative Female Artists with Unbelievable Voices

By Michelle

I am extremely particular about the female vocalists I listen to, and [inadvertently] judge them more critically than male artists. Many currently popular female singers seem to follow the same structure for each song; they also often have similar voices that are almost indistinguishable. The singers listed here are all extremely unique but equally catchy, also highlighted are some of my favorite songs by each artist.

Au Revoir Simone is made up of a trio of three women (Erika Forster, Annie Hart, and Heather D'Angelo). Their music is very upbeat, and they sound like a female version of Voxtrot. If you enjoy catchy indie pop you should definitely check out "Night Majestic", found on the album The Bird of Music.

Bat for Lashes centers around the singer-songwriter Natasha Khan, who was born in Pakistan and now resides in England. She has a gorgeous voice that is augmented by the many instruments she utilizes in her work. From electronic elements to violins, the song "What's a Girl to Do?" is a dark, beautiful piece that displays this multi-faceted singer perfectly.

Feist (Leslie Feist) is arguably my favorite female artist. You just cannot beat her voice. Although it might be replayed continuously on the radio and television, "1, 2, 3, 4" (featured on an iTunes commercial) is a remarkable hit, and its popularity is well warranted. Other astounding songs by Feist include "I Feel It All" and "Sea Lion Woman", both on the album The Reminder, which is one of my post played albums with a female singer.

Metric is led by Emily Haines, and her voice is comparable to Karen O's (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs). It can be rough, ruthless, and assures you that she does not mess around; listen to "Monster Hospital", for example. The chorus of "I Fought the war but the war won" is fierce and recurring. Also look into the song "Glass Ceiling", one of my favorites from their album Live It Out.

Björk is known for her strange costumes and equally distinct music. Throughout her expansive discography, however, she proves that she knows how to use her unique voice. Often times she uses electronic elements, such as on her new album Volta. "Triumph of a Heart" on the album Medúlla (which depicts a more stripped-down Björk) layers her voice with beatboxing in the background.

Blonde Redhead is headed by Kazu Makino, whose whimsical voice seems to almost draw shoegaze elements into the band's American rock style. The contrast between the dreaminess and the instrumental rock roots produces a beautiful sound. The songs "23" and "Silently" on the album 23 display this perfection.

Cat Power, or "Chan" Marshall, has multiple albums, all of which display her remarkable voice and distinct style. Listening to "Sea of Love" is like watching a romantic black and white French movie. She has such a soft voice that is genuinely beautiful to hear.

Frou Frou was the creation of the duo Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth. Imogen Heap's voice is so strong and commanding that it melds in perfectly with the electronic elements produced by her partner. "Must Be Dreaming" and "Let Go" are ideal examples of this connection. Although this pair has parted, Imogen Heap's solo career has taken off. Her voice is still backed by electronica, and it sounds amazing, such as on "I am in love with you".

Joanna Newsom has a voice that is made for singing with a harp, it is very ethereal and youthful. If you like her, you will love her (and conversely if you dislike her you will probably hate her). She is, honestly, an acquired taste. Her newest album Ys only contains 5 lengthy songs, all containing narrative lyrics. The first song, "Emily", is gorgeous.

The first time I heard Regina Spektor I was blown away. There is a hint of a Russian accent in her voice that combined with the piano and/or violin is her signature sound. The song "Us" from Soviet Kitsch is what won me over. Her newer album, Begin to Hope, includes some electronic elements in some songs.

I began to listen to St. Vincent on the suggestion of a friend who compared her to Feist. Of course, I had to listen to any singer that draws similarity to Feist! Singer Annie Clark's voice is lovely, and the song "Jesus Saves, I Spend" has an adorable video. "Paris Is Burning" is another one of my favorite songs.

Tegan & Sara are twins that many have trouble distinguishing. Thankfully, listening to their music this is not an issue: their voices sound excellent together. "You Wouldn't Like Me" is notably catchy, as well as "Monday Monday Monday" from 2002's If It Was You.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs is headed by Karen O, a singer that showed on the band's debut album, Fever To Tell, that she could take on any person, man or woman. The sophomore album Show Your Bones was a bit more subdued, but nevertheless as catchy as its predecessor. Make sure to listen to "Maps" (if you have not heard it already), and "Cheated Hearts".

Cocteau Twins were a dream pop band that was headed by Elizabeth Fraser. Most popular in the 80's and early 90's, Fraser's voice is so beautiful and mixes in perfectly with the instrumental backdrop. Although the lyrics do not always make sense, the purpose for Fraser was clearly to make beautiful music. The tracks "Lorelei" and "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires" are absolutely stunning.

PJ Harvey has won multiple awards due to her powerful, sultry voice. Much of her music has darker elements, such as "Down By The Water". A softer track that is quite beautiful is "When Under Ether", found on 2007's White Chalk.

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