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What better way to romanticize your life than with ~main character music~? Whether you're pretending to be in a coming-of-age film, dancing around in your room or singing in the shower, you'll find the *best* vulnerable (but still upbeat) tunes from these newer artists. If you're a sucker for discovering lesser-known singers, get ready for your next musical obsession.  

kenzie

@kenzie

You might remember Mackenzie Ziegler from Dance Moms or her "Girl Party" music video days (iykyk). But we *all* need to be streaming her newer music. Her songs are filled so much vulnerability and passion, we can't decide if we should cry or aggressively sing along. Over the past few years, Kenzie has really found her personal musical style. She opens up about everything from her relationship with her dad ("anatomy") to romantic heartbreak ("paper"). We can't—and likely won't ever—get over it. 

Taylor Edwards

@tayloredwards

Don't worry, we can't forget about all you country girlies out there. If you love Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Edwards might just be your next obsession. Her country pop debut album, Born in July, is everything us emotional girlies could ever ask for. In "Mean to Me," she gives even gives a shout out to the Cancer bbys out there: "I hate that I'm so sensitive/I blame it on being born in July." It's intimate, it's personal and it's all too relatable. Born in July is one of those rare records that both puts us in our feelings and also makes us want to belt out every song at the top of our lungs.

Hayley Kiyoko

@hayleykiyoko

Remember Stella from Disney Channel's Lemonade Mouth? Though we always knew she was way too cool, our girl Hayley has wowed us all through her rise in pop, dance, and R&B music. She's got tunes for any typa day— from when you're feeling your most confident to when you're pausing for some self reflection. You can strut to the playful "for the girls," or find contentment in the present with "panorama." Tbh, it's pop perfection. What more could we ask for? 

Lindsay Liebro

@lindsayliebro

With this artist, the teen angst of Avril Lavigne meets the sentimental melodies of Olivia Rodrigo. Lindsay Liebro is *the* artist to start listening to, especially if you're trying to figure out your future while dealing with the trials of being a teenage girl. In "Wasted Potential," she sings about feeling like she could always do better and how exhausting it is to not know what comes next. Her music is sometimes mellow and sometimes fast-paced and adrenaline-packed. The moral of the story? They're the perfect songs to dance to like you're the protagonist in your own movie. 

Infinity Song

@infinitysong

You've probably heard the viral "Hater's Anthem" on Tik Tok and sang along to "I love the way it feels to be a hater." This fun single is just a glimpse of Infinity Song—the *coolest* soft rock sibling band. Sing along to "We Are The Light" and "Far Away" for some warm and hearty vibes, because even if you're not having the best day, Infinity Song's here to remind us that there's so much light around. Their fresh and airy tunes are perfect for a happy Sunday stroll, and we're gonna warn you, there may or may not be a little pep added to your step. 

ella jane

@ellajanemusic

If you're in the mood for something more upbeat, ella jane is the artist for you. Her music is honest, but it's also fun and refreshingly nonchalant. In "nothing else i could do," she sings about a relationship not working out, but in the end, there really is nothing else she could do than continue living her own life. Her music is playful and light, but still manages to feel deep and meaningful.

Who is your favorite music artist atm? Let us know on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Looking for more music content? Check out these posts!
🎵 Speak Now: Then vs. now
🎵 The most iconic moments from Olivia Rodrigo's new "vampire" music video
🎵 5 fast facts with country pop artist Evie Theodorou

Slider image: @kenzie
Top image: @tayloredwards

by Anne Chen | 10/2/2023