Here come the girls: women to watch in 2009

Alessi's Ark

As the dawn of the new year fast approaches, we’re taking a look at some of the music industry’s prospective superstars for 2009 – and yes, they are all ladies.

Florence and The Machine - South London’s very own happy-clappy hippy princess, Florence Welch, has released a flurry of singles in 2008, each showcasing her edgy, soul-filled muso-pop, and following in the footsteps of Bat For Lashes. Recent single ‘Dog Days’ is a clarion call that has got us chomping at the bit for her debut album, to be released in the spring.

VV Brown - First spotted by us on Later With Jools Holland, looking every inch the cartoon character with an angular haircut and a dogtooth-print dress. VV Brown’s unique brand of quirky and nostalgic poppy soul is like Amy Winehouse done properly, with no skanky clothes or drug-induced ramblings. 1950s diner and milkshakes not included.

Alessi’s Ark – She’s only 18, but Alessi is already making a name for herself in the nu-folk fold. Her debut single ‘The Horse’ is filled with poetry and mystery, and her fairy-like vocals certainly got us talking. You can make up your own mind when her debut album, littered with songs about animals and the weather, comes out early in 2009.

Ida Maria – It has been a good year for this crazy dame from Norway, and she’s certainly got the balls to improve on it in the future. A string of hits from her debut record Fortress Round My Heart, including the raucous ‘I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked’, prove that she’s strong enough to make the big leap over into the mainstream.

Santogold – 2008 has already been an amazing year for Santi White, former songwriter for Lily Allen, but her star is on the ascendancy and we can’t wait for the follow-up to her killer debut record. Even if you don’t know the name, you know the tunes – Santogold songs have been soundtracking tons of TV ad breaks. Make it your resolution to seek out ‘LES Artistes’ in the new year – it made our top tracks of 2008 list, and we promise you won’t regret it.

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