Tag Archives: Beyonce

Weekly Gems 113

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Asha Gold – Passenger

Asha Gold

Classically trained London-based Asha Gold releases her new single ‘Passenger’, one of the first songs she ever wrote during her travels in Europe.

It’s a freedom inspiring release, full of escapism, as Asha keeps on travelling forward in a bid to grow as an individual.

Sounds like: Nakala, Frank Ocean

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The Endorphins – Parachute

The Endorphines

Stockholm siblings The Endorphins shares ‘Parachute’.

A more soulful change in direction to their previous single, ‘Dead or Alive‘, the ’90s inspired R&B breaker was written about intensely falling head over heals for someone.

Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet, Caswell

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Junípero – Want To

Junípero

Continuing their quest to musicalise experiences and connect deepest desires, Mexican duo Junípero shares ‘Want To’.

Mixing dream-like melodies in a way that play with every sense, the well balanced folktronica-styled track is both multi-dimensional and atmospheric.

Sounds like: Beach House, Explosions In the Sky, Mogwai, Band of Horses

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Maude Latour – Furniture

Maude Latour

New York City-based Maude Latour‘s bubbly new single ‘Furniture’ is unapologetic as ever.

Written at the lowest point of a breakup, the song oozes bravery with an ounce of playfulness. This is her joyous breakup song, that she now shares with the world!

Sounds like: Caro, Chloe Lilac, Claud

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Urchin – Break In

Urchin

London-based jazz turned indie musician Urchin (aka Leo Appleyard) shares ‘Break In’, taken from his ‘Night Light’ EP.

Making his vocal debut on the left of the centre track, it features gorgeous, heavy vocal melodies that pick up some plucky UK-influenced electronica.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

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TALU – Take You Home

Talu

Local Crawley band TALU share their new single ‘Take You Home’.

Recording the drums in a warehouse and everything else in their living room and kitchen, the band captures the joy in everyday moments, offering a delightful slither of nostalgia that you’d desire from a modern day indie-pop band.

Sounds like: The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Sea Girls, Bombay Bicycle Club, Hoofa

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Alice MC – My Love

Alice MC

South London’s Alice MC shares her new single ‘My Love’, taken from her debut EP, ‘Storyteller’.

Despite her music fitting best within the jazz, soul and folk genres, Alice MC started by studying Opera at the Guildhall School. She soon realised her destiny was within the jazz worlds.

Sounds like: Laura Marling, PJ Harvey, Lianne La Havas, Beyoncé, Kate Bush

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Playlist: Benji Lewis

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Benji Lewis

Introducing the bright and summery sounds of Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Benji Lewis. We asked Benji to take a break from songwriting and put together a list of his favourite songs for us.

“I keep this playlist updated, always adding new favourites I’m listening to. These ones below are on repeat at the moment for me.”

Ariana Grande – Needy
Have over the last few years become a fan of Ariana, her vibe and flow. I love how simple the beats and instruments are. And her vocal just flows effortlessly over the top. It’s pretty, beautiful, a vibe and fun to sing along to and with her.

SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott – Power Is Power
I absolutely love SZA, she is very cool to me. She gives so much attitude and feeling to her performance. She makes this song for me. The energy though of the entire song, everything comes together to just hit you with this big energy. Pumps me up for the day.

Duckwrth, Rico Nasty, Medasin – LOVE IS LIKE A MOSHPIT
Duckwrth is sick, in the best way. Have loved his music and vibe for a while now, since I saw him live at SXSW 2018. Was more into his upbeat stuff. But this song hit me, I really connected with the energy and emotion he gives in this one. Hits you with all the vibes.

Tayla Parx ft Duckwrth – Read Your Mind
I became aware of Tayla Parx recently for her collab and writing efforts behind some of the biggest songs from Ariana Grande recently. Then I saw her from this album, ‘We Need To Talk.’ And this song connected with me the most. It’s so vulnerable and really hit me in the feels. It’s beautiful. And the featured vocal from Duckwrth gives it that extra kick it didn’t even need but you secretly wanted.

Conan Gray – Lookalike
I’ve know Conan Gray more for his Youtube covers. As I slowly started listened to him more recently. His music, vibe and vocal is something else. He’s completely doing his own thing and killin it. I guess I connect with this one as I’m sure many others do as we all wish someone that we really loved still thinks of us, misses us and possibly sees us in others as we move on. It’s really honest and totally relatable.

JP Saxe – Save Room
This guy is one of the most vulnerable artists I’ve come across over the last few years. I saw him live opening for Freya Ridings a year or two ago and been a fan since. This song is so honest and heartfelt, his feelings all spilling out, all out in the open for us to relate to, feel and almost give us a sense of safety while we go through the same emotions getting over a breakup.

Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
This song off her latest EP just has this strength and power to it that I love and connect with. Love her vocal delivery. It’s a good listen. I support what she’s doing and creating right now.

Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler – you were good to me
Love both of these beautiful voices and all their collabs. This one is the most recent from an EP they just released this year. Love how their harmonies intertwine and sound just beautiful together. It’s a little bit of magic. I’m sure a lot of effort and thought went into the production and lyrics, and they make it all sound so simple and effortless. It’s an art, and they do it so well.

SZA and Willow – 9
I just love the vibe of this song. There is such a natural flow of the simple music going on underneath and their vocals in and out over the top. Both their vocals go really nicely together.

Beyonce – Diva – Homecoming Live
I mean who doesn’t like Beyonce. If you don’t it does make it a little harder for me to be friends with you a ha …but for real. Ok, this song just gives so much energy, some of what you get from watching or listening to anything from Beyonce. She’s a boss. All the power, strength and mood she exudes and gives us. Thank you

MEDUZA and Goodboys – Piece Of Your Heart
I was only shown this one recently from a friend of mine who goes by TACHES in LA while we were driving away from a great writing session. It makes you want to move and dance so much, I love it. My favourite part is the where one of the guys says’ “Hold on sorry, how about.” And Then comes the main hook. So smart. I can only imagine that moment in the studio where whoever came up with that main melody. It would have been very cool and special.

Sounds like: The 1975, The Kite String Tangle, Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure

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Playlist: Delena

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Delena

Kiev-born Delena is making waves with her ambitious take on modern pop music and strong message on female empowerment.

Born in Kiev, Delena relocated to a Switzerland school at just 12 years old and went on to London, to study at the London Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance. Music was always in her veins, through her relation to Ukrainian screenwriter, film producer, and director Alexander Dovzhenko.

Ever keen to inspire, we decided to ask Delena to put together a playlist for the Indietronica readers that does just that. Check it out below.

Ariana Grande – God is a woman
God is women.

Alicia Keys – Girl On fire
The vocal is great.

Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)
It has a very strong message.

Little Mix – Salute
It’s the sound of female empowerment.

Gloria Gaynor – I will survive
I listen to this song when I’m scared.

Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me
I feel very independent.

Lady Gaga – Born this way
I’m in a right track baby I was born this way.

Delena – Animal
Power and will.

Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
Sexy.

Christina Aguilera – Fall In Line (Feat. Demi Lovato)
It’s so important to know who you are and follow what is right for you.

Madonna – Material Girl
Madonna is just an icon.

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Makes me want to dance with my girls.

Aretha Franklin – Respect
It’s a statement.

Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful
We are how we are and it’s can be sometimes challenging to except it.

Donna Summer – She Works Hard For The Money
I always say that hard work pays off.

Christina Aguilera – Fighter
There is nothing to be afraid of.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Bad Reputation
Has a killer punk spirit.

Delana – Done
It’s important to say I’m done and move on.

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

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Playlist: Amahla

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Amahla - Consider This

Incredible young talent Amahla makes neo-soul music with pure heart.

In times of hardship, authentic voices, stories, and creativity can always thrive, so I suppose there is at least one silver lining to Brexit and the issues of immigration and women’s rights.

Amahla has put together a playlist of a few songs that have influenced her recently. They differ in genre, but all put great vocals to the front.

Nick Drake – River Man
I’m new to Nick Drake but I absolutely love this one, his voice takes you on a journey through the song

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
There is so much class in this record, killer pre chorus, chorus and the dynamics flow just right.

Don Bryant – How Do I Get There?
I only discovered this song last week but i’ve not been able to stop playing it! Turns out Don was a songwriter at Hi records (Al Green, Ann Peebles) it just fills me with warmth every time I listen.

Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers
Ed’s language choices in this track are so powerful especially about such mundane things. I guess when you lose someone you do tend to focus on all the little things

Beyonce – Get Me Bodied
I love this song, once it hits the middle 8 it reminds me so much of Chain of Fools by Aretha. An underrated song from B 100%

Brother Brothers – Colorado
I really love the way the melody line sits above the guitar, it glides so effortlessly and makes their sound feel new.

Amahla – Consider This
It’s lovely because every time I play this live I get to reinvent the arrangement, this is definitely a style that I’m hoping to build on in future releases

You can listen to her deeply personal EP below.

Sounds like: Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Grace Carter, Caswell, Lauryn Hill

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Playlist: Brika

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Brika

Brika is the alternative pop project of Cuban-American, Briana Martinez, who has been a musician since the tender age of three.

Whilst her music maybe lyrically mature, it has a profound pop swagger, which envelopes you immediately upon first listen until you reach the end and don’t quite remember how you got there, much like a taxi ride (which incidentally ties in nicely with her current release, ‘Taxi Man’).

Brika has kindly put together a playlist for Indietronica. Check it out below.

Steve Lacy – Some

Music is a very visual art form that constantly draws pictures from moments of your past. I generally believe that one of the many elements that determine if a song is good, is its ability to make you instantly daydream. The first time I heard this song, it was very early in the morning as I was driving, and it instantly provoked exactly that. Since I’ve been hooked.

Beach House – Space Song

I love this song because there is something very bittersweet about it. It reminds me of the general music I would listen to a lot in high school.

A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean – Purity

One of my recent late-night “what is life” songs for me. I think the structure of this song is very unique and refreshing. Frank Ocean’s voice makes me instantly nostalgic.

Thom Yorke – The Eraser

This… I mean, Thom Yorke is everything. Although this song isn’t in one of my more recent plays, it is definitely a song I always go back to. The production is timeless and Yorke is anexcellent lyricist I have spent several nights just analyzing his ability to make one song perfectly summarize so many emotions.

Demo – Sunshine Girl

The song you blast in your apartment with a bottle of wine as you’re cooking a delicious meal. I am a sucker for excessive harmonies that feel effortless, old-school elements, and wavy sounding tracks.

TOPS – Easier Said

Tops is a very underrated artist.

ROSALÍA – Catalina

Rosalía embodies what the future of music is. She mixes Spanish Flamenco with modern Pop and Hip-Hop beat elements. The music she releases is extremely innovative and her lyrics are also very tasteful. Even in her attempt to do a more commercial sounding track with J Balvin in Brillo, her unique palate of influences thrive.

Feist – A Man Is Not His Song

A Man Is Not His Song is special to me. I love how she uses ‘song’ as a kind of metaphor for saying, just because an artist sings or a person portrays a certain image, doesn’t necessarily mean that is their reality. Her message can be interpreted further to say, that no one can live up to first impressions forever, in the same way, that writers of beautiful songs often create things beyond them. I think this song analyzes and embodies perfectly, what is found often in the music industry, when an artist plays the role of something they are not. Every track in album Pleasure by Feist, had a lot of interesting insights in the lyrics, and inspired me in the creation of my new EP.

Rhye – Song For You

This is a great song to drive to. I saw them live, and was extremely shocked to find the singer was actually a male and sounded exactly as the record!

Lykke Li – I Never Learn

Although this album has been around for a very long time, these are one of the songs I’ve only more recently discovered.

Moses Sumney – Plastic

I think Moses Sumney is incredible and very underrated. Everything that this artist puts out is real music. I love the soft Jazz guitar, the distant reverbed harmonies, and subtle use of strings at the end. He never disappoints in creating beautiful arrangements that are topped by tasteful lyrics.

Sounds like: Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Macy Gray

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Adée – Wasted On You

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Adée

This little lady has already sung for the Swedish royal family and is now working with acclaimed US producer JKey (Beyoncé, Jay Z). Meet Adée.

Her new single ‘Wasted On You’ is out today and delves more into the realms of pop than she has ever done before. If you know Adée’s music, it is usually more soul and hip-hop based (just check out ‘Woman‘ on her YouTube channel).

This is an exciting new direction for the young producer, one we are very excited to hear more about.

Disclosure: I am Adée’s publicist.

Sounds like: Jorja Smith, Mary J Blige, Iggy Azalea

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Weekly Gems 25

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LKA – I’m Fallin’

LKA

Finnish artist LKA has teamed up with HANNAH on her new single, ‘I’m Fallin”. It’s a welcome retreat from the cold weather.

Written about a crush, the stripped-back song showcases LKA’s fruitful vocals, and swirling, tropical production.

Sounds like: MØ, Grimez, Paperwhite, Calypso

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Nat Reed – Flow

Nat Reed - Flow

Boston-based Nat Reed is an exciting new R&B artist.

Her ethereal sensuality works magic with the minimal electronic production used in her music, which creates an otherworldly experience for the listener.

Listen to ‘Flow’ below.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Solange, Banks, Jorja Smith, FKA Twigs, Mabel

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SUMif – In With Me

SUMif

San Francisco-based electro pop up-and-comer SUMif sets off 2018 alight with her new EP called ‘Pretty Cage’.

SUMif has already opened for indie and electro-pop darlings such as VÉRITÉ, Lauv, Ella Vos, Kučka, and Little Boots, and hopefully a headline slot will be hers very shortly.

‘In With Me’ is the lead single.

Sounds like: REMMI, CAPPA, Monogem, Evvy, Noosa, Sizzy Rocket

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namaka – Cellophane

namaka - Cellophane

We don’t hear very much Swiss indietronica, but namaka‘s new song ‘Cellophane’ proves we should be listening to more.

Their music is both feminine and masculine; production both analogical and digital, as the band tackle the conflict of man vs machine in the most delicate and rough ways possible.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Daughter

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Western Scene – Strange But True

Western Scene

Do not be deceived, ‘Strange But True’ by Western Scene is not a Christmas song, despite the countless bells and chimes in the song. Instead, it is a call for decent music.

Formed by front man Tom Pritchard in Los Angeles, Western Scene is an indie rock band through and through, spending years self-producing music that has been written and recorded in bedrooms and studios across the coast.

‘Strange but True’ is out now via Grand Jury Music.

Sounds like: Band Of Horses, Midlake, Lake Jons

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An Indietronica Preview of Wildlife Festival 2017

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Wildlife Festival 2017

Wildlife Festival returns for its third year at Shoreham Airport. Headed up by Disclosure and Black Butter Records, expect this be the most fun year yet, not just because you now have an excuse to take the Friday off, but because the line up is quite simply awesome.

We’ve picked out our favourites, so you don’t have to. Check them out below.

ANNE-MARIE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Anne Marie

Essex-born artist, Anne-Marie, has had numerous hits over the last couple of years. With her sweet vocals (she performed in Les Miserables when she was younger) and urban swagger, we expect her performance to be very special indeed.

Sounds like: Zara Larsson, K-Stewart, Kiiara, Mabel

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CLEAN BANDIT
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Clean Bandit

We’ve been following Cambridge collective, Clean Bandit since they began, so it’s with great excitement that we see them playing the big stage Wildlife Festival this year.

They have gone from strength to strength with their collaborations, including a couple of other Wildlife artists.

Sounds like: RAC, AlunaGeorge, Disclosure, Bondax

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DISCLOSURE
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.

Disclosure by Catie Laffoon

Reigate brothers, Disclosure, are running the show at Widlife.

Citing a range of influences from classical, rock, funk and soul, their sound is a forward thinking amalgamation of the aforementioned genres.

They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.

Sounds like: MNEK, Sam Smith, Gorgon City

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JESS GLYNNE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Jess Glynne

Was ‘Hold My Hand’ the best song of 2015? Quite possibly, but regardless, it was definitely the song that put Jess Glynne on the global map, with a number of remixes secured with some key contenders in the dance industry.

With her stunning vocal tone and energy, Jess will be headlining the festival on Friday. Bring it on!

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson

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JOE GODDARD
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Joe Goddard by Marc Sethi

Fresh off the release of his album, ‘Electric Lines’ (out on Greco-Roman/Domino Records), UK producer Joe Goddard is set to play Wildlife Festival.

Joe Goddard is the founder member of electronic legends Hot Chip and ½ of DJ duo The 2 Bears, so expect a stellar performance in a similar vein!

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Hot Chip, The xx, Four Tet, Caribou, Jamie XX

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LIV DAWSON
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June

Liv Dawson

Lovely Londoner, Liv Dawson, is one of our favourite newcomers from 2016.

The sound and emotional depth of the late teen prove that she is undeniably wise and confident beyond her years, and it’s therefore no wonder that she’s been picked to play Wildlife amongst such other great acts.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Banks, Jorja Smith

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MURA MASA
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Mura Masa

Electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan is Mura Masa.

He has a huge fan base (most, if not all of his singles have been used in various clothing adverts) and he is renowned for his glitchy production that incorporates Asian instruments, as well as incredible live shows.

Sounds like: Flume, Cashmere Cat, SBTRKT, FØRTE, The Knife

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RAYE
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June

Raye

BRIT School attendee and South Londoner, RAYE, has been making waves with her unique take on R&B.

RAYE has received support from the likes of Years & Years, Charli XCX and Jonas Blue.

Sounds like: Years & Years, Louisa Johnson, Jess Glynne

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RUDIMENTAL
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.

Rudimental

With a knack for choosing great vocalists, Rudimental are known for their bold, bassy and brassy sounds. In a massive contradiction to their name choice, this four-piece are anything basic.

They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.

Sounds like: Alex Clare, John Newman, Will Heard, MNEK, NIMMO, Leo Stannard, Oli Hannaford

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SHY LUV
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Shy Luv

Shy Luv is the project of Manchester based Karma Kid and Armeria.

‘Time’ follows on from their ‘Shock Horror’ EP, but it’s live where the duo showcase their diverse range of influences including LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy and Friendly Fires.

Sounds like: Honne, Disclosure, Tame Impala, Hot Chip, Jagwar Ma, SG Lewis, LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy, Friendly Fires

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ZARA LARSSON
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Zara Larsson

It doesn’t seem that long ago since social activist and Swedish electro-pop singer, Zara Larsson hit our screens with the video for ‘Lush Life’.

She later teamed up with MNEK for ‘Never Forget You’, and is now set to get the crowds pumped on the Wildlife Stage.

Sounds like: Rihanna, Tove Lo, Dua Lipa

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TICKETS AND MORE INFO FROM THE Wildlife Festival WEBSITE.

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Liv Dawson – Still

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Liv Dawson

Liv Dawson

Well, we didn’t think Liv Dawson could top her debut track, ‘Tapestry‘, but she has just shared ‘Still’ and it’s stunning.

‘Still’ has more of an electronic undercurrent, but the minimalistic drum beat works so well with Liv’s poignant vocals.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Banks, Jorja Smith

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Liv Dawson – Tapestry

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Liv Dawson

Liv Dawson

17 year old Londoner, Liv Dawson, debuts the elegant ‘Tapestry’.

It’s a spacious number that allows Liv’s beguiling vocals to breathe. Her sound and emotional depth are undeniably wise and confident beyond her years.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Banks

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