Jessie Spano’s caffeine pill meltdown. Gushers. Dance Mix ’95. The end of the 80s.
These were all memorable things to emerge from the 90s – the haphazard time-child of the confused 1980s that transformed drastically from year to year; beginning in a place that mimicked its decade past, shifting to Central Perk and Nirvana’s reign and ending with Big Willie Style and a whole lot of kerfuffle about the world ending. Also, most notably, it was a decade that grew us five nuts from 1980s seedlings into pubescent middle-schoolers. Most notably.
Needless to say, thinking about this fluid and unpredictable decade, the last thing you’d think is the period that bred a new generation of celebrities. No, Dakota Fanning is still supposed to be seven years-old and Sean Penn’s daughter. Your best friend’s little brother is still supposed to need supervision when eating more than once piece of popcorn at a time.
These little siblings are not supposed to be releasing some of the edgiest and most stylish albums of recent months and touring the world; capturing the pages of Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Spin via controversial interviews and multi-starred reviews. There are artists who remember Polly Pockets and are still struggling to get signed, for Pete’s sake. But, seeing as the kids are all too much a part of the hipster movement – greeting you upon entry to Urban Outfitters, kicking your head as they crowd surf towards the stage at an M83 concert – it’s no surprise that they’re making quick insider movements from crooning alongside their piano teacher’s living room keys to partnering with some of the hottest production wigs in the game while releasing trendy hits to the masses. The young and old(er) masses.
Still, seeing those consecutive “9’s” upon Wikipedia investigation is just weird. Not that we boast any major age gap to claim worldly superiority over the little runts – but we do, right? How are the 90s entering the workforce, let alone selling out stadiums?
While you ponder that, let’s peak into some of the hottest new girl acts – all born post Milli Vanilli shutdown, all much cooler than their older counterparts. Sigh.
Kimbra
1. Kimbra: Kimbra Lee Johnson, born in 1990, hit mainstream fame after she was the back-up choice to sing on one of the most overplayed songs in history – Gotye’s “Somebody I Used To Know.” Word on the street is that Gotye originally engaged a “high profile” female artist to accompany him on the soon-to-be multi-platinum break-up ditty, and was rejected before stumbling upon the sugary soulful vocals of New Zealand’s Kimbra – a decision that was bang on, if you ask me. I despise that song, save for her verse. (Also, said female artist who turned Gotye down has since anonymously admitted to really missing the boat on that one, apparently). Although the hit single was a helpful boost for the gifted ARIA 2011 Female Artist of the Year, she’s well on her way without Gotye’s help; her multi-faceted jazz-inspired sound is captivating, wise beyond her age and a vocal delicacy.
Charli XCX
2. Charli XCX: Charlotte Aitchison, born in May of 1992, is a little bit intimidating at just barely 21 years-old. If I revisited University and bumped into her, four years my junior at the campus pub, I’d most likely stutter to befriend her. Her smoky eyes set back in a cherub face; Charli XCX delivers a dark wave Brit-pop and Zola Jesus-sounding yelp that’s led to breakthrough indie status in her native UK – supporting Santigold and Coldplay on their tour throughout the summer of 2012. As part of this underground-meets-mainstream electro-pop and dance scene, XCX’s badass retro-infused beats have already been remixed by Deadboy, Odd Future and Alex Metric. Keep an eye on this little firecracker; she’s not afraid to play with the big kids.
Sky Ferreira
3. Sky Ferreira: One of the pluses of being a Hollywood-raised Gen Y artist is you don’t have to fake your bizarre, trendy name. Sky Ferreira, another 20 year-old model/actress/singer sparkplug, grew up holidaying alongside Michael Jackson and company – a family acquaintance that undoubtedly influenced her fervent jump into the studio at just 18 years-old. With plans for her debut album to release in early 2013 following two dance-pop EPs, Ferreira has been exploring a diverse mix of sultry blues, goth-grunge and Blood Orange inspired synth-pop that swanks flashy beats and chilly LA vibes. As part of what must be a calculated coast beneath the radar, this striking platinum blonde is mere minutes away from firing upwards – she’s got the too-cool-for-school triple threat character down pat and is just biding her time before the secret’s out.
Birdy
4. Birdy: The most accurately named kiddie on the list, 16 year-old Jasmine van den Bogaerde has been penning her haunting piano odes for half of her life. You do the math. With her shaky, romantic yodel and a knack for taking popular indie hits and shedding them to their bare basics, the tables have now turned – with Birdy being covered herself. Skyrocketing to blogosphere fame after stripping down both Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love,” Phoenix’s “1901” and a handful of others – it’s my belief that some of her own moody ballads (like the one below) are actually the most genius on her roster.
Rita Ora
5. Rita Ora: A few weeks shy of her 22nd birthday, this Yugoslavian born British dance-rock princess is no new face to the game – but she is a memorable one. With her bleached locks, deep red pout and a powerful set of pipes to boot, the 1990-born rocket began her industry climb in 2007 before putting two full years of grind into her 2012 debut release, Ora – a recording that also lays claim to the magical touch of The Dream, Drake, Kanye and will.i.am. After catching Hova’s ear and signing to Roc Nation, Ora has been able to creatively spread her wings – adding retro reggae, dance and R&B into her newsworthy mixes. Of the entire crop, Ora is most assuredly expected to graduate to the high life.
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