9. Gabrielle Aplin – English Rain

My friend Suz introduced me to Gabrielle’s music in the middle of last year, back when she was known as more of a YouTube artist whose talent, dedication, and lovely EPs had secured her a record deal with Parlophone. Sometimes her music can be a bit soft and safe for my tastes, but here are a few reasons why she is totally badass:

a) She has a giant tattoo on her arm with a quote from “The Hollow Men” by T.S. Eliot.

b) She has a label to put out other artists’ music now that she’s signed to a major.

c) She loves animals, particularly her pet ferret.

d) She’s supported Ed Sheeran (something of a taste maker) and John Mayer (kind of a big deal) as well as headlined her own tours.

e) Her lyrics can be a hell of a lot darker than her beautiful voice lets on.

So give her a listen. English Rain will be released properly in America next year, and hopefully that will mean that we get to check her out live as well. I’d love to see the grit that follows after singing and playing for over an hour live. Somehow I think she’ll only triumph and become even more endearing.