5 Artists to Watch in 2021

January 15, 2021 No Comments

Zoe Wees, Sinead Harnett, Tate McRae, Iann Dior and Olivia Rodrigo - Artists to Watch

There is one mantra I can always get behind: New year, new music!

Music has been a saviour throughout this pandemic, hyping us up and bringing us comfort during the seemingly endless days of isolation. Thankfully, we are only three New Music Fridays into the year and my January playlist is already giving me everything I need. But to sweeten the deal, I am beyond ready to keep absorbing every new single, album and artist discovery 2021 has in store (and I’ll bring the hottest new releases to you every Friday at 12AM EST on my Instagram!).

Check out five artists who are already showing great potential for making it big in the year ahead.

Zoe Wees

German singer-songwriter Zoe Wees lost all “Control” of her debut single’s promo circuit when much of the world went into lockdown just days after its March 2020 release. But such a beautiful song couldn’t go unnoticed and “Control” has since made quite the impact, garnering over 110 million Spotify streams. No big deal!

Zoe can now count Jessie J (her childhood music idol) and Sam Smith among her biggest fans; in fact, Zoe was tapped to open Sam’s Love Goes album release livestream concert filmed at the historic Abbey Road Studios in October. Best of all, Zoe just kicked off 2021 with her debut U.S. television performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. She is one artist I’d love to see live as soon as concerts resume!

Watch the music video for her empowering new single “Girls Like Us” now and look out for much more music dropping soon!

Sinéad Harnett

You know you’ve made it once you have your own billboard. Sinéad Harnett checked off that major milestone just days into the new year while promoting her Amazon Original single, a cover of ’70s hit “At Your Best (You Are Love).”

there’s a little girl crying inside of me! she didn’t think she deserved anything like this. she didn’t think she was worthy of love. but you know what. she fucking is. and so are you!

The London-born songstress built an early following in 2013 through collaborations with big-name producers like Disclosure (“Boiling“) and Rudimental and MNEK (“Baby“). But it was her 2016 release “If You Let Me” that truly amplified her global profile, racking up 70 million Spotify streams and counting. Inspired to create in isolation, Sinéad recently found a new audience through Instagram, posting covers, comedy skits and even a special track aptly titled “Quarantine Queen.”

Heading into 2021, Sinéad has been putting the finishing touches on an eagerly-awaited new album. If she had a billboard in January, I can only imagine what she can accomplish by December. It’s only up from here.

Tate McRae

Canadian-born Tate McRae paved her path to success in 2020 with the release of her debut EP ‘all the things i never said’ and its self-mocking lead “stupid.” After a string of one-off singles, including collaborations with Lil Mosey (“vicious“) and Ali Gatie (“lie to me“), her heartbreaking song “you broke me first” suddenly picked up global steam. It helped Tate secure a spot in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart and Top 20 on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, as well as performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the MTV Video Music Awards Pre-show. Released in December, Tate’s sassy new single “r u ok” is already keeping the momentum alive.

Tate is definitely one to watch this year, but don’t just take my word for it. The 17-year-old triple threat (singer, songwriter, and dancer first) was ranked among the top 50 most streamed female artists on Spotify globally at the end of 2020 and was the youngest musician named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List for 2021. She also just scored her first platinum certification with “you broke me first.”

Once you’re caught up on her catchy discography, get excited for Tate’s first new project of the year, slated for release Jan. 20.

iann dior

When the world slowed down, Puerto Rican rapper iann dior went full speed ahead—and the industry took notice. In what was nothing short of a massive year for the rising star, iann dior landed a major feature on 24kGoldn’s viral summer hit “Mood,” collaborated with Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker and Lil Baby, and surpassed 36 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Setting the stage for what’s ahead in 2021, the 21 year old just dropped a new music video and has started teasing a new album on Instagram. Make sure to hit that follow button and keep iann dior on your radar!

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s official debut single “drivers license” has landed the High School Musical: The Series actress in the fast lane to young pop royalty — and it could easily (and already) be one of the biggest releases of 2021. It went viral on TikTok (today’s top hit maker), has A-list endorsement from the likes of the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift and Niall Horan and has smashed all sorts of records, including breaking its own record for the biggest single day streams for a non-holiday song in global Spotify chart history (#1 with over 13.628 million). The song’s unprecedented success prompted the streaming platform itself to respond, with a representative telling Billboard, “I truly do think this is just a lightning-in-a-bottle moment that sort of brought together a number of factors in a way that they haven’t really been brought together recently. But I can’t say that the pop audience wasn’t hungry for a big pop song as well.” So… no pressure for that sophomore single, right?!

The real test of Rodrigo’s reign will depend on her new fans (all 4.3 million of them on Instagram alone) and TikTok stans rallying behind her future projects. But if the success of “drivers license” and her contributions to the High School Musical: The Series soundtrack are to be trusted, this is just the beginning of Olivia’s story.

Music Monday, New Music Friday, Playlists

Music You Need to Hear from 2020 (Exposing My Spotify Wrapped!)

December 31, 2020 No Comments

Music You Need to Hear from 2020 blog post cover

Every December, Spotify signals the end of the year with personalized Wrapped playlists rounding up users’ most-streamed songs. Despite how well you may think you know your own music taste, Spotify’s data doesn’t lie! Surprises are always guaranteed—whether it’s a song you listened to for three days straight early in the year and have since forgot about, or you just didn’t realize how obsessed you were with an artist or album track.

Press play on my official Top Songs of 2020 playlist below, featuring 100 of the year’s best bops from Jessie Ware, Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, Chloe x Halle and more. I’ve loved having this on repeat as I reminisce on the past 12 months of music!

Now, for one of the most anticipated “Best Of” lists of the year, let’s break down the Top Albums of 2020!

My Top 10 Albums of 2020 (according to Spotify)

10. Rina Sawayama, ‘SAWAYAMA’

Most played track: “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)”

9. Jessie Ware, ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’

Most played track: “In Your Eyes”

8. Sam Smith, ‘Love Goes’

Most played track: “Diamonds”

7. Sevdaliza, ‘Shabrang’

Most played tracks: “Darkest Hour,” “Oh My God”

6. Lady Gaga, ‘Chromatica’

Most played tracks: “Rain On Me” (with Ariana Grande), “Sour Candy” (with BLACKPINK)

5. The Weeknd, ‘After Hours’

Most played tracks: “Too Late,” “Blinding Lights,” “Alone Again”

4. Dua Lipa, ‘Future Nostalgia’

Most played tracks: “Levitating” (feat. Madonna and Missy Elliott) [The Blessed Madonna Remix] (Club Future Nostalgia exclusive), “That Kind Of Woman” (Jacques Lu Cont Remix) (Club Future Nostalgia exclusive), “Fever” (feat. Angèle)

3. Selena Gomez, ‘Rare’

Most played tracks: “A Sweeter Place” (feat. Kid Cudi), “Let Me Get Me,” “Look At Her Now,” “People You Know,” “Dance Again”

2. Tame Impala, ‘The Slow Rush’

Most played tracks: “Breathe Deeper,” “One More Year,” “Glimmer,” “It Might Be Time,” “Is It True”

1. Disclosure, ‘ENERGY’

Most played tracks: “Reverie” (feat. Common), “Expressing What Matters,” “Ecstasy,” “Etran” (feat. Etran Finatawa), “Lavender” (feat. Channel Tres), “Get Close,” “Who Knew?” (feat. Mick Jenkins), “Douha (Mali Mali)” (feat. Fatoumata Diawara), “ENERGY”

Despite the music I highlighted each month in my Favourites playlist, here are some statistically-proven takeaways from my 2020 streaming habits:

My most streamed album of the year was 2019’s ‘Bubba’ by Montreal DJ-producer Kaytranada. Evidently, I was very excited to see his live show in the spring (RIP 2020 concert season.)
I was a big fan of dance remixes—anything to lift my spirits during long work days and workouts!
My favourite artists, including The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and Sam Smith, did what had to be done, contributing to the soundtrack of the year. But I was also thrilled to discover new artists like Sevdaliza and Rina Sawayama with fresh sounds and stories and I can’t wait to see what they bring in 2021.

The Best of the Best Albums of 2020

You know a great album as soon as you hear it—when each song flawlessly blends into the next and you want to sing, scream, shout, dance, cry, etc. the whole way through.

As I look back on the incredible bodies of work we were gifted this year, I’d firmly rank ‘After Hours’ (The Weeknd), ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ (Jessie Ware) and ‘The Slow Rush’ (Tame Impala) as my top 3 albums of 2020. 😍

This year may have been dark, but thanks to so many incredible artists, music was a bright spot for all of us. Can’t wait to start building my 2021 playlist! 🎶

Music Monday, New Music Friday, Playlists

15 New Christmas Songs for Your 2020 Holiday Playlist

December 14, 2020 No Comments

Regardless of the date on the calendar, the Christmas season isn’t officially underway until your local radio station first plays Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Thanks to the power of music, while many of our holiday traditions will understandably look very different this year, Christmas carols will continue to bring us together.

As much as I love the signature songs of the season, I also love discovering original tracks and fresh takes on holiday classics to add to my annual playlist. Check out new Christmas songs from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Tori Kelly and yes, the Queen of Christmas music herself, Mariah Carey, below!

* Christmas 2020 Playlist *

“Merry Christmas to Your Face” by Jordin Sparks

Off her new holiday album Cider & Hennessy (her first full-length release since 2015!), American Idol winner Jordin Sparks sets the mood with a cute and catchy track about wanting to spend Christmas with your favourite person while opening presents, laughing and playing all day. Nothing sounds better!

“I Need You Christmas” by Jonas Brothers

Whether it’s because we’re growing up or just dealing with a drastically different “pandemic holiday,” it’s easy to miss the sweet innocence of Christmases’ past. The holidays spent “waiting for Santa to show [and] caroling late night” can sound like a distant dream sometimes. With this follow-up single to 2019’s “Like It’s Christmas,” Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas deliver another heartwarming Christmas track about holding on to hope and that festive feeling.

“Under The Mistletoe” by Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge

Kelly Clarkson is at the top of her Christmas music game! I still have her beautiful 2013 album ‘Wrapped In Red’ on repeat, and I’m so excited to add this merry new collaboration with country singer Brett Eldredge to the mix.

“Last Christmas” by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor gives the Christmas classic “Last Christmas” new life on her recently-released holiday album, aptly titled ‘A Very Trainor Christmas.’ Meghan’s voice perfectly fits the vibe of the song, which will forever be one of my fave Christmas carols!

“Christmas Blues” by Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd

Get ready to grab your special someone, turn up your speakers and slow dance by the Christmas tree! Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd sound enchanting on this beautiful holiday song off of Sabrina’s new Christmas album of the same name.

“The Lighthouse Keeper” by Sam Smith

Every holiday playlist needs at least one mellow melody. Sam Smith, who had a massive year with the release of their third studio album, just delivered the tearjerker of the holiday season with this breathtaking new single, produced by ‘Love Goes’ collaborator Labrinth. “If any year could make me look forward to the sounds of Christmas, it would be 2020 as more than ever before we are yearning to be around our friends and family once again,” Sam said ahead of the track’s release. Amen to that.

“Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful” by Tori Kelly

I challenge you to find a more fun rendition of “Joy to the World” — it’s an impossible task! Tori Kelly’s voice is simply incredible and will ignite an irresistible glow inside of you. I highly recommend checking out the rest of her new Christmas album, ‘A Tori Kelly Christmas,’ for 41 minutes of pure holiday vibes!

“Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey feat. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

A long-awaited highlight of Mariah Carey’s new Apple TV+ holiday special, this Mariah x Ariana x Jennifer collab is undeniably the star-studded spectacle of the season!

Interviews, Music, New Music Friday, Take 5

Take 5 with Michelle Treacy

November 6, 2020 No Comments

Michelle Treacy Interview - angelamclean.ca

In the midst of a year defined by political and social unrest — not to mention an unprecedented global pandemic — a new chapter is what we all need. For Canadian singer-songwriter Michelle Treacy, the release of her new single “Time Off From A Letdown” is just that — the start of something new, and something “unapologetically Michelle.”

Three years after releasing her breakout track “Armageddon,” Michelle won an episode of CTV’s music competition show The Launch and was officially “launched” into the spotlight with an angsty new single, “Emotional.” Fast forward a year, Michelle is stripping her sound down to the basics, embracing a more somber and reflective folk-pop tone that’s perfect for the times.

To celebrate her first independent release, I caught up with Michelle to chat about “Time Off From A Letdown,” using your platform and performing with Lady Gaga (yes, you read that right!).

What does “Time Off From A Letdown” represent for you?

Thematically, the song represents the feeling of letting everyone down — the reality being that you are only letting yourself down by putting others first. It is about refocusing on yourself, as I have spent the last couple of years doing just that after going through a dark time in my life. The cinematic video is a beautiful representation of this created by an all-female team. It is a piece of art in its purest form, and I hope people take something from it.

You’ve been vocal throughout the pandemic about mask education (masks are definitely sexy!) and #BlackLivesMatter. Why is it important for you to use your platform to shine a light on global issues?

I am really grateful to have a platform where people see my stuff and listen. If you have a platform and you’re not using it to educate people on current issues — why bother having a platform? I am pro mask and #BlackLivesMatter. If you are not, you are on the wrong side of history. It’s time to get educated.

The pandemic has presented a bit of a creative block for many artists. Which singers have inspired you the most this year and why?

Finneas has inspired me a lot. He has taught me that you don’t need anything to make a good song and record. He taught me that recording from home is cool. I mean, look at all his work… all done from his bedroom. So, that’s what I’m doing now. All my music is recorded in my closet.

Can you share the story behind that moment with Lady Gaga where you got to perform with her on stage in Montreal? Also, I have to ask: What’s your favourite song off Chromatica?

Long story short, I got really lucky when it came to singing with Gaga in 2014. I had met her a bunch of times prior and asked her. She said yes and the rest is history. My favourite song off Chromatica is “Sine From Above.”

What’s next for you? Are you working towards another EP or perhaps an album?!

I’m working on a bunch of new music. No release date yet but it will be worth the wait I promise. We are gonna do this right this time!

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists

October Favourites

October 24, 2020 No Comments

There’s something spooky in the air! With cooler temperatures and fall vibes in full swing, October is easily one of my favourite months of the year — and best of all, we cap off the month with Halloween!

It was a unique challenge to plan a costume for this year’s pandemic-friendly Halloween… stay tuned to my Instagram to see the reveal. In the meantime, check out my newest fall fashion picks, haircare must-haves, and playlist additions. Plus, new this month, browse through my top picks for fun fall home decor!

Fashion

View this post on Instagram

Saturdays in October 🍁🎃🍂

A post shared by Angela McLean (@angelaaaxo) on Oct 10, 2020 at 2:30pm PDT

* Corduroy Jacket *

EXACT: Corduroy Shirt, Ardene, $34.90 (currently unavailable in pink) // SIMILAR: Western Cord Jacket Blush, Princess Polly, $95; Corduroy Faux Sherpa Jacket, Ardene, $48.93 (sale)

When I was a kid, corduroy pants were my fall wardrobe staple. Paired with sneakers and a plain tee, I somehow felt like the coolest kid in elementary school ㋡ In one of my impulse online shopping sprees earlier in the pandemic, I found this adorable pink corduroy shirt and just had to have it! Not only is it the perfect piece of nostalgia, it’s also the perfect light jacket for fall.

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Fall weekends are the best weekends, and brown suede jackets are the best jackets 🧥

A post shared by Angela McLean (@angelaaaxo) on Oct 24, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

* Suede for Days! *

EXACT: no longer available, Princess Polly, ~$100 // SIMILAR: BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket in Sand Stoner, REVOLVE, $316.07

I’ve underestimated the style potential of a brown suede jacket for far too long! My new suede jacket goes with almost every outfit, but I especially love it overtop a graphic tee (bonus points if it’s fall-themed!), blue jeans and black booties. You may need to splurge for the perfect fit, but I promise it’s worth the amount of wear you will get out of one.

Haircare

Light waves are my go-to fall hairstyle. Here are some of my favourite products that help me prep and hydrate my hair for a natural, air-dried look without the frizz!

Le Labo Rose 31 Products — The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac found the way to my heart with these personalized Le Labo products! Stay tuned for a full blog post on this trip.

* Le Labo Shampoo and Conditioner *

Full-size Rose 31 shampoo, Fairmont Store Canada, $65 // Full-size Rose 31 conditioner, Fairmont Store Canada, $65

I quickly got on the Le Labo hype train when I tried their body lotions while on a recent staycation. That said, there is nothing like walking into your hotel room in a new city and seeing fresh bottles of gorgeous rose-scented Le Labo products, including a shampoo and conditioner, WITH YOUR NAME ON IT! Moment of excitement aside, these Fairmont-exclusive products are the real deal and do exactly what Le Labo promises.

This … will wash your hair. And moisturize it. And make it smell wonderful. And make you look beautiful.

What more could you ask for?!

* Pantene Pro-V Thermal Heat Protection Pre-Styling Spray *

Shoppers Drug Mart, $6.99

Any hairdresser will stress the importance of a heat primer, and this Pantene product was the perfect drugstore find! I wanted a simple, affordable heat-protecting spray for daily use and this has been so effective in keeping my hair looking smooth and shiny through it all. Bring on the healthy hair!

* OUAI Leave In Conditioner *

Sephora & Urban Outfitters, $34

As a weekend haircare treat, I always make sure to spritz in this rejuvenating and hydrating leave in conditioner from celeb hairdresser Jen Atkin’s “effortlessly cool” line.

Highlighted Ingredients:
– Tamarind Seed Extract: Provides weightless hydration to your hair.
– Panthenol and Vitamin E: Condition and detangle hair.
– Hydrolyzed Proteins: Protect against damage.

REMINDER! The can’t-miss beauty sale of the year, Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event, kicks off Oct. 30. This is a great chance to get ahead on your holiday shopping… and why not pick up a few beauty treats for yourself? Check back later in the week to snag inspiration from my shopping list!

Home Decor

Here’s some style inspo to make your space a little more spoooOoOo0ky!

* Glitter Pumpkins *

Available from Pottery Barn for $16 (medium) or $39 (large) [sale]

Pumpkins are a classic decor item for the fall, keeping you and your space on trend from the start of the season through Halloween and Thanksgiving. This year, why not go big or go home with a fabulous set of glittery pumpkins? You know you have to have them!

* Skeleton Photo Prints *

Available from Olive Lynn starting at $10 USD

Coffee has become a sort of personality trait for me (the Tired Girl Life™️ is unfortunately very real), so adding this print of a skeleton holding an iced coffee from Olive Lynn Designs to my room was a no brainer. In fact, it’s a skele-ton of fun 😉

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