In the immortal words of Queen Bey, Who Run the World? GIRLS.
Coachella kicked off the festival season good and proper, whetting our appetites for some field music.
But with so many festivals to consider both in the UK and abroad, let alone line-ups to compare, where do we begin? Fear not: here's our pick of the best female-led acts playing a field/park/concrete surface near you.
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BANKS:
With a sound that is 'moody, intimate and R&B-inspired' when we met and shot BANKS here in London for this month's issue of ELLE, far from her native LA, we fell in love. Until she releases her debut album later on this year, make sure you see her live at Roskilde, Lovebox or Longitude.
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St. Vincent:
Annie Clark recently crossed over from indie-cult queen to fashion muse by performing the live soundtrack to DVF's a/w 2014 catwalk show. The multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter flits between jerky, art-rock stylings to swooning orchestral arrangements complimenting her intricate guitar playing with an impressive vocal range. Guaranteed to put on a good show. Playing at Primavera Sound or Optimus Primavera.
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Lorde:
Having already done Coachella and picked up a few Grammy's enroute, Lorde is continuing to focus her festival efforts in the U.S this summer, bringing her exuberant goth-pop to dance-hungry audiences. We're hoping some UK dates will be announced soon but otherwise get yourself to Rio for Rock in Rio Lisboa 2014.
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EMA:
6ft1 statue-esque Erika M Anderson is a true icon in the making, combining grungey pop with effortless style and a captivating honesty that will make her live show completely enthralling. You can catch EMA at Bestival.
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Warpaint:
LA four piece whose initial line-up included Shannyn Sossamon as drummer, are a force to be reckoned with live. With soaring, melodic vocals and loud, roaring guitars these ladies will knock you over with their lo-fi noisey pop. Get down the front at Field Day or dance in the mud at Glastonbury.
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Eaux:
Some parts Sian Alice Group, now all parts Eaux, this London trio specialise in experimental synth soundscapes. Live, Sian's gentle vocals glide over elegant electronic purrs as the trio on-stage switch between instruments, sounds and rhythmic patterns. You can catch Eaux playing ATP Iceland or stick closer to home and see them play ATP Jabberwocky in London.
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Sky Ferreira:
Fashion darling Sky has been making music since she was 12 years old. With her debut album finally out, she'll be hitting this summer's festival stages bringing her dulcet tones and mix of grunge and 80's glitch-pop to a field near you. Expect loud, fizzy guitars met with soulful pop drawls (plus plenty of smudged eyeliner). You can see Sky at Field Day and Primavera.
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Mø:
Danish electropop songstress Mø is the woman of the moment. Having wowed at SXSW and Coachella, she's bringing her brassy beats and her energetic stage antics to the UK this weekend at the (sadly now sold out) Great Escape festival in Brighton. Alternatively, you can see her prowl the stage at Leefest 2014 and Sonar.
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Chvrches:
Chvrches' delectable synth-pop, fronted by Lauren Mayberry's dream-like vocals make for perfect festival fodder. The scottish trio delight crowds with their heart-pounding electro beats tempered with Lauren's melodic pop vocal. This band is not to be missed (just check out Lies on Spotify if you're not sure!), playing at Reading and Bestival.
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Wye Oak:
Highly championed by Lauren Laverne, the Baltimore duo are a must-see, not only for Andy Stack's dazzling ability to drum and play keyboard AT THE SAME TIME, but for the depth and richness of Jenn Wasner’s vocals. Having warmed up with their set at Coachella, catch them in the UK at End of the Road.
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M.I.A:
Paper Planes and Bad Girls singer/rapper/badass plays hip-hop dance anthems that'll have you bouncing around before the first remixed bangra-beat reverberates off your eardrum. As she roams the stage in her effortlessly cool threads (she's designed for Versus Versace) the desire to storm the stage in a dance-fuelled frenzy is only stopped by M.I.A's own menacing glare. Join the M.I.A party at Lovebox.
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Haim:
Two words: BASS FACE. Aside from Este's incredible muso-gurning, ELLE have been championing this LA trio since we first heard them back in 2012. With their catchy Americana anthems that flirt with cheery handclaps as well as low down dirty riffs, this band are happy to entertain you with a good guitar solo. Dancing as the sun goes down, you'll come away grinning. See them at T in the Park and Latitude.