She sailed the sea

Hello. Hannah here, hope you're all having a nice day. 

I guess this is the first May Music Monday so without further ado, here goes.

Since, last week was for the girls out there - I ought to do something a little more for the men that maybe reading this. Alternatively, I pretty much have a girl crush on every one of the following ladies, there's nothing cooler than a girl with a guitar right? 

First up, the wonderful Laura Marling.

1. Laura Marling - 'Sophia'

Born in Hampshire, Marling was initially introduced to the folk scene by her father, a music teacher and learned guitar at an early age. At the young age of 16, Marling moved to London to pursue her musical career and became part of the original line-up of folk band Noah and the Whale. 

Things rapidly materialised and Marling was later invited to tour with Jamie T after he attended her second-ever solo gig. Her debut album, 'Alas, I cannot Swim' was released in 2008 and was later nominated for the 2008 Mercury Prize. In 2011 Laura Marling snatched the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Female, surprising many by beating the likes of Ellie Goulding and Paloma Faith however Marling displays talent way beyond her years with heavenly soft vocals throughout. Her current album, 'A Creature I Don't Know' was released in September 2011 and features the beautiful song, 'Sophia'.

2. First Aid Kit - 'New Year's Eve'

Yet another sublime sibling combination in the form of Swedish folk duo, First Aid Kit. Reminiscent of a personal favourite of mine, 'The Staves'. Their exceptional woodsy vocal harmonies have gained them a selection of famous followers including Fleet Foxes, Lykke Li and Patti Smith. Their second album, 'The Lion's Roar' is available to purchase now featuring 'New Year's Eve'.

3. Ren Harvieu - 'Through The Night'

Typically my kinda girl, Ren broke her back last year, jumping over hedges in a field at 4am, however it seems nothing can stop her. With an album out this year, Ren has managed to gain a string of followers, writing with Glasvegas and The Zutons. Such collaborations led to an invitation from BBC Introducing to play Glastonbury, to which unfortunately due to her freak accident did not materialize. Although, fear not, at just 21 years old, Ren looks likely to become one of the most talked about singing voices of the next few years. I have a sneaky suspicion she may also be featuring on an upcoming Later With Jools Holland show so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. 'Through the Night' is the self titled retro soul song, from her debut album, available next week.

4. Lykke Li - 'Little Bit'

Hailing from Sweden, this singer songwriter is best known for her blends of pop, indie rock and electronic beats. Her debut album was released in 2008 and led to her debut UK TV performance on Later... With Jools Holland shortly after, performing the chosen track, 'Little Bit'. Though not a new release, I never tire of this song. Lykke Li means 'happy' in Swedish and her music certainly succeeds in delivering happiness. Not only has she sung vocals for Kanye West, recorded tracks for the Twilight Saga and Knocked Up, Lykke Li also finds time to model, becoming the face of Levi's Curve ID collection. Is there anything this woman can't do? The song 'Little Bit' really launched Lykke Li into the music industry and has since found itself sampled on Drake's mixtape, 'So Far Gone'. Her mesmerizing, sensual and metronomic sounds are not ones to be missed.

5. Lianne La Havas - 'Empty'

Well, what can I say about Lianne La Havas. I struggle to describe a talent so rich and pure as La Havas' in a mere few sentences. La Havas was born to a Greek father and Jamaican mother, citing her parent's diverse musical tastes as having the biggest influence on her music. Having provided backing vocals for the likes of Paloma Faith and Everything Everything, Lianne was spotted following the release of her own material by Black Cab Sessions and French website, La Blogotheque. However, it was her appearance on Jools Holland in October that saw the young singer burst into the spotlight and rightly so, won La Havas the highly acclaimed and prestigious support slot, touring with Bon Iver.

With a vocal  ability coming second to Adele, Lianne La Havas knows exactly what works and has perfected her smoky soul vocals and icy guitar abilities to a t. In particular, her new single, 'Empty' which is a true display of the talent La Havas oozes. The addition of bass and a cajon, impeccably slapped, create a unique backing to the beautiful and emotional song. In my eyes, utterly sublime.

That's all for now folks! Happy Monday!