Industry Leaders Music

Introducing: Music's Bold New Stars

Not to state the obvious, but beauty is a high priority at Refinery29: We cover it all, from the latest trends to the most innovative products to the gurus who share their hard-earned advice. But, to us, beauty involves much more than what meets the eye. The passion, the quirks, and the unique point of view of every woman we admire — that's what real beauty is made of.

So, to celebrate this ever-evolving concept, we're showcasing 12 women who challenge convention. That's why we teamed up with the beauty trailblazers at Revlon for our second installment of Beauty Nation: The New Provocateurs. You’ve met fashion’s rising stars; now, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the fiercest up-and-comers in the music biz.

Up ahead, you’ll get an exclusive look at 12 of the most boundary-pushing singers, songwriters, producers, and DJs out there. Whether they're baring their souls in a poetic piece of lyrical genius or shredding riffs that could blow the roof off Barclays Center, these women are shaking things up with their daring looks, their unconventional sounds, and their fierce determination. Read on, listen up, and discover the beautiful ladies behind some of music’s boldest sounds.

A true vinyl devotee, Nelleke spins a solid mix of soul, funk, hip-hop, and rock ‘n’ roll old-school style in clubs across New York City. She knows her way around a make-you-want-to-dance set list, and she exudes the cool-girl vibe that only NYC artists have — the kind that makes you want to be around her, so even a little bit rubs off.

Her look was as downtown-chic as the hot spots she plays — until, on what was mostly a whim, she chopped off her brunette locks last year and took her style to a whole new eye-catching level. And, when it comes to fashion, she rocks menswear like it’s her job (which it sort of is, since she’s a model for Brooklyn label Total Pleasure).

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORDY PEARSON.

Being bold or daring means…
"Finding your own style and not toning it down for anyone or anything. Don’t go home for Christmas and put on something you wouldn’t wear. Go to your boyfriend’s parents' house. Go grocery shopping, and don’t tone it down. I would never misrepresent myself; I just would never do it. Stay true to what you do, every time you do it."

The most daring thing I ever did
"Last year, when I went to Costa Rica with my dad, I had long brown hair. There were all of these really cool orange flowers all over the resort we were staying at, and I told him, 'When I get home, I’m going to cut my hair off and dye it orange.' So, the morning after I got home from Costa Rica, I just went straight to the salon and got my friend to cut it off and dye it. Now, I feel myself. What I had before, there was nothing going on there."

How I stand my ground in the music world
"It took maybe two or three years for me to find a way to figure out if I’m the right person for certain things. It’s a big undertaking. I used to not know how to say no. I played a lot of things that I didn’t want to play, and then I realized I’m making the wrong impression on people who might be hearing me for the first time. So, now I know I have to stick to what I do play and not go all over the place. That’s when everything got easier and took off."

Bazsa Rozsa Black Bralet; L.A.M.B. Black Wedge Sneaker, $265, available at L.A.M.B.; Vintage Gold Pants and Python Jacket.

Makeup by Ashleigh Ciucci; Hair by Bethany Brill; Styled by Laura Pritchard