In this new ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

This time it’s 23-year-old Melbourne-grown, London-based pop sensation, Chiara Hunter, who with bags of sass, heaps of charm and a thrilling consistency in her output, has quickly become one of our favourite new artists. One need look no further than the unwaveringly awesome Strange Relationships EP to be completely convinced by her electrifying brand of future pop.

The EP is an explosive triple helping, made up of the blazing titular single; the raucous, white-knuckled call to arms ‘War’ (which also features the slick lyricism of Seattle’s Gifted Gab); and Hunter’s latest offering, the dazzling, glitter-glazed powerhouse ‘Hammer’.

With a little help from the stellar production of Tim Deal and Jack Ritchie, Hunter has produced a truly genre-smashing set of songs steeped in fluorescent synthwork, bull-in-a-china-shop bass and Hunter’s deliciously soulful voice. A set of songs that unabashedly nods to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and his Purpleness, Prince (R.I.P.), before hurling these influences into a kaleidoscopic realm all its own.

Given the supercharged nature of Hunter’s debut EP we only thought it necessary to catch up with the ascendant Aussie starlet ahead of her Great Escape performances and familiarise ourselves with her “TOP 10 TRACKS TO GET FUCKIN’ AMPED”…

***

1. Beyoncé – ‘Schoolin' Life’

So prince. So boss. This song is my number one uplifting anthem. Helps me channel my inner Bey.



2. Missy Elliot – ‘Pass That Dutch’

Every time I hear this I’m like straight in Mean Girls walking down the school hallway in slow motion.... Immediate attitude.



3. Jay Z – ‘99 Problems’

I know every word and I'm not afraid to prove it! It's a bit embarrassing really. I play this song right before I go on stage and need to get amped.



4. M.O.P. – ‘Ante Up’

I’ve always thought if was a pro wrestler this would be my entrance song into the ring. Goes so hard.



5. Flux Pavilion – ‘Excuse Me’

This was the soundtrack to my first year at college in London. We used to go to a monthly rave called Whirly and stay up all night and this song would always play just before it closed. Euphoria.



6. CL – ‘Hello Bitches’

Have you seen the video to this? It features my favourite female out right now - Parris Goebel (incredible choreographer). So much girl power. I love me some South Korean rap.



7. Kendrick Lamar – ‘Backseat Freestyle’

Favourite track from my favourite album. So intense. I remember I had to stop and just take it all in the first time I ever heard it.



8. Chris Brown & Tyga – ‘Bitches N Marijuana’ (feat. ScHoolboy Q)

Guilty pleasure. What can I say?



9. Ludacris – ‘The Potion’

Stone cold classic. One of my favourite Timbaland beats. There's an amazing video online of Timbaland playing beats to Jay Z in the studio when he’s writing The Black Album. He plays what goes on to be the beat for ‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder’, and he also plays the beat for ‘The Potion’. I always wonder what it would have sounded like if Jay rapped on this beat.



10. Sleigh Bells – ‘Riot Rhythm’

For when one needs to just rock the fuck out.



Chiara Hunter’s Strange Relationships EP is out now via Super Recordings.

Catch Hunter live in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival on 19^th May or supporting K Stewart in London on 24^th May.

-Karl Jawara