I listen to music constantly whether I’m working, driving, writing, working out, or cleaning my house. And there are so many talented singer-songwriters! Therefore, I’ve decided to start spotlighting some of these great artists who don’t have a major label or massive marketing machine behind them, but they’re making great music that should be heard.  

My first spotlight is on alternative-pop artist Ofelia K. Fans of Lana Del Rey, Regina Spektor, or Mazzy Star should take notice. If you like the style and musicality of those artists, I think you’ll also love Ofelia K.

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Ofelia K has yet to release a full-length album, but she has an EP and several singles available on iTunes and other music streaming services. Her lyrics are poetic and clever, and there’s a buoyancy to her voice that conveys a haunting vulnerability. Her songs often start softly, a slow burn that builds to a crashing ending. One of my favorite songs “Killing Me” – a romantic ode to love that’s on shaky ground – does this amazingly well.

Some of Ofelia K’s songs are about emotional struggles. This is front and center in the eerie ballad “Different” where she sings of feeling strange and misplaced in the world.

But just when you thought things were getting super heavy, don’t overlook the happy midtempo gem “I Love My Lawyer” with its beachy West Coast Vibe.

I edited a short musical montage with pieces from four of Ofelia K’s songs: “Killing Me,” “Bad Boys,” “I Love My Lawyer,” and “Different.” Check it out and then go listen to her songs in entirety.

Some Notable Lyrics:

I know you’ve been talking to strangers
So lonely, talking in tongues
Eyes open, the city is hungry
Stay wild, we’re never too young
–  from “Hawk Fly Tiger Run”

You polish every word that you say
Make ’em sound perfect
How can I play a game with someone cheating every round?
Fooling everybody we meet
With a velvet handshake and pearly white teeth
I’m covered in faux fur from head to feet
– from “Bad Boys”

Puppets on a wire don’t dance for fun
No! I don’t wanna be one of those
(Cinco)
Causing a commotion, tiny bullet
Cutting though all of the noise
(Cinco)
– from “Cinco”

For more information about Ofelia K, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Hallie Shepherd is a writer, actress, and film producer. Follow her on Instagram where she celebrates the stories we tell.