Her precise pair of vocal chords and one looping machine is all Julia Easterlin needs to surround a stage. During her live shows, she deconstructs the process, and builds layers slowly; the performance is part learning experience. She’s brought her brand of vocal-led experimentation to the TEDxWomen conference, audiences in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and a few major festivals.

But tech sorcery is not what sets her apart. Jazz movement, a capella arrangements and world music flavor give Easterlin’s eclectic covers and originals flight, whether solo or with a band. Her voice is a consistent, trained instrument sometimes channeling Sarah McLachlan or Björk, sometimes beatboxers and birds. - Bianca Seidman