Begonia is the original Midwest princess. Hers is a carefully crafted aesthetic combining a kind of deconstructed glamour and handsome hedonism. Though not quite as demure as the flowery name might suggest, Begonia retains a sincerity in her lyricism and persona-breaking adorability in her presence that betrays the maximalism of the pop presentation. With lyrics about holding hands at the hot dog stand, or having a wedding presided over by Elvis, Begonia has that ‘Drag Queen Next Door’ quality.

Hailing from Winnipeg, the same scene that birthed the alt-pop weirdolotry of her frequent collaborators Royal Canoe, Begonia was born from singing in church choirs and worship bands. You may have even seen her as one part of touring francopop outfit Chic Gamine. Though a relatively fresh project, Begonia has been growing on stages since youth, a seasoned singer and primed performer.

Powder Blue is the latest in a series of lavish, bass-guitar and synth-driven tracks. Though it’s definitely pop with a capital P, these are lovingly analog soundscapes on which Begonia hangs her shimmering moo-moos. She has received two Juno nominations, two Polaris prize nominations, and was named one of NPR’s Artists You Need to Know. Begonia’s off-kilter pop compositions are syrupy enough to feel like guilty pleasures but matriculated enough to sometimes struggle to count along to. Begonia is the thinking woman’s pop princess.

- Liam Prost