Every week at PopCrush, we’re putting the spotlight on one up-and-coming act you need to know about. Why? So you can get on board early before everyone else and their mother jumps on the bandwagon…and so you can be that one friend in the group who’s always like, "Um, actually, I prefer their earlier work."

Not sure how to navigate the oft-overwhelming world of synth-pop? Fear not, we're here to provide some clarity — err, Clairity. Eh heh. No, but seriously.

Born in Tennessee, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter grew up taking voice lessons and learning how to play keyboard via YouTube instructional videos (the Internet!), eventually attracting the attention of Pebe Sebert...who you might know better as Kesha's mom.

In fact, The Artist Formerly Known As Ke$ha even used to have writing sessions with Clairity (who was still in high school), which is what eventually led the demos into the arms (and ears) of superstar pop penner Kara DioGuardi who's written for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Hilary Duff. And now, she's one of the most recent signees to Republic Records — and certainly one of the more promising new entrants into the pop world.

Sonic aesthetic? Think Marina And The Diamonds, I Blame Coco (remember that?), a bit of Lorde and CHVRCHES all rolled into one.

Following the release of her debut single "Sharks in The Swimming Pool" in spring, Clairity released her debut EP Alienation this month, a 4-track set of genuinely arresting synth-pop tunes full of pulsating beats and infectious pop melodies, from her snappy, striding ode to the socially awkward ("Scarecrow") to '80s-leaning, fiercely kick-ass dance floor anthem "Velcro" — which sort of sounds like Paula Abdul's legendary "I'm Just Here For The Music." (A compliment, to be sure.)

And while the songcraft is all solid, it's Clairity's distinctive vocals — rich and slightly otherworldly — that'll likely be the ultimate draw for many. "I feel extraterrestrial," she sings on her soaring new single, "DNA." See? She feels a bit like an alien — just like Britney.

Today, we're happy to premiere Clairity's fantastic live mash-up of her current single "DNA" with Zedd's True Colors track "Beautiful Now," which you can now watch below. One to watch this year? Almost immediately, it becomes quite clear.

Who would you like to see featured in PopCrush Presents next? Tweet us at @popcrush with your recommendations using #PopCrushPresents!

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