Carmen Consoli October 2, 2008

The Sicilian-born Carmen Consoli is the most successful female singer-songwriter Italy has ever produced. The 33 year-old musician is known for her unflinching emotional live performances of songs that examine broad themes of love, illness, solitude and friendship from a feminine -- and feminist -- perspective. Her innovative mixture of Italian song with indie-rock influences, bossa nova rhythms and jazz and blues-inspired riffs have engendered a sound unique on the Italian music scene.