By Jesse Beer-Dietz

This week, we spotlight a hot new female trio that could conceivably give the Dixie Chicks a run for their money; check them out and let us know what you think. Keep feedin the inbox: jesse.beerdietz@hitsmagazine.com.

SPOTLIGHT
Gardiner Sisters (www.myspace.com/gardinersisters): Hey, have you picked up on what seems to be shaping up as the latest musical trend? We’re referring, of course, to singing sister groups, a number of which are picking up some major steam at the moment. You can now add the Gardiner Sisters to this burgeoning list of talented twosomes. To date, these three siblings have released two EPs and have more than 60 videos on YouTube—originals and covers both. The sisters blend contemporary, acoustic and a cappella into a killer trifecta, which they’ve been purveying in and around the Carolinas, consistently getting a great response. Complete with catchy pop elements and amazing three-part harmonies, these girls are rapidly climbing through the ranks, drawing comparisons to everyone from Colbie Caillat to the aforementioned Dixie Chicks. To get an idea of the Gardiner sisters’ signature sound, check out their video for “My Way or the Highway” at the top of their MySpace page.

BUZZIN’
Kree Woods (http://www.myspace.com/kreewoods): Nashville has a richly deserved rep as a hot bed for talent on the hoof, and you add this immensely promising young indie/pop songwriting artist to the list. Kree is starting to generate quite a buzz down there, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on her as she progresses.