Ah yes, 2014. The year Kim married Kanye and ice buckets spilled over countless heads. Teens everywhere were watching “The Fault In Our Stars” and listening to “Ultraviolence” by LDR. Although most of VALLEY’s current staff were baby pre-teens at this time, we still felt the joy and wonder firsthand. So out of pure nostalgia, here are some 2014 stars and where they are now.
Charli XCX
Mother. Need VALLEY say less? At Penn State, Brat summer is transitioning into Brat fall. Charli recently embarked on Sweat, a tour with her longtime friend and pop icon Troye Sivan. All that needs to be said is, when VALLEY’s in the mirror, we’re looking at her.
A decade ago, the legend released her album “Sucker,” featuring the one and only romcom anthem, “Boom Clap.” Her popularity skyrocketed even higher when she joined Iggy Azalea on the song “Fancy.”
Iggy Azalea
Speaking of “Fancy,” Australian singer and rapper, Iggy Azalea, launched her album “The New Classic” the same year. Boosting her to the top of the U.S. charts with songs like “Work” and “Black Widow,” this album brought the spotlight to her.
Cut to 2024, and Azalea has dropped out of the music industry completely. As of recently, she announced she is retiring from music and shifting her focus to design. As to what she’s working on is a mystery, but whatever she will create, VALLEY is here for it.
Nico & Vinz
“So am I wrong? For thinking that we could be something for real?” Shivers. So much nostalgia. This VALLEY writer can’t help but reminisce on her American Eagle shorts and tee. Cutting back to the music, 2014 was a great year for Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery. Their debut album, “Black Star Elephant,” launched them into a world of fame and stardom.
Don’t be fooled though, the “one hit wonder” label doesn’t apply to this duo. They have released multiple singles and EP’s since 2014, and have kept a strong following through social media. In VALLEY’s eyes, they are something, for real.
Azealia Banks
So much controversy, so little time. However, Miss Azealia Banks’ iconic songs cannot be ignored. Her most popular album, “Broke with Expensive Taste,” released in 2014 and made her name synonymous with house music. To quote Banks herself, “They’ll forget your name soon, name soon. And won’t nobody be to blame but yourself, yeah.”
Oh, did you think VALLEY was talking about her? Sweetie, no. Even though scandals are her best-known accessory, and she has enough controversies to fill the Louvre, her music is here to stay. With her most recent single in 2023, she has been performing and blatantly speaking to her audiences, in good ol’ Banks fashion.
Maroon 5
The same year, the pop phenomenon Maroon 5 released, “V,” one of their highest rated albums. With songs like “Maps,” “Animals” and “Sugar,” they were all over the radio. There was no escape. Their catchy choruses shot them into stardom, and 2014 was no exception.
Nowadays, the band is still touring and their next destination is Asia in early 2025. In regards to the band’s new tracks, their last single was released in 2023. Maroon 5 is still an influence in the music industry, and has no plans of slowing down or stopping.
Have a favorite 2014 artist? Let us know @VALLEYmag on X!
