Women in Rock Music (Brittany Menjivar)
I have a confession: I can’t vibe with bedroom pop, or most lo-fi. It’s not for lack of trying — I’ve attempted to listen to music in the genre, but I’m simply not too fond of it.
This is something I’ve thought about a lot, because a lot of today’s popular bedroom pop and lo-fi artists are young women. As a female music journalist who believes that women supporting women is crucial to the making of a more inclusive scene, I occasionally feel guilty regarding this — especially since I naturally gravitate toward harder rock music, which is typically considered a “male-dominated” arena. If I’m not falling for the soft sounds of artists like Clairo and Soccer Mommy, I sometimes wonder, am I implicitly putting down all female musicians who just want to be heartfelt and be heard?
Of course, deep down, I know the answer is no. It’s totally possible to respect musicians for their dedication and passion without being devoted fans of their genre. It’s also a complete lie that there are few women in the rock scene. The women are out there, but they’re often given less attention and promotion than their male counterparts — which is tragic, considering how much work they’re doing to make phenomenal music while smashing the power structures that want to restrain their electric energy. If your music taste is like mine, give these bands a listen — and feel good while you’re doing it.
Dream Wife
Dream Wife is a punk rock reverie. Billboard called the London trio, named after a feminist film from 1953, “one of the most exhilarating rock bands to emerge within the last few years”; they were on the ball. Lead singer Rakel Mjöll, guitarist Alice Go, and bassist Bella Podpadec put on a dynamic live show — and their energy shines through on their self-titled record. “Empowerment” has become somewhat of a buzzword, but Dream Wife gives it visceral meaning in tracks like “Somebody,” which protests the objectification of women, and “Hey Heartbreaker,” in which they candidly speak about navigating feelings for a guy who seems like no good. When they shout “Dream Wife for life!” on “F.U.U.”, the final track, you’ll want to cheer along with them.
Songs to listen to: “F.U.U.,” “Hey Heartbreaker”
Doll Skin
If you’ve ever had an emo bone in your body, you’re probably familiar with the Vans Warped Tour. You’re also probably aware that the traveling music festival had a very male-heavy presence. Doll Skin’s Sydney Dolezal, Alex Snowden, Nicole Rich, and Meghan Herring hit the road with Warped Tour despite that norm — twice! — and they grew an adoring fan base along the way. On their debut album, Manic Pixie Dream Girl, they sing about everything from anti-racist activism (“Puncha Nazi”) to the confusion that comes with romance (“Sunflower”). Not only are they skilled at crafting pop punk songs — they’ve also consistently spoken out against sexism in the music industry, both in interviews and on social media. Be on the lookout for new album Love Is Dead and We Killed Her this year.
Songs to listen to: “Daughter,” “Shut Up (You Miss Me)”
Skating Polly
Skating Polly is bringing riot grrl back. Sisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse have been performing together since they were in middle school, as this fantastic video of them covering MIA’s “Paper Planes” shows. Now joined by their brother Kurtis Mayo, they have five albums to their name. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5Mhha1m20) While many of their songs have a punkier sound, a good deal of ballads and indie pop tracks can be found among their discography, as well. Over the years, they’ve collaborated with a host of rock icons, from Exene Cervenka of The X to Kliph Scurlock of The Flaming Lips to Louise Post and Nina Gordon of Veruca Salt.
Songs to listen to: “Hail Mary,” “This Vacation”
Desperate Journalist
Somewhere between The Cranberries, The Smiths, and U2 lies Desperate Journalist. The London-based rockers have an epic sound that would fill arenas beautifully, largely due to the soaring vocals of lead singer Jo Bevan and the pounding percussion of drummer Caz Hellbent. Striking the perfect balance of intensity and grace, the band’s post-punk anthems sound like they were practically made for high-concept music videos.
Songs to listen to: “Hollow,” “Be Kind”
Sheer Mag
If you’re a fan of ’70s rock, check out Sheer Mag, a new band with a classic sound. The Philadelphia band has an irresistible punk ethos that shines through in its unapologetic lyrics about the fight for social justice (“Meet Me In the Street,” “Suffer Me”) and the ups and downs of relationships (“Turn It Up,” “Need to Feel Your Love”). Lead singer Tina Halladay has the best kind of unique voice; her twang and growl wonderfully complement the guitars on each track.
Songs to listen to: “Suffer Me,” “Just Can’t Get Enough”
Check out the full playlist here:
— Brittany Menjivar
Brittany Menjivar is a music journalist for The Young Folks. She is currently studying English and Film at Yale University.
