music and gender

I know many people who have read my blog aren't the biggest fans of rock/metal music, but when talking about gender topics in music, what immediately came to mind was the male dominance of the rock and metal scenes. Even without knowing the exact reason why, I can guess very easily some very big reasons for this. For one, the sound of these two genres in general are considered very "manly". The hardcore vocals and intense instrumentals really intimidated the majority. Metal and rock screamed power, figuratively and literally. The theme's in many of these genres' songs were very rebellious and resistant, not very "lady-like" topics for women to get caught up in. It didn't help that men in the industry encouraged this ideal of women not belonging. The only way for women to join in on the fun was to become a "groupie", following groups for shallow and sexual reasons. 

When it comes to women in rock/metal now, you have to think of two different factors: subgenres and structure.

Music in general is such a tough subject to categorize. Once simply either country, rock, hiphop, pop, etc. has now turned into mixtures of all of the above put into subgenres. For women, especially in rock, I've found that many of the most prominent, well-known artists we see are either in the folk rock or new wave subgenres. What's interesting to note is how these genres in the context of rock as a whole can be considered a lot "less" than most. These are softer, brighter, and not as heavy as a lot of the known male counterparts. In metal, this line is a lot less defined. The music is just as intense, just as intimidating, just as scary, but that's when the second factor comes in.

The structure is what position these women are in. Are they soloists? singers? guitarists? all of the above? What I found interesting was many of the most notable women in rock and metal are in a vocal-only position. With no other women in the band. Some even leave and are then replaced by a completely new female singer. There are a select few that have maybe 2 or 3 female members and only a couple bands that are all-female that I can think of! Though this is true, there are also very well known and loved soloists that left very big impacts on the scene. While many were a part of the more "softer" subgenres that I mentioned before, some dominated with hard rock/rock n roll sounds that many have and still love! 

I'd like to spend the rest of my blog recommending some female rock/metal artists that I love! Even for those that don't like the tense and fast nature of typical rock and metal, I hope to also share multiple calmer and quieter songs that you might like!

Let's start off with my favorite metal bands! 

Girlschool is considered to be one of the first all-female hard rock/heavy metal bands, at least one of the most popular at the time. Their music is what many would first think of when imagining 70s metal. It was a lot heavier than the softer, pop-ier sounds that many imagine when thinking of other women in the genre. My favorite song of theirs would probably have to be 20th Century Boy.

Another group that my mom actually recommended to me is Vixen! They are considered more glam metal, something that was very popular in the 80s. Although they weren't the first of anything, they were probably one of the most popular bands at the time. Their most popular song (and my favorite) would have to be Edge of a Broken Heart.

Another very notable and popular band is Evanescence. Although not all the members are women, the most prominent member and vocalist, Amy Lee, and the bassist, Emma Anzai, are! They are considered an alt/gothic metal band. Everyone has to have at least heard a snippet of their most famous song, Bring Me To Life!

Another gothic metal band that immediately came to mind was Lacuna Coil! They are an Italian band based in Milan! Although the only female member is the vocalist, Cristina Scabbia, her vocals are one of my favorite parts of this band. She literally sounds like a siren, so enchanting! My favorite song of theirs would probably have to be Our Truth (I actually discovered this song from the game I talked about in my previous post, Guitar Hero).

One last metal band I'd like to talk about is Slave to Sirens! I didn't know about this band until doing some research for this post. They are an all-female band and the first and only one from the Middle East! Their sound is the more harsh, scary thrasher metal that many think of when it comes to metal as a whole. Even if this is too intense for many people, they definitely deserve more recognition for all they've accomplished! The only song of theirs that has an official music video is Salomé.

Now let's talk about rock bands!

One of the first all-female rock bands that was a big inspiration to later bands was Fanny! Their sound is very much the more rock 'n roll and funk/folk rock of the 60s/70s. They were well known for not only being the first all-female band to make a full album under a major label, but also for covering many Motown hits! My favorite would probably have to be Ain't That Peculiar!

Another powerful band of the 70s is Heart! With their amazing vocals and diverse discography, they took the rock scene by storm! Not all the members are women, but the most well-known members are. My favorite songs of theirs are their lighter-toned ones, with calming acoustic guitar. One example is Dreamboat Annie!

The Runaways is another prominent all-female band very popular in the punk rock genre! Their rebellious, teenage image promoted well with the young girls of the late 70s/early 80s. They also had some members that later became popular soloists, Joan Jett and Lita Ford! Their most known song is called Cherry Bomb!

One band that made a big mark on the experimental, alternative rock genre was No Doubt. Many people know this band for the singer, Gwen Stefani. Their ska punk instrumentals was their most known sound and what people really remember when it comes to them. I think a popular song of theirs that really embodies this is Underneath It All with Jamaican singer Lady Saw!

An all-female band that really kicked off the more new wave/pop rock era was The Go-Go's! Their more upbeat vibes were very popular in the 80s! The song that really encapsulates their fun, summer sound is Our Lips Are Sealed!

I'd like to talk about another band, although not all-female, that was popular in another genre of rock, psychedelic rock, Jefferson Airplane! It's another only female vocalist band, but they were very big for their new sound of psychedelia in the 60s. White Rabbit would probably be their most famous song and my personal favorite!

Lastly, I'd like to talk about a little more recent soloist named Alanis Morissette. She was very popular in the alt rock era of the 90s and early 2000s! With her unique voice and alternative lyrics, it's hard to forget her! One popular song of hers is Hand in My Pocket!

 

There are still many other amazing artists that I didn't mention, like Pat Benatar, The Bangles, Flyleaf, Stevie Nicks, Garbage, Big Thief, Blonde Redhead, Broadcast etc. but I didn't want this to be too long (if it isn't already). I hope at least one of these amazing women/bands have piqued your interest, even if you're not a fan of rock or metal!