From inspired to inspirational: prominent women in music

Image via The Guardian

Women in music have always been underrepresented, marginalized, and erased. For decades, men have dominated the industry, getting more acknowledgement and shows. (That's not to undermine the amazing songs and impact that men have made - but women deserve the same amount of admiration.) A study concludes that 81% of women feel it’s harder for them to navigate the music industry than it is for men. While reasons vary, a common theme is that women face more sexual harassment and belittlement. It’s also harder for women to gain recognition and grow a following.

While this is obviously a problem, it’s not irreversible; for decades, prominent women have made their voices and songs heard, becoming not only revolutionary, but inspirational. Their impact precedes them and shows other girls that they, too, can make the music they want to make. Examples of this trace back for decades, but a prominent movement stems from the 1990's Pacific Northwest - Riot Grrrl. This feminist punk movement gave so many girls, teens, and women the chance to put their art out in the world - not only would it be heard, but it would be appreciated. Many of those bands grew into feminist icons, inspiring women today - and they were inspired by women before them too. 

In the 1970’s, a young woman named Marriane Elliot-Said saw a band called The Sex Pistols. Inspired by their rough vibe and freeing lyrics, she formed her own group at only 19 years old: The X-Ray Spex. Her haunting, high pitched vocals gave their songs a unique sound that no other band could replicate. One of her best songs is titled “Oh Bondage, Up Yours;” it starts with her voice, saying: “some people think little girls should be seen and not heard. Well I think, oh bandage, up yours!”  Not only was she a feminist icon, but an avid environmental activist, and changed her name to Poly Styrene so she could bring awareness to the issues of toxins. Today, she is considered the original Riot Grrrl, and a direct inspiration to so many other female bands.

Twenty years after Poly Styrene produced her first record, the Riot Grrrl movement was in full swing. Women were fed up with sexism and the lack of empowerment in the music industry, so they decided to create their own community to share their work. Bands such as Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and Bratmobile rose to recognition, with countless other groups amassing followings as well. I had the privilege of seeing Bikini Kill in concert, and it was an amazing experience. The band members jumped around the stage in crazy outfits, the audience was singing along and dancing, and the music only ceased when the singer Kathleen Hanna paused to talk about her annoyance with our society. That’s what Riot Grrrl was about. The ability to be who you want to be, sing what you want to sing, and look like however you want while doing what you want to do.