Given my recent investigation into the absence of many female artists and bands in alternative music, I thought it was time to put a spotlight on the women who are breaking down the barriers in the genre, and the industry more widely. International Women’s Day may have passed, but the promotion of woman-made indie music is still fundamental regardless of what day of the year it is. In fact, I think it is time to add some to your playlists and explore the astounding quality of what women have to offer to the alternative music world. Here are some of my current favourites to soundtrack your life to:
Wolf Alice
This first one is a band you’ve likely heard of, but I can’t neglect to mention them because I am a huge fan. Led by frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, whose vocals effortlessly switch from a lilting softness to utter rage, accompanied by intense and powerful guitar riffs, creating a unique blend that is easy on the ears. Their music, like ‘Bros’ for example, speaks to the value of female friendships and sisterhoods in our lives. Other songs like ‘Lipstick On The Glass’ explore stories of love and heartbreak from the female perspective. They have tracks you’ll want to cry to and tracks you’ll want to dance to, all transitioning smoothly throughout each album to tell a real story. In my opinion, their music is a testament to the women producing music in the genre and is an essential to any playlist!
The Pill
The Isle of Wight-based duo, The Pill, made up of Lottie Massey and Lily Hutchings, are relatively new on the scene but well worth a mention. Their satirical lyrics about the modern female experience and the stereotypes that come with that, make their music the perfect thing to be listening to as we seek to promote women. Their punk sound explores female rage; an avenue into which you can channel your own woes and frustrations with the world while dancing round your bedroom. Their discography is limited with only four singles to their name, my personal favourite being ‘Woman Driver’, heavy with attitude and irony, and perfect as a celebration of universal female experiences.
NewDad
Another Irish band for the Fontaines D.C. lovers out there, NewDad first burst onto the scene in 2020 with single, ‘How’. In my opinion, they have got better and better, with their debut EP ‘MADRA’ (2024), the perfect blend of hardcore indie rock and mellow, more melodic songs. Frontwoman, Julie Dawson’s ethereal vocals are captivating on every track and have an almost melancholic quality to them that makes for a really interesting listen. They are a young band with a cool sound, using their music to confront current issues such as mental health. If I were you, I would start listening to their music now so you can say you were an original fan before it’s too late!
The Marías
While you may know The Marías from their trending songs on TikTok, the indie-pop band’s wider discography is well worth a listen. The latest album, released in 2024, ‘Submarine’, in particular, is one of those that you’ll have on repeat. They seamlessly blend bossa nova and funk influences with indie guitar riffs and dreamy vocals in both English and Spanish from frontwoman María Zardoya. Their lyrics are rife with emotion, vulnerability and authenticity, often telling stories from the female perspective which is so often lacking in alternative music. The fourth track on their latest album ‘Run Your Mouth’ has a totally intoxicating bass guitar part; it is literally impossible not to dance to – consider yourself warned!
HotWax
Set to be real stars of the alternative rock scene, Hot Wax have already supported the likes of Royal Blood and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Their latest album ‘Hot Shock’ was released earlier this month and brings a vibrance and viciousness with lead singer Tallulah Sim-Savage’s angsty vocals. Combined with energetic and aggressive bass and drums, it makes for an electrifying sound, rife with cathartic rage, that is totally addictive. Their songs, like ‘Wanna Be A Doll’ address issues surrounding individuality and societal expectations surrounding women. Their music is the embodiment of female rage, making them a perfect band to celebrate and highlight as we seek to promote female alternative music.
In truth, I could have picked so many artists here that it was difficult to decide which ones to mention. I encourage you to endeavour to find your own female-led favourites and share them with all your friends as part of a movement to promote the women and female-led bands creating alternative music.
