MUSIC FEATURE: International Women’s Day – 10 Bands & Female Musicians You Should Be Looking Out For!

Today (Sunday 8th March 2020) marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration recognising the achievements of women and continuing to challenge and accelerate gender parity (read more about it HERE). To celebrate International Women’s Day we’ve highlighted ten amazing bands and female musicians that you should be looking out for in 2020 and beyond.

Nova Twins 

Unless you have been living under a very soundproof rock for the last twelve months, Nova Twins are almost certainly already on your radar. Heralded by pretty much everyone as the ones to watch this year, these girls have just dropped their debut album Who Are The Girls? (we gave it a solid 10/10 review, check it out HERE) and have also somehow managed to invent a new sub-genre of rock in the process?! Their music is loud, unapologetic, and sounds like it was made in the future, on another planet. It’s actually a clever combination of guitars and bass, run through one hell of a pedal board which has given us tracks like Taxi and Devil’s Face. Who Are the Girls? Is essential listening.

Dream Nails

It takes a special kind of band to continue on Kathleen Hanna’s legacy when it comes to making marginalised people feel important at their shows, but Dream Nails have totally got this, well, nailed. Employing a BSL interpreter at their shows means their music is accessible to anyone, and enjoyed by everyone. This from the group who self-defines as “feminist punk witches”. Nice one, guys.

The Regrettes

Not so much up-and-coming as already fucking there, The Regrettes prove that you can be outspoken as hell at whatever age. Fronted by Lydia, this band has shown that the future of rock ‘n’ roll is truly in safe hands. Songs such as Seashore and A Living Human Girl show that this band has political and feminist intent at forefront and centre of their mission statement. We think they have a long and illustrious career ahead of them.

Stonefield

Stonefield have been creeping up on the radar for a very long time in their native Australia. The Finlay sisters have been playing together for years now, and it shows, with their synth-driven psychedelic sounds and Amy’s stellar simultaneous singing and drumming skills. They were recently taken on a world tour with label mates King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and have not stopped since. They seem to have a new live session on YouTube every week, and the follow up to last year’s album Bent is *highly* (very highly) anticipated.

The Menstrual Cramps

Photo Credit: Cheri Clouds

Look no further for the comedy-DIY-queer-feminist punk band of this generation – Bristol’s The Menstrual Cramps already have this title down. Tackling the micro (and macro) aggressions of the patriarchy with a solid dose of humour and some of the best song titles to ever exist (e.g. Hashtag Sad Penis, Cull The Tories, Frack Off), The Menstrual Cramps have truly shown their worth time and again. Never slow down or stop making noise, ladies!

Thunderpussy

Photo Credit: Meredith Truax

We discovered this band of Sapphic superstars on Heidi the Butcher’s (of Butcher Babies) Sisters Who Slay Spotify playlist (a bit hit and miss, but occasionally you hit an absolute gem like these ladies). Thunderpussy seriously rock, sounding like Florence and the Machine decided to start fronting a Led Zeppelin tribute band who only sing songs about being a funky little lesbian. Sound good? Add in some backup dancers in all their live shows, plus one of the best collective wardrobes we’ve ever seen in a band. Check. Them. Out.

Twin Temple

Satanic Du-wop. That’s what kind of music this band makes. Yup, we didn’t know what that sounded like at first either. But it’s pretty much what it says on the tin – swing, jazz and du-wop tunes all in praise of our lord and saviour, Satan herself (see track Satan’s a Woman for an explanation and a very good time). They have been welcomed in by the metal community with open arms, and even have a slot at Download Festival this summer. Catch them at one of their live shows, if you have to beg, borrow, steal a ticket. You won’t regret it.

Bang Bang Romeo

Photo Credit: Holly Rose Stones

One of the more poppy and fun-filled bands on this list, Bang Bang Romeo shot to fame supporting the legendary P!nk on her world tour. Fronted by Anastacia Walker, this band get even more feminism points by putting out an open call for local bands with women in to join them on each date of their tour. Walker’s vocals must be heard to be believed, and this band definitely have big things ahead for them in the future.

Tokyo Taboo

Singing is a difficult job. Singing whilst swinging upside down from a pole in a sweaty gig venue is nigh-on impossible, but that’s what vocalist Dolly Daggers does in Tokyo Taboo. She’s an absolute badass who is frank in all interviews about her previous dependence on alcohol to put on a show, which she has since replaced with doing pole and being awesome. They have a new album coming later this year and a Patreon page to help them do it, so go and help them out if you can!

Amyl and the Sniffers

Amyl and the Sniffers have taken the world by storm over the past year. Their self titled debut album picked up album of the year at the ARIAs, and now they’re touring the world. They’ve been named on multiple ‘Best Live Acts’ lists, mostly due to lead singer Amy Taylor‘s unbridled energy. They’ve graced covers of everything from tiny DIY zines to freaking VOGUE. We’re all waiting with baited breath to see what album two will bring.

Check out all of the bands in our Spotify playlist. 

Written by: Rosie Esther Solomon