Celebrating Women in Music

As today is International Women’s Day, I chose some of my favourite female bands and artists who are without-a-doubt talented and innovative musicians. Women have played a large role in the development of music history. Having to fight to be recognized and taken seriously as a professional musician in a male dominated business, many female artist’s have defied standards over the years. So here are (in my opinion) some of the most influential and skilled female bands and artists!

La Luz

An atmospheric indie psychedelic surf alternative band from Seattle who continue to blow me away with inventive guitar tones and some pretty cool experimental instrumental tracks (like Floating Features). Every member is equally awesome, featuring intricate parts for each instrument. Lena Simon constantly lays down killer bass fills (which is refreshing as modern day bass is pretty much just half notes) while Marian La Pino shows excellent refinement and precision with her skills. Alice Sandahi adds a whole new layer of depth to the band with her nothing-short-of-epic keyboard chops. Shana Cleveland has a silky voice that adds a doo-wop feel to the bands presence while slaying the guitar game at the same time. All in all, they’re a pretty unique and epic band that work together to create some pretty cool music.

Ann and Nancy Wilson

Idols of many female musicians, there’s not much needed to be said about sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. Founding members of Heart, the first hard rock band to be fronted by women, they without-a-doubt defied standards of the late 70’s and 80’s. Nancy has been praised with adding elements of classical and flamenco into her guitar playing, and Ann has one of the most recognizable (and awesome) vocals of the era.

Molly Tuttle

Molly Tuttle is bringing a much needed flair back to Bluegrass. Her mind-blowing flatpicking, cross-picking and clawhammer guitar expertise. Her unmistakable skill got her a full ride scholarship to Berklee College of Music and has continued to excel, gearing up for the release of her debut album in April. This video is must see (it will blow your mind !!!), her ability to switch between rhythm and lead guitar is amazing.

The Beaches

The Beaches are like a modern, way better version of The Bengals. They’re from Ontario, and are bringing a new sense of coolness to rock. I saw them in November, and they put on an awesome live show. While their songs are fairly simple rockers, The Beaches bring some spunk and flair to their repertoire.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha is simply and utterly iconic. Not only an outstanding singer and songwriter, Aretha was also an empowering civil rights activist. Bringing hit after hit by fusing gospel, R&B, soul and pop, Aretha single handedly created her own unmistakable style.