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International Women's Day
5 Mar 2024
Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the powerful voices and contributions of women in music. We’ve put together a list of artists we think you should know, from new faces poised to take over the industry as well as the icons who have inspired across generations.
English Teacher
Hailing from Leeds, spiky experimental indie-rockers English Teacher have gone from strength to strength since their formation in 2020. With a Jools Holland appearance already under their belts and their debut album 'This Could Be Texas' due out next month via Island Records, 2024 is looking like theirs for the taking.
The Cranberries
Irish legends formed in Limerick in 1989, The Cranberries captivated audiences with their distinctive blend of alternative rock and Celtic influences. Rising to fame in the 1990s, their debut album ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?’ (1993) achieved widespread success, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Despite the tragic loss of frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan in 2018, her legacy is carried through the band's timeless music and profound impact on the alternative music scene.
Heartworms
The brainchild of south London based artist Jojo Orme, Heartworms made her breakthrough last year with their acclaimed EP ‘A Comforting Notion’, released on cult label Speedy Wunderground. Her Interpol inspired gothic darkwave sound captured ears around the UK, and since then things have very much been on the up for Heartworms, who is currently across the pond supporting The Kills on their US tour.
Portishead
Originating from Bristol, England, Portishead were a seminal force in the trip-hop movement of the 1990s. Their debut album ‘Dummy’ (1994) propelled them to international acclaim with its sultry, nocturnal atmosphere and vocalist Beth Gibbons’ haunting voice. Their subsequent albums ‘Portishead’ (1997) and ‘Third’ (2008) continued their artistic evolution and cemented their legacy as sonic pioneers
Mary In The Junkyard
This London trio may only have two singles out, but they’re already making waves with what they describe as “angry, weepy, chaos rock”. They’ve racked up an impressive amount of live experience, with a stint as Windmill Brixton’s house band and appearances at Green Man and End of the Road Festival. Ones to watch in 2024 without a doubt
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin was a force of nature, embodying raw emotion and unfiltered passion. With her band Big Brother and the Holding Company, Joplin quickly became known for her electrifying performances that shattered stereotypes in the male-dominated music industry of the 1960s Her untimely death in 1970 robbed the world of one of its most unique talents, but her influence endures, reminding us to embrace our individuality and live life to the fullest.
Black Honey
We’ve long sung the praises of Black Honey, the four-piece indie rock group who have been grafting on the UK scene since 2014. Their career has seen them reach enormous heights, with a notable performance supporting Liam Gallagher at his NHS O2 gig. Fronted by the charismatic Izzy Phillips (described by some as 'gangsta Nancy Sinatra'), they stormed the charts last year with their third album ‘A Fistful of Peaches’, and you’re bound to catch them at festivals this summer.
The Breeders
The Breeders grew from the fertile grounds of the late '80s US alt rock scene, founded by Kim Deal, otherwise known as bassist for Pixies. With a lineup featuring members of influential bands like Throwing Muses and Perfect Disaster, The Breeders quickly carved out their own identity as a cherished emblem of indie rock, continually pushing boundaries with their noisy earworm punk.
Wolf Alice
Fronted by the magnetic Ellie Rowsell, Wolf Alice have been a mainstay of contemporary rock music since their formation in 2010, with a knack for emotionally-charged anthems brimming with feral energy. They won the Mercury Prize in 2018 for their second album ‘Visions of a Life’, and were nominated for their third album ‘Blue Weekend’ (2021). Having recently parted ways with label Dirty Hit (The 1975, beabadoobee), they’ve now signed with Columbia Records, so we hope a new album is just over the horizon.
Meg White
Meg White, the elusive drummer of the White Stripes, remains an enigmatic figure in rock history. White’s simplistic approach to percussion defied the norms of the genre, eschewing flashy solos and showboating in favour of primal, irresistible grooves. With her minimalist drum kit and understated stage presence, she and Jack White crafted a stripped-down garage rock sound that defined the early 2000s.
