Diva Bleach, via bandcamp
It's been a summer for music. There's a hundred songs competing for song of the summer, and the volume of new releases don't seem to be slowing down. If you're anything like me, you've been pleasantly surprised at the pop-punk and rock revival going on. Somehow, it's the summer that Blink-182 is on tour, All Time Low is releasing a new version of Dear Maria, and Catfish and the Bottlemen are back together.
This time around, we're seeing more and more women on the scene of unmatched musicianship, drums that punch, and strong vocals. Now, I am still holding on for a Warped Tour lineup with more girls on guitar, but for right now, I've compiled a list of my favorite female-led rock anthems for this strange summer we're in:
Still Frozen - Hotel Fiction
There's no doubt that the ladies of Hotel Fiction are pioneers of their genre. Their 2024 single, "Still Frozen," shares an intimate story of personified negative emotions and the journey we're all on with them. Hotel Fiction is an act to see and touring machines. I had the pleasure of seeing their live show last Fall. Spearheaded by Jade Long and Jessica Thompson, Hotel Fiction are two women I foresee leading the charge of women taking over rock-stardom.
Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl - Olivia Rodrigo
We can't talk about the rise of female rockstars without mentioning Rodrigo. Her sophomore album, guts, revived the mainstream presence of fundamental rock elements into the pop genre. Overall, Rodrigo's work on guts was a genre shift from Sour. She stands out for her vulnerability as an artist and experimentation as a pop-star. Though each track brings forth a new aspect of Olivia's own subgenre of both pop and rock; "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl" stands distinct in its' honest storytelling, punk-forward drums, and punchy vocals.
Olivia Rodrigo, photographed on the guts tour, from People Magazine
What Else Is New - Mommy
Oregon-based band, Mommy, debuted their album, Villard Street, earlier this year. Complete with complex musicianship and beautiful vocals from frontwoman Martina Hemstreet, Mommy brings forth a sound that's both fresh as well as reminiscent of classic punk-rock and grunge legends. "What Else Is New" tells the all-too-familiar story of the relationship that just doesn't seem to die, while detailing the overwhelming emotional reality of it all. Despite the self-annouced hiatus from Mommy earlier this year, we're still holding onto hope for a revival over here.
We Don't Talk About It - Diva Bleach
Listen, I know there's a lot of contenders out for song of the summer. Let me, humbly, raise you Diva Bleach's "We Don't Talk About It." Sydney Roten and Brie Ritter bring a fresh, female sound to the alternative pop-punk anthems we've had on repeat summer after summer. And who hasn't found themselves in the post-breakup phase of ripping up pictures and wishing it all never happened? Regardless, Diva Bleach is a sure act to watch as they continue to release the female-fronted alternative bangers that we all need.
All in all, it's been a good summer for women in music. There's countless tracks out right now worth listening to, and more set to be released before it cools down. However, with a closet full of Hot Topic merchandise and an extensive antique collection of tattoo chokers, I've got to put these in front of you. These songs have soundtracked the summer for me. Each musician listed brings a distinct, individual sound that's redefining the all encompassing genre of alternative, rock, punk, pop, and any combination of the four. Maybe have a lemonade, sit in a pool chair, or scream-sing with your windows down on the interstate. Wishing you all the most rockstar summer that ever was.
Comentários