Women Who Rock: Female Fronted Bands You Should Be Listening To
by Abby Smith
In the world of rock, there are not many female-fronted bands. We are beginning to see a shift, however, as more females are fronting chart-topping groups. Even with these groups topping the charts, all-female bands or female-fronted bands aren’t receiving the recognition they deserve. Joan Jett of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts put it most eloquently during her acceptance speech into the Rock Hall of Fame: “there should be more women in the Hall of Fame, and more women in rock. They’re out there, they just don’t get the notice the pop girls do.” Not to knock pop stars such as Katy Perry or Demi Lovato who are successful in their own rite, but Jett does have a point. Being a young adult and female who loves rock music is a rare breed these days, but to see a woman fronting the band is even rarer. But this is changing, and to help continue this change, here are a few female-fronted bands you should be listening to right now:
DOROTHY
This four-member band titled after lead singer Dorothy Martin is the reinvigoration that the rock scene desperately needs. Comprised of Dorothy Martin on lead vocals, Zac Morris on drums, guitarist Mark Jackson, and bassist Gregg Cash, this group has only been together since early 2013 but has already made an impact in the world of rock. Martin’s old-school, rich voice mixed with sultry undertones is iconic. The band’s in-your-face sound is perfect to fuel your “get stuff done” playlist and make you feel like a total badass.
My favorite tracks off of their 2016 self-titled EP are: “Raise Hell,” “Wicked Ones,” and “Get Up.”
The Dead Weather
This group is widely dubbed as a “rock super-group” because it is comprised of members from other bands and projects who met while touring with those respective groups who then created The Dead Weather after discovering their undeniable musical chemistry. Members include Alison Mosshart (of The Kills and Discount) on lead vocals, Jack White (of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs) on drums, Dean Fertita (of Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar and keyboard, and Jack Lawrence (of the Raconteurs, the Greenhornes, and City and Colour) on bass. Mosshart’s bluesy, raspy tone adds to the group’s eclectic sound and helps them fit into several rock subgenres such as garage rock and blues rock.
My favorite tracks from their 2015 album Dodge and Burn are: “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” and “Cop and Go.”
Alabama Shakes
This soulful rock quartet is led by powerhouse vocalist Brittany Howard. Alongside her are guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, and drummer Steve Johnson. Their blues-rock sound is accompanied by relatable lyrics that make for a unique sound. All coming from humble beginnings in Alabama, this group has already won 3 Grammy Awards, the latest being Best Alternative Music Album for their 2016 album “Sound & Color.” This band flows through many genres and can be relatable to just about everyone no matter their taste in music.
My favorite tracks are: “Hold On” and “Don’t Wanna Fight.”