By: Jaylynn Lyons
I found the power of feminism most compelling in this week’s readings. In Emily White’s, “The Great Indie Debate,” she expresses strong emotion on feminism in Indie Rock. Mary Lou Lord, a singer songwriter originally from Boston and resettled in Olympia, created a record on Kill Rock Stars and was one of numerous women indie artists that was pursued by major labels. Mary Lou Lord sang, “’I don’t fit into this indie world’” on her debut record. She is emphasizing her emotions in her song, “His Indie World,” however, her delivery “has an edge, and her lyrics call up images of scruffy boys (or male rock artists) …” (White, 475-476). The riot grrrls urged their listeners to “resist psychic death” and “cry in public” (White 476). They ranted against sexism and attacked feminist issues. Women musicians were always on the outside and “whether you were talking about indie or major, the world of rock in the early 1990s was primarily a man’s world” (White 476). The rise of indie-girl rock in the early nineties “often became a tale of clashes and bad blood” (White, 478). The antics and lack of agreement between performers shoes how women in power are as “complex and conflicted as men in power” (White 478). Women were still struggling to be accepted in the music industry, but some used their anger in their music and demeanor as they performed.
Similarly, with Alice Bag’s, “Violence Girl,” she conveys the notion of women’s power and how it is expressed in the music. The writing shows the energy and excitement on stage, “there is so much energy coursing through my body that surely I am dangerous to touch” (Bag, 7). I am able to visualize the performance being described, “I’m stomping, jogging and dancing all over the stage, teetering precariously on my high heels” (Bag, 7). The image created here is a woman who is using her power and energy on stage, much like how a male would in his performances to tell a story. It shows progression in women being a part of the indie rock world, and their influences on listeners.
I am not super familiar with many indie artists, however, after doing some research, I found a group named Camp Cope whose song, “The Opener” is directly related to women being overlooked in the music industry. It is a powerful song sung with a strong voice and has a catchy tune that will not leave your head! Another group I found named the Bully, have a song named “Kills to Be Resistant” that is sung by an amazing female artist that doesn’t only sing but plays the guitar. She is also the one who produced all of their records! I love how she has taken all initiative to be a powerful women in her group and be a leader.
Emily White, “The Great Indie Debate,” Trouble Girls: The Rolling Stone Book of Rock (New York: Random House, 1997) (PDF)
Alice Bag, Violence Girl, selections (PDF)
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