Background

Women have been sexualized in music videos for decades. From the sexy, "oh oh", in The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star. To the objectified strippers who feature in Lil Jon - Get Low.

This post is not about that.

This post is about women who've taken this objectification and flipped it on its head. Becoming some of the most important, and impressive musicians the world has ever seen!

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Stevie Nicks

How can I write an article about powerful female musicians without featuring the Queen Of Rock! Stevie Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her role in Fleetwood Mac.

Her unique voice and amazing fashion sense allowed her to become number 53 of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Song Writers Of All Time. Her first album, Bella Donna has reached quadruple-platinum.

She still does the occasional tour. In 2017 she did a tour in New Zealand.

It was very well received.

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Cranes

Not very popular, or well-known, Cranes caught my attention about 5 years ago. And I've been hooked ever since! Formed in 1989, by siblings, Alison and Jim Shaw.

The band is named after mechanical cranes that were prevalent around the docks in Portsmouth, England.

The simple progression of chords combined with Alison's childlike voice creates a soothing, yet somewhat disturbing ambiance that would fit well in a nightmarish fever dream, or horror movie.

The band's latest album was released in 2008, and is called Dadaphonic. The theme of which relies on the abstract forms of the universe. It features many fractals, and the lyrics speak of the cycles that occur in nature. It is truly a masterpiece.

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Le Tigre

Powerful women in music?

This band outlines that perfectly.

Strong chords, funky tones, powerful lyrics, Le Tigre is the epitome of feminist pop.

They focus on issues regarding LGBT rights, and female objectification.

The band was formed by Kathleen Hannah, who is best known for her role in Bikini Kill.

In my opinion, Le Tigre's style is very much influenced by pop artists from the 60s and 70s, such as Andy Warhol. They also feature lyrics quoted from Mark Rothko. A very famous abstract expressionist. Le Tigre definitely has an abstract expression about them.

Final Words

I plan to make this an ongoing series.

There are MANY more female musicians in my arsenal.

Feel free to tell me about your favourite Women Of Music in the comments below.

And remember, if you enjoy what you've read, consider an upvote and a follow.

Thanks for dropping by...