X-Ray Spex at Rock-Against-Racism march/concert in London, April 1978. Via Andy Wilson, Flickr “Some people think little girls should be seen and not heardBut I think“Oh bondage, up yours”One, two, three, four” That is the intro to the 1977 incendiary single by X-Ray Spex. It is a statement of intent and a battle cry against female objectification. Due to what some […]
Learn more →
Much of the music of the 90s may be associated more with personal angst that political dissension, but it was still a rich decade for socially conscious music. The decade could be considered the golden age of afro-centric hip-hop music. Movements such as riot grrrl and queercore were also important in amplifying women and LGBTQ+ voices. There was a diverse […]
Learn more →80 Years of Protest Songs Part 1: 1939-1958 80 Years of Protest Songs Part 2: 1959-1978 80 Years of Protest Songs Part 4: 1999-2018 The 1980s had the reputation of being shallow and self-absorbed, while the music of the 90s was known more for personal angst than for political discontent. Despite this there was still a wealth of songs shedding […]
Learn more →Alice Bag is an influential punk musician and feminist activist who is most known for being a founding member of the Bags who were featured in Penelope Spheeris seminal 1981 documentary The Decline of Western Civilization. Her latest solo album Blueprint is due out March 23rd and it is currently streaming on NPR. One of the highlights of the album is “77” […]
Learn more →Recently within the music industry there has been increased scrutiny over whether women are being granted equal opportunity. This was highlighted with the Grammy Awards where over the past five years women only made up 9.3 % of the nominees. The lack of recognition has nothing to do with lack of talent or resolve. For example a number of the […]
Learn more →