Looking for some new music, or just something to motivate you? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of some lesser-known, serious women in music out there to empower you.
1. Simona Soddu
Simona Soddu is a phenomenal, italian guitarist who leads a self-titled instrumental band. Each of the songs are unique and tell a story. Her medium-paced music is motivational and relaxing.
Recommended Listen: “Blank”
2. Dollskin
Dollskin is an up-and-coming band composed of four Alanis-Morissette-loving girls between the ages of seventeen and twenty. Each of them have a different, vibrant hair color with a confidence that could blow you away. They’ve already been on a tour and that’s just the beginning.
Recommended Listen: “Let’s Be Honest”
4. Emma Blackery
Earning her fame from her YouTube channel, and from her past band experience gave Emma Blackery the next-step: creating and releasing her own music. She has released three short EPs so far. Her knack for break-up songs will leave you feeling like you just dumped someone victoriously.
Recommended Listen: “Sucks To Be You”
4. The Pretty Reckless
Ever wonder what happened to Cindy Lou Who from How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Well, her name is Taylor Momsen, she’s all grown up and fronting a rock band. Several classic influences are clearly present in her songs, with some more classic rock styles. Kerrang! Magazine voted her the Hottest Female Award in 2014.
Recommended Listen: “Take Me Down”
5. Halestorm
Lzzy Hale has been fronting Halestorm since their beginning in 1997 when she was only fourteen. She gets to share the dream with her brother on guitar and three other members. The best way to describe Lzzy’s style would be Kelly Clarkson with an edge.
Recommended Listen: “I Miss The Misery”
Definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, this German, symphonic goth-metal band is something to look into if you are looking to venture out with music styles. Dianne van Giersbergen will leave you paralyzed with her beautiful, emotional, operatic voice. Xandria combines both classical and modern instruments and electronic elements to provide immaculate imagery. They will leave you wondering which episode of Attack on Titan episode you heard one of their songs in.
Recommended Listen: “A Theater Of Dimensions” (Yes, the fourteen minutes are worth it)
7. Otep
Out of complete and total bias, I saved the best for last. Otep is a raging political, LGBT activist vegan-queen fronting her self-titled band. She is a lyrical genius, whether it be a song about cursing the government or standing tall against whatever people throw at her. She dabbles with some spooky nu-metal styles, along with rap and even spoken word. When her re-vamped cover of “Royals” came out it blew up completely. You can also catch her doing voiceovers for creature noises in The Hobbit, The Last of Us, and the 2016 Ghostbusters.
Recommended Listen: “Smash The Control Machine” and “In Cold Blood”