Some days, we all need an extra dose of Girl Power-- a little reminder of how freaking amazing women are. Despite all the hardships, double standards, and shaming lots of women face on a daily basis, we rise above it time and time again to show the world just how tough we are. But some days, we need something to fuel the feminist fire, to remind us of just how strong, how beautiful, and how capable we really are. So, if you need a little background music while planning your revolution against the Patriarchy, check out these 13 female-led rock bands that are a must have on any feminist playlist!
1. Diet Cig
Best song: Tummy Ache
Well, I'm just a kid, a girl, a runt
And I'm starting to get real sick of
Trying to find my voice
Surrounded by all boys
Diet Cig is one of the most fun, most empowering female-led bands I've ever discovered. Songs like Tummy Ache, Bite Back, and Scene Sick will make you want to lead the revolution against the patriarchy by the second verse!
2. Best Coast
Best song: Fine Without You
If you spent all your life
Comparing yourself to her
Eventually you will find
There's no one like you in this world
When she's not busy writing super catchy, super relatable music for a new record, Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino spends her time encouraging her fan base on Twitter to take a stand against government policies by contacting their representatives, advocating for Planned Parenthood, and cracking jokes. If you don't already, you should definitely be following them!
3. Katie Ellen
Best song: Lucy Stone
Well I don’t wanna have your children
Does that make me less of a woman?
I don’t believe in getting married
It’s a social economic prison
I first saw Katie Ellen live when they opened for Chris Farren in Boston, and I immediately fell in love. Anika Pyle is both adorable and captivating on stage, and with songs like Lucy Stone and TV Dreams it's hard not to get hooked on Katie Ellen's music!
4. Chumped
Best song: Let Him Lie
Don't be sorry for feeling stupid
For falling into love when you shouldn't
Because you're just friends until you aren't
Until he tells you all of the things you want to hear
Chumped is, unfortunately, no longer together-- but they were the first major musical project Anika Pyle worked on. They gave us the masterpiece that is Teenage Retirement and let us sing our hearts out about all the hardships Twenty-Somethings face in life and relationships every day!
5. Adult Mom
Best song: Survival
And I cure the pores of my skin I leave no room for anything
I survive because I have died
And maybe in a year, I will learn to love the fear
And maybe in a year, I will not feel like a bad queer
6. Cayetana
Best song: Hot Dad Calendar
There’ll be a clash between you and the you that’s staring back
but kid you’ll be okay
you get better with age
and kid you’ll be okay
you get better with age
7. Paramore
Best song: Playing God
It's just my humble opinion
But it's one that I believe in
You don't deserve a point of view
If the only thing you see is you
Paramore is the quintessential Girl Power example for anyone born before 2000. Albums like All We Know Is Falling and Riot! are classics to anyone who went through the seventh grade scene phase between 2005-2009, and Hayley Williams hasn't disappointed since then. And, not to mention, have you seen those dye jobs over the years? No matter the album, no matter the hair color, Hayley rocks it all!
8. HAIM
Best song: Days Are Gone
You can have my past, I´ll never get that back
I´m moving on, ´cause those days are gone
HAIM is my go-to for all post-breakup needs. The sisterly trio, with a rather unique sound and chilling alto vocals, sing about moving on and taking your life back after getting your heart broken. They're a definite must-have on any Girl Power playlist!
9. Retirement Party
Best song: Hall Beach
My mother always told me about how my smile looks better with my teeth
From six years on it sat at my bedside table for whatever occasion I might need
A little pick me up, a little white mask to boost my self esteem
10. Trophy Dad
Best song: Louis Sachar
It’s not fair that you treat me like a piece of shit
Because of your insecurities
Trophy Dad just recently came out with a few new singles, including Louis Sachar. This song alone showcases all the struggles women living with double standards and the patriarchy experience. They're truly a gem!
11. Daddy Issues
Best song: Unicorns & Rainbows (Boyfriend)
And melancholia can reproduce
I'm not sleepin' with you
Daddy Issues is everything you could dream of in a girl group garage band. They're heavy, uncensored, and raw. Unicorns & Rainbows (Boyfriend) and Veronica are absolute jams!
12. Tegan and Sara
Best song: Nineteen
I felt you in my legs
Before I even met you
And when I laid beside you
For the first time
I told you
Tegan and Sara are a classic, with their first album Under Feet Like Ours coming out in 1999, and the band itself forming in 1995. Tegan and Sara are identical twin sisters that exude Girl Power in everything they do! Nineteen will always be my favorite song by this duo.
13. Broods
Best song: Mother & Father
And ever since I left my mother
It's much harder to know
How to make my own life here
How to make my own home
Broods is by far the most mellow band on this list, but Georgia Nott is too captivating not to include on this list! She's graceful, talented, and her voice is hauntingly beautiful--especially live!
