In a seemingly male-dominated industry, it’s important to recognize the kick ass ladies that are actually driving the indie music scene. In the 8th grade, after seeing Marina and the Diamonds, I had a secret. When the girls my age were worshipping the ground boybands walked on, I had a different agenda. I was, and still am, obsessed with the kick-ass ladies of the indie rock scene.
Justine Bowe of Photocomfort
New to the indie rock scene, Photocomfort played their first live show in 2015. However, Photocomfort is not new to any fans of the indie pop band Magic Man. Justin Bowe, who played keys for Boston band, is known for her beautiful harmonies that backed Magic Man frontman, Alex Caplow. The Boston native, now the singer-songwriter for Photocomfort, is finding her own voice through Photocomfort.
Liz Nistico of HOLYCHILD
HOLYCHILD, fresh off of a US tour with alternative band Walk the Moon, is taking the indie pop scene by storm. Complete with choreographed dance moves, Liz Nistico makes up one-half of the LA-based band. Their high energy shows are decorated with metallic outfits and upbeat synth.
Alaina Moore of Tennis
Alaina Moore and her husband, Patrick Riley, make up the indie pop band Tennis. Moore, who got her start singing in church choir, fronts the duo as they sing about their sailing expeditions down the Eastern Atlantic Seaboard. Sailing expeditions are an important part of the couple's lives. According to their website, the Denver couple is at it again. Signing their letter, “With love from the Pacific,” Alaina and Patrick have once again set sail.
Mitski Miyawaki
Mitski Miyawaki brings something unique to the indie rock scene. Having a Japanese-American background, the SUNY Purchase graduate decorates her songs with lyrics of longing to fit into the American culture. When she’s not dominating the indie rock scene, she’s tweeting #relatable tweets.
Clementine Creevy of Cherry Glazerr
Clementine, or Clembutt as she goes by on her solo tracks, is not your average 18 year old. The Los Angeles teen managed to balance the books and her band, Cherry Glazerr, as she just graduated from high school last May. Creevy sings about what she knows best. Her track “Teenage Girl” is the perfect song to describe her career. Clementine Creevy is a kick ass girl of indie rock and no one is going to belittle her.
Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney
Carrie Brownstein is a woman of many talents. Aside from being a writer and actress, the Washington state native is also the brains and voice behind the indie rock band Sleater-Kinney. In 2006 Brownstein became the only women to appear on Rolling Stone's list of the 25 “Most Underrated Guitarists of All-Time.” In the recent years since that list appeared, Rolling Stone named her album, No Cities to Love, as one of The Best 50 Albums of 2015. Carrie Brownstein is anything but underrated.
If this list hasn’t convinced you that girls are killing the indie music game, listen to this playlist decked out with kick ass women playing great music.
