The foundation of punk culture is contradicted by the voices it has historically publicized, but as genres evolve, so do the people that represent them.
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In the long tradition of feminine confessional storytelling, Joni Mitchell carved out her name in the 1970s American folk style.
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In a genre where sexism and machismo are common themes, women in the mariachi scene are putting a spin on tradition and breaking barriers amidst traditional male-led roles.
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NOLA death grind rippers Brat bring full metal barbie brutality with their embrace of early 2000s hyperfemininity through Fergie samples, Paris Hilton merch, and a lot of pink.
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In her newest single “Brutus,” alternative rapper The Buttress takes inspiration from the infamous assassination of Julius Caesar to narrate the neglected role of women in Ancient Roman society.
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With powerhouse vocals and thunderous piano keys, these leading ladies of experimental music are unleashing their righteous wrath on the world.
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Nearly thirty years after its release, Live Through This continues to command respect through its unflinching portrayal of scorned womanhood by frontwoman Courtney Love.
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Despite the odds being stacked against them, Lena Raine and Kumi Tanioka’s excellent tracks for Minecraft grow with you anyway. Both composers present a masterclass on how to add on to classic for old fans and the blossoming diversity of gamers alike.
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Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion continue their contributions to the ideals of Black feminism as they overcome stereotypes and the oppression that comes with them.
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Pom Pom Squad’s 21st century spin on the conscience of “The Virgin Suicides” character gives Lux Lisbon the voice she never got the chance to use.
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Janet Jackson, and her place in the music industry, has always been a topic of conversation. With a documentary on her life set to release in January, it is time to examine just how she has been in completely altering the pop sphere for women in the genre today.
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Afterglow staffers reflect on the trailblazing female artists who influenced them today.
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A Grammy-winning song released at the turn of the 20th century and reimagined nearly two decades later, Santana’s “Maria Maria” infuses elements of social class into the time-old story of a man yearning for a woman.
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One Direction: the world’s biggest boy band known for its wild fans, incredible looks, and for single-handedly eliminating every 13-year-old girl’s insecurities. Hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Little Things” clearly have superficial sentiments, but on “She’s Not Afraid,” the boys give the girl what they desire… character depth?
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In the first heartbeats of punk, Patti Smith reinvents Van Morrison’s garage rock classic to highlight the inherent misogyny of the early rock ‘n’ roll era.
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In this perfectly ‘70s tune, Karen Carpenter sings the grievances of an illuminated woman on the other side of a breakup. Having written this song before her own troublesome and short-lived marriage, the songwriter may have unwittingly predicted her own fate.
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Marina Diamandis has long been an outspoken critic of pop culture’s views of women. While she expresses her opinions in her other projects through metaphors and symbolism, her track “Can’t Pin Me Down” provides a candid and direct callout of misconceptions surrounding feminism and the actions of women.
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First released in 2002, “She Will Be Loved” shows a few characteristics of the soon-to-be-named “nice guy” trope. However, in spite of these flaws, the song remains a positive song about a man supporting a girl –– in one way or another.
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