GIRLS TO THE FRONT!
Melbourne has fostered some of the most exciting and influential female artists who have redefined Australian music culture — like that of Kylie Minogue, Missy Higgins, or Courtney Barnett to name a few.
We already know about these established icons, but what about the ones in the making? From boundary-pushing indie rockers to soulful vocalists, these female musicians are making waves both locally and internationally.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Solo female artists
Harriet Wraith
Harriet Wraith is a folk-inspired indie rock singer from the heart of Naarm. She recently performed at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and is the most endearing manic pixie dream girl you’ve ever seen. In her most recent song, Courtney Love blends her signature acoustic style to create a kind of soul-driven rock. The haunting melodies and her ethereal presence transport you into an alternate realm.
Terra Rouge
Terra Rouge is for female rage. Her music is predominantly of the punk rock persuasion; with gritty guitar, vociferous vocals, and a fierce attitude, Terra Rouge is a force not to be reckoned with. Her most recent EP, Couch Song, is pure grunge, driven by garage rock elements, and encapsulates a kind of bratty, heated bitterness that only Brianna Brady can pull off.
Holly Hebe
Holle Hebe is for the bedroom pop girlies, similar to the likes of Clairo, Maggie Rogers and Gracie Abrams. She uses quirky, unfiltered sound samples and silky smooth vocals to make a dream-like soundscape. She wants you to fully immerse yourself in her music- pop on your headphones and get lost in it. Her most recent song, Ultra Love, popped off last year. Worth a listen.
Erika Avenue
This five-piece pop-rock band uses heartfelt vocals and catchy melodies to create a crunchy, unfeigned sound. Their newest release, Just In Case, incorporates folky vocals and velvety harmonies with soaring guitar riffs. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster in more ways than one – raw passion just oozes out of the track. They recently performed at St Kilda Festival and are just getting started.
The Vovos
The Vovos are already pretty distinguished as your go-to girl band from Melbourne, but they still don’t get enough credit (in my humble opinion). They’re a punk rock five-piece with a punk attitude, ready to take the male-dominated music world by storm. And that they have, playing major festivals across Melbourne this year, including Laneway, NYE On the Hill, and Brunswick Music Festival. Their latest song. Horses of Freedom is a bold, assertive track that makes you want to scream with your fist in the air. Go listen to these kick-ass gals.
Hot Machine
If you like the sound of The Vovos, you’ll love Hot Machine. They are classically rock and roll – a modern version of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Heavy, grungy and spicy hot, they certainly bring the heat. Samantha O’Keefe’s rich, raspy voice, fused with rough, feisty guitar riffs and hard-hitting rhythms, will make you never want to stop listening. Their most recent song, Red Hot Summer, is an electrifying, trail-blazing track, and it would be stupid not to give them a listen.
Bands with a female lead
They Might Be Dead Frogs
This pub rock-inspired four-piece is the epitome of dirty, clammy, mosh-pit-induced rock ‘n’ roll. Lead Singer, Laura, is everything you want in a rock vocalist– angsty, rowdy, and raw. From grunge indie rock to more emotional ballads, this band has it all. Their song Bury makes you want to stomp your feet and bang your head at your local pub. Their gritty, dark, and moody guitar/vocals are the perfect combo for punk enthusiasts alike.
Belair Lip Bombs
One of my personal favourites, Belair Lip Bombs, is a four-piece from Frankston that makes music for the indie-rock gals. Lead singer Maisie Everett is the epitome of cool. If you’re a fan of jangly punk or new wave pop music, you’ll love these guys. Their album Lush Life features banger after banger; Gimme, Gimme is one of my favourites. With bouncy bass lines and moody vocals, The Bombs are the next best thing.
Amyl and The Sniffers
I simply can’t write an article about local female artists without talking about Miss Amy Taylor. She is the leading queen of punk and has gained international recognition for her hardcore, high-voltage approach to the pub rock genre. Unapologetic, riotous, and raw, she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. She has plenty of Feminist anthems on her album Cartoon Darkness, including Tiny Bikini and You Should Not Be Doing That, which I have certainly rocked out to in my spare time.
Never forget, rock’n’roll was invented by a queer black woman.
