Viv Albertine of the Slits. I want to be her. Albertine is a musician who went to art school, a London punk and idol of every weirdo playing guitar secretly in their room. One quarter of the Slits, one of the best bands ever. Fierce, funny, strong, wise and brilliant – criminally overlooked in the history of punk guitarists.
MIA. Taped to my wall is a picture of MIA in bed with her eight-track. She’s wearing headphones, plugged into her own world, looking tired and dishevelled but very content. In that moment, she’s creating and nothing else matters. She’s an artist, a musician and activist – she’s full of courage and power.
Romy Vager of RVG. I saw RVG for the first time at Wetfest 2017. I knew nothing about the band and by the end they were my new favourite. That’s All is one of my favourite songs ever. Romy is electric.
Stephanie Phillips of Big Joanie. She embodies the DIY ethos and the idea that punk is an attitude, not a just particular musical style or image. Punk can be a way to channel your anger, but also your sadness. She advocates for safer spaces and diversity within the scene, which is very punk.
Patti Smith. Patti was one of those artists that changed me forever. She made me realise that music, poetry, and art can intersect in ways I never thought possible. I love her simultaneous critique and celebration of classic rock. She’s outright aspirational and everything I want to be in life.
