Women in music

Josh Kinghorn, 2nd Sep 2021
Tags: Music Blog A.I. The Anomaly Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh Kierra Sheard Rebekah Fitch Skillet

I am probably the least qualified person to talk about this subject. I suppose being a musician helps, but the fact that I’m a dude does put me at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to covering this topic.

Realistically, the rise of women in popular music (if you don’t include opera) has only really happened in the last century and a bit. You don’t have to go back that far before you find a time when female performers were rarer than a £1 note. 

However as popular music evolved, so has the involvement of women. And whilst the industry is still considered male dominated, the balance has definitely shifted, and there are so many huge names dominating the charts that are women. 

In honour of those who worked so hard to get to the top, here are five of the plethora of bands and female artists repping the cause and absolutely owning it. 

Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh 

CJ, Maggie and Lulu English have been in the game for a fair bit (considering their age). This family outfit have carved a niche out for themselves and fully acknowledged their all-female line up with #beautycore as a tagline, cheerleader outfits with glitter and absolutely killer riffs in pumping metal anthems. These powerful women will always be a group to keep an eye on. 

Rebekah Fitch 

The definition of a self-made artist, Rebekah has combined beautiful and smooth melodies with powerful imagery to create an easy listening yet highly thought-provoking audio experience. There are very few artists who can pull it off as effectively as she can, and clear lyrical images are definitely what Rebekah is about. 

Skillet 

Whilst not a fully female band, Skillet have been repping the women’s cause in dramatic fashion. Producing music for over two decades, Korey Cooper and Jen Ledger have been rocking it up with the best, helping the band reach audiences both inside Christian circles and in mainstream charts with Ledger even starting her own solo project that often opens for Skillet’s live shows. 

A.I. The Anomaly 

Real name Aitina Fareed Cooke from Buffalo, New York State, A.I. has got multiple talents up her sleeves. Whilst continuing to be a rapper and songwriter she also runs her own production company called Get Fokusd Productions. Her ability to manage her social media as well as run a company and continue to be a full time touring artist is near unparalleled in the industry. 

Kierra Sheard 

This descendant of gospel royalty is fully able to tango with the best in the business, effortlessly redefining the gospel genre and opening it up to a less knowing audience. Thriving under the pressure of being associated with Mattie Moss Clarke (gospel pioneer) and the Clarke Sisters (Karen Clarke Sheard, her mother, was a member) and forging her own unique path has gained her such respect, and every ounce is deserved.