Women’s History Month: the trailblazers of the modern scene

Who were the women who made our scene?

That’s such a tough question to answer because even when listing names of singers and songwriters, we can’t forget all the names we’ll never hear of. Historically, women haven’t been credited for the beautiful work they give to the world, so many of their names will be lost to us. We may never know the true scope and impact that women have had on the scene and this industry as a whole.

However, we want to pluck a few names out of the millions and give you some memories from the past to wrap up Women’s History Month. Here are some of the trailblazers that gave way to our beloved scene:

Patti Smith

If you haven’t read Just Kids, you’re missing out on some incredibly valuable insight. Patti Smith has had such an incredible impact on punk music, having infused wonderful works of poetry and beauty into this scene. She rode the rise of the New York City punk scene and created the deep meaning that we now know and love in our emotional whirlwind of music.

Credit: Photo by Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock, Patti Smith, ‘The King’ film premiere, Arrivals, SVA Theater, New York, USA – 01 Oct 2019

Joan Jett

Joan was born to rock. It’s cheesy, I know, but it’s true. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts open so many doors for women in music. She excelled in every facet of music: writing, singing, producing, and more. She looked at the industry, which was (and still is) full of some sexist undertones, and tackled it head-on. We simply do not have enough space to write all of her accomplishments, but without her, we wouldn’t have the iconic “I Love Rock and Roll” and that should say enough.

Dolores O’Riordan

The Cranberries was monumental in not just the punk scene but in music as a whole. This Irish rock band left us with songs that we’ll never forget like “Zombie”. However, beyond that, Dolores tapped into her raw and real voice, giving a twist and unique sound to everything she did. Her sound later gave way to other female-fronted bands to succeed like Halestorm, with that soft, yet raw sound.

Gwen Stefani

Let’s chat about Gwen Stefani. More specifically, let’s talk about the impact she made with the band No Doubt. The impact that the band has had on the rock and punk world is impossible to measure. However, what actually makes Gwen Stefani even more noteworthy is the fact she is able to transcend genre and succeed in whatever direction she goes in. A graduate from California State University, Gwen Stefani is the sort of household name that gives the next generation of women in music something to aspire to.

Courtney Love

Controversially, Courtney is added to this list. We can never overlook the impact Courtney has had on music and pop-punk. Some love her, some hate her… her history precedes her. Countless think-pieces have been written pulling apart the complexity of her public image, but this is not one of them. Instead, we recognize today her lasting impact and legacy on the scene. I do believe it’s important to recognize her on her own, separate from any other name. Her band, Hole, is woven into the soundtrack of the 90s, setting the tone for so many young women in music.

Alanis Morissette

This Canadian-American singer-songwriter gave birth to some of the most surreal music of its time. To overlook Jagged Little Pill would be a true travesty. Alanis gave us music that spoke directly to our souls and lit our world on fire. Moreover, she is an excellent actress and constantly reminds us that women can be whatever they want to be… unapologetically.

Each of these women has given to pop-punk, rock, indie, etc in so many ways. We can’t even list all of the impacts because each of these women has a complex backstory full of trials, tribulations, victories, and triumphs. Women’s stories are often boiled down to one or two things, but the truth is we have stories that the world may never even get to hear.

We thank these women for sharing their stories with us. Check out some of the women that are leaving their mark right now. 

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