Saturday, March 8 is International Women’s Day and although we at AltCorner regularly celebrate women in music, we thought it was a great time to highlight some of the women in music that mean a lot to us, and you.
It seems that every year, more and more women are deservedly taking the spotlight in music, becoming inspirations to women and girls everywhere. We asked you over on our social media channels for some of your favourite women in music and combined them with ours.
RØRY
Credit: John Taylor
RØRY slides right into this list as the biggest inspiration of how it’s never too late to turn your life around and follow your dreams.
After a troubling period of her life, RØRY found a second chance, sobriety, a family and took a shot at achieving her dreams musically.
She released her debut album RESTORATION earlier this year at the age of 40. The album is an inspirational journey of self-love and transformation and she hopes it can inspire others.
On the release of the album, RØRY said: “No matter your history or your struggles, there’s always a way back. This is my story of rebuilding. The beginning of my next chapter. Maybe it can be the beginning of yours, too.”
ALT BLK ERA
Genre-defying sisters Nyrobi and Chaya are still pretty young but have been absolutely smashing their careers in the music industry.
Before and with the release of debut album Rave Immortal back in January, ALT BLK ERA have been turning heads wherever they’ve appeared, even getting the legendary Wheatus on board for a collab.
The sisters are also delving into the personal struggles of living with a chronic illness as parts of Rave Immortal highlights Nyrobi’s ‘hidden disability’, a chronic illness that left her bedridden during her teenage years, giving hope to thousands of others who suffer with chronic and hidden illnesses that they too can achieve their dreams.
The duo were also given the MOBO for Best Alternative Music Act and were also nominated for the list by Lillii.
Ash Costello
New Years Day live at Thekla, Bristol. Picture: Lizi Birt
Ash Costello is one that resonates with me (Liz) personally. Since finding out about New Years Day in 2015 they’ve been my go-to whenever I need a pick me up. Over the years this has become more and more regularly as Ash’s lyrics hit home extremely hard, turning life events and even just everyday feelings into kick ass songs, giving hope to the listener.
She’s also extremely dedicated to her fans, going out of her way to make a fan’s day wherever possible.
Courtney LaPlante
Logan Hickey said: “Spiritbox without a doubt, Courtney’s ability to have amazing cleans and perfect screams is insane” and Ted Pinson agreed.
Spiritbox have blown up in the UK, largely in part with the metallers’ vocalist Courtney LaPlante who has immaculate vocals for everything she sets her voice to and commands stages and crowds with as little effort as making a cup of tea.
Charlotte Sands
Credit: Vicki Evans
Vicki Evans said: “Charlotte Sands seemed to appear out of nowhere, and despite being new to the scene, she’s made a name for herself. She’s going from strength to strength.”
Delilah Bon
Delilah Bon @ The Waterfront Studio, Norwich – Photo by Kayleigh Francis
Delilah Bon has been a breath of fresh air since breaking through over the last couple of years.
Her ‘brat punk’ sound focuses on empowering women, the LGBTQ+ community and non-binary community as well as other marginalised groups.
She’s not afraid to stand up for herself and others, with album ‘Evil, Hate Filled Female’ being named after a tweet she received, turning what was meant to be a negative comment into a positive as the title for a kick-ass record, and her ‘Not the President’ single following Donald Trump’s re-election.
Vicki Evans said: “Delilah Bon puts her money where her mouth is. As well as being completely self-produced, she participates in marches and protests. She sticks up for human and animal rights alike.”
Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams is one of the biggest inspirations for many women in music now. In most interviews with up and coming – and even some of the more established – bands, when asked about their inspiration, Hayley or Paramore will feature somewhere.
For many, she was the first female punk rocker of the modern day that captivated millions around the world and continues to do so to this day. Whether it’s 2005 debut All We Know is Falling, 2007’s Riot! which was the first taste of Paramore for the majority, or any of their records through to 2023’s This is Why, almost everyone will have a standout Paramore era.
Scene Queen
Vicki Evans said: “Scene Queen really doesn’t care. She does communicate with fans really well, but she doesn’t stick to one genre, she doesn’t fit alternative stereotypes.
“She’s chosen the path she wants to go down, and she’s sticking to it. She calls out those who need calling out. She shows that metal, quite a masculine genre, can be girly pop (so to speak).”
BEX
Punk rocker BEX highlights issues faced by many women through her own experiences, including misogyny, harassment and much more, using her platform and music to highlight the continuing gender inequality.
She aims to create a safe but fun world, even if it’s just for a night at her shows.
Tay Jardine
Tay, for me (Vicki Evans) listening as I grew up, was always so chill and just herself. Then, when Sainte came around, I found it so cool that she was wanting to explore different genres, and take a creative risk. Now, with her solo EP, she’s been incredibly open and honest with her experiences in life. She’s really found herself these last few years, and it shows with her EP.
Lights
Lights is a standout example of a woman kicking ass and giving a big ‘fuck you’ to the misogynists who say women can’t have a career and a family.
Her music is only getting better (and it was great to start with) and she’s a doting mum.
She’s spent more than a year working on her sixth album A6, which is released on May 2.
Lzzy Hale
Halestorm
Lzzy Hale has been a top figure in the rock scene for decades with Halestorm. She has been recognised as a role model for women and girls, as well as for pushing the conversation of mental health.
She’s also an advocate for equality, whether it’s gender equality, or for equality for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2020, she won the Inspire Award at the She Rocks Awards.
There are so many more badass women that we would have loved to include here but if we did, we’d be going on forever.
But of course we have to include more of your suggestions.
KJ said: “AlienBlaze. An amazing young artist doing genre blended music and also actually a fantastic guitarist.”
Bradley R recommended Hannah Mee of Hot Milk.
zachmetalhead highlighted FKA Rayne and Lacey Sturm from Flyleaf while Lillii also recommended Exploring Birdsong and Lady Heroine.
So to all the women out there, happy International Women’s Day and keep rocking!