From Dolly Parton to Stevie Nicks, women have dominated the music industry with their talent, lyrics and stage presence for centuries.
To highlight some of the most prominent figures in the music industry in honor of Women’s History Month, here are some of the artists who have been in rotation.
boygenius
Known for their beautiful voices and heartbreaking lyrics, boygenius consists of Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. Their music is truly a work of art. The lyrics aren’t just beautiful to listen to, they are intense and resonate on a deeper level.
In the song “Souvenir,” their voices flow together perfectly, going from Baker to Bridgers, then Dacus joins in to create a gorgeous harmony.
Often, their songs start soft, working up to a dramatic, booming chorus that drives the lyrics home. Their voices build up to a point where you have no choice but to just listen in awe. You may end up in tears after one of their songs, but that’s what good music does; it makes you feel.
Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell’s music will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Appalachia with the rhythms of the fiddle and the melodies of the banjo. When she performsonstage, you see pure joy present in her extravagant outfits and a playful smile as she sings.
“In Dreams,” is a playful song about being in love. It’s a feel-good song that makes you want to take a drive out to where the only things on the horizon are trees and blue sky.
Quite different but equally as good is “American Dreaming.” Its tone is more serious and melancholic, as the lyrics are focused on the American tendency to work nonstop. The lyric “I’m American dreaming / I never seem to get no rest” really hits home after a long day of school or work.
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit is a duo made up of two Swedish sisters. Their lyrics are inspiring and relatable, making it easy to fall in love with their music. Their voices meld perfectly together to create a striking harmony. This is perfectly exemplified in “Stay Gold.” The lyrics are striking, and combined with their angelic and compelling voices, create a breathtaking song about longing for things to stay perfect despite worries about the future.
Their lyrics are easy to connect with, as they deal with things like relationships and mental health. They often entail a positive or thoughtful message, leaving you with joy, hope and a the sense that you’ve learned something.
Natalia Lafourcade
Natalia Lafourcade has a captivating voice that draws you in even more with each song. Lafourcade is from Mexico, and she writes her lyrics in Spanish. Even if you don’t know the language, the emotions portrayed through her singing make their way into your heart.
In “Hasta la Raíz,” her words tell a poetic story that her voice narrates with elegance. The song is about staying true to one’s roots even through growth. A very different yet equally wonderful song is “Caminar Bonito.” It dips into the world of jazz and conveys a romantic message.
Florence + the Machine
You’ve probably heard the song “Dog Days are Over,” but Florence + the Machine has a whole discography of amazing songs. Lead singer Florence Welch has a powerful voice that will make you pause what you’re doing to soak in the melodious sound.
“Shake It Out” exemplifies the beauty of her voice perfectly, as it has a strong message that matches her powerful voice. Welch emphasizes the importance of not getting bogged down in the negative when there is so much to enjoy. The song says it best: “It’s hard to dance with a devil on your back.”
These are just a few of the many wonderful female artists in the music industry. Their powerful voices and stunning lyrics captivate audiences, and Women’s History Month is a great time to check out these artists.
