INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY '25
Happy International Women’s Day! Today we’re celebrating the powerful voices and contributions of women in music. We’ve put together a list of artists we think you should know, from new faces poised to take over the industry as well as the icons who have inspired across generations.
Head to the bottom to listen to our playlist of music from all these icons and more!
JUSTINE FRISCHMANN (ELASTICA)
Elastica brought sharp edges and effortless cool to ’90s Britpop, combining punk energy with a minimalist, no-nonsense attitude. Fronted by Justine Frischmann, their sound was raw and irresistible. Although they only had a short run, they left behind a legacy of great hooks, deadpan delivery, and a distinctly London kind of swagger.
PATTI SMITH
Patti Smith redefined the boundaries between poetry and punk, bringing literary depth to rock music. With her groundbreaking album ‘Horses’, she proved that punk could be more than blind rebellion. Smith’s influence stretches far beyond punk though, leaving an indelible mark on music, art, and culture.
AMY TAYLOR (AMYL & THE SNIFFERS)
Amyl and the Sniffers crash through speakers with high-voltage punk energy, led by the fearless frontwoman Amy Taylor. Their music channels the spirit of old-school Aussie pub rock with a modern, no-bullshit attitude. Pure chaos in the best way possible.
HOPE SANDOVAL (MAZZY STAR)
Mazzy Star, led by the enigmatic Hope Sandoval, created a dreamlike world of music that feels suspended in time. With hits like ‘Fade Into You,’ their music carries a sense of longing and mystery, existing somewhere between a dream and a memory. Sandoval’s ethereal voice and elusive stage presence only add to the band’s enduring, almost mythic allure
JOAN JETT
The ‘Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll,’ Joan Jett & The Runaways shattered boundaries in a male-dominated industry, inspiring countless women to pick up guitars and follow their own path. With her raw energy and unapologetic attitude, Jett proved that rock’n’roll is for everyone, whatever the gender.
HOTWAX
Hastings-based alt-rock trio HotWax have been on the scene for some time now, and they’ve just dropped their incredible debut album ‘Hot Shock’ - a no-holds-barred statement of intent that solidifies their place as one of the most exciting rising bands in the UK.
LANA DEL REY
Lana Del Rey’s music exists in its own universe of Old Hollywood glamour, doomed romances and Americana nostalgia. With every new album, she’s built on her own ever-evolving lore, making her one of the most distinctive voices in modern music; an icon we’ll look back on for decades to come.
KAREN O (YEAH YEAH YEAHS)
Karen O’s unique energy and distinctive voice have made her a defining figure in indie rock. As the frontwoman of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, she brought a wild, experimental edge to the genre. Known for her fearless stage presence and unapologetic individuality, Karen O remains an influential force.
STEVIE NICKS
Known for her distinctive voice, mystical persona, and unforgettable songwriting, Stevie has left an indelible mark on rock history. Whether with Fleetwood Mac or as a solo artist, her influence continues to resonate in music today. A true legend, Stevie Nicks remains a defining figure in both rock and pop music.
KAREN CARPENTER
Arguably one of the most unmistakable voices in all of pop music, Karen Carpenter defined a whole era. As both a singer and drummer, she brought a quiet strength to The Carpenters’ music. Her influence endures, proving that simplicity and sincerity never go out of style, even getting voted “Best Drummer” in a 1975 Playboy poll (much to Bonham, Moon and Starr’s dismay!).
ADRIENNE LENKER (BIG THIEF)
With intricate, threadweaving guitar work and deeply personal lyrics, Adrienne Lenker’s music feels fragile and timeless. Her songwriting captures fleeting emotions with haunting clarity, whether in her solo work or as the voice of alt-folk band Big Thief. There’s a quiet intensity in her sound, drawing listeners into a world that feels both intimate and boundless.
KATE BUSH
A singular artist if there ever was one, Kate Bush has inspired generations with her fearless creativity. With a voice and songwriting style that is completely and unmistakably her own, she’s redefined what pop music can be. Decades on from her incredible debut ‘Wuthering Heights’, Kate Bush’s influence remains as strong as ever.
HORSEGIRL
This hotly-tipped New York trio are more than just a hype act. They’ve just released their second album, ‘Phonetics On and On’ on Matador Records. Produced by Cate Le Bon, it’s a triumph of playful pop minimalism, evocative of Velvet Underground and The Raincoats.
Listen now to a mix of all these musical icons and more in our new Pretty Green Radio: International Women’s Day playlist:
