MUSIC KNOWS NO BOUNDS
Feminism: A Fluid Concept
PROGRESS IS UNCOMFORTABLE
Sexism in the music industry has long effected women and other marginalized groups throughout history. Even now, the striking difference between men, women, and queer groups is apparent in the music industry as marginalized groups still adhere to traditional and domestic roles as a result of intersectional identities and culture.
"I absolutely have encountered sexism in the music industry. I don’t look at myself as a victim. Certain behavior has been passed down and it’s been accepted, and I think it’s up to us as women not to accept it and lead by example. I won’t allow myself to be oppressed." - Janelle Monae
Music has the power to address generational and societal standards against marginalized groups, and we've seen just how capable it is to change the future for the oppressed. For there to be progress, there has to be discomfort. We a society will find equality in being uncomfortable.
Feminist musicians have historically aimed to show a positive, proactive, and assertive image of women that not only critiqued the rifts in regards to gender, but also demonstrated the goals of the feminist movement such as social justices regarding gender as well as the right of privacy for women. Feminism in music is rewriting stereotypes and the sexualization of women into forms of empowerment and shedding light onto the creative ideas of marginalized groups. Iconic artists like Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Lorde, and thousands more have singlehandedly changed the dynamic of music to be more inclusive of diverse groups.
Music has long since been a method of community gathering and a sharing of one's morals and ideas. Iconic feminist musicians throughout history have fought to overcome sexist, homophobic, and racist stereotypes through their musical literature, constantly fighting comfort zones and practicing creative freedom. Double standards in the music industry towards feminine creators place a large emphasis on appearance and body shape, leaving them to not have the same opportunities as their cisgender heterosexual male counterparts.
Feminism is change. Feminism is uncomfortable. Femism is progress. Feminism is to embrace androgyny. Feminism is to promote inclusivity. Feminism is originality. Feminism is to be authentic to oneself. Feminism is empowerment.
Let's explore modern feminism in these rising indie artists...
When I kissed her mouth
She's asking me, "Do you wanna skip town?" but
I never could, babe
You know that we both move too fast
- Remi Wolf, "Pool" (2022)
Feminism to Remi Wolf is to expose and normalize the intimate aspects of queer love and aid in teenagers alike who are exploring their sexuality. Every song Wolf creates is to break the rules and open the gateway for marginalized groups to express themselves authentically and unapologetically.
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Wolf was born in Palo Alto, California on February 2, 1996 to a Sicilian mother and a Russian-Persian father. As an upcoming star in funky soul pop, Wolf appeared on American Idol in 2014. Openly bisexual, Wolf bases her music around queer sex and messy love. Outlining the boundaries between love and lust, Wolf breaks all boundaries regarding gender, race, and appearance.
She don't eat alone
She goes home alone
Too much time alone
Time alone on the phone
And nobody, nobody, nobody calls
- Remi Wolf, "Liz" (2017)
In her song "Liz" she speaks of a female lover who works in the sex industry, misrepresented and beaten for her identity. Not only does she put stereotypes revolving female sex workers on full blast, but also showcases her appreciation for creative freedom and ability to make music regarding her sexuality for related audiences.
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REMI WOLF
THE CREATIVE VISIONARY
SERPENTWITHFEET
THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF SOUL AND BODY
Josiah Wise, known professionally as serpentwithfeet, is an experimental musician based in New York City in Brooklyn. Specializing in 90s R&B, Wise's craft consists of minimal classical instrumentation.
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Their album Deacon is a testiment to the power of black queer love, a reflection on the importance of the little things in relationships, and a celebration of same sex friendship. A song of palpable warmth, Wise aims to create music that can celebrate platonic and romantically intimate relationships.
Heard most couples stop smiling after the first year
Baby boy, sailors' superstition will help us here
If we stay humble
Can we stay humble?
No, we're not ashamed
But, babe we don't need the rain
If the rascals of the air
Believe our union's fair, we'll be good
So damn good
- SERPENTWITHFEET "Sailor's Superstition", (2021)
Wise, while a queer black male himself, aims to create a music atmosphere that is inclusive of all ideas and identities. Wise's feminist ideals reflect in his art, as he is constantly stepping outside boundaries to express his support for marginalized groups through creative expression. He believes that art is the gateway to equality and the normalization of the spectrum that is gender and sexuality.
Tei Shi's music embodies the sound of an artist creating and commanding her own space. And while the process can be claustrophobic, Tei Shi proves that it can also be liberating, even exhilarating.
I've been on a high, I can never fight
Pretty from a scene, what do you believe?
Skin and tease you so, oh, what else do you know?
I just don't mind
What did you expect from me?
Or were you blind to see?
Everything I laid out at your feet
Break it down for me
2AM I'm waiting for a leap of faith from you to me
Sweat drips from my apathy
- Tei Shi, "Even If It Hurts" (2017)
TEI SHI
RAW, FEMININE, AND REAL
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"When He's Done" marked the end of a relationship but the beginning of Tei Shi's exploration of self identity. Through music, they were able to find a creative space detached from environments they had previously associated love with. They explore something less like heartbreak, and something closer to the deconstruction of identity.
Tei Shi officially identifies as a women who sexualizes herself in a way that doesn't contrive or demean her character but instead elevates her own independence and creative authority.
Feminism to Tei Shi is to own her feminine side and rewrite female stereotypes to be forms of empowerment and internal development. She exposes the sexist nature of past lovers while educating her listeners to never settle for less.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THESE ARTISTS?
FEAR IS THE COMMON ENEMY
Remi Wolf, SERPENTWITHFEET, and Tei Shi all have something in common: they aren't afraid to speak their mind and educate the world of their own feminist ideals. With such a drastic split in moral and beliefs between older and younger generations, it's up to us to change the narrative. The new generation of music is among us, and we have to work together to fight generations of sexist and racist ideas that have bled through into every aspect of society.
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DISPEL THE MYTH OF A COMMON BINARY: MUSICAL ICONS
“All that stuff about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is so not true. Do you know what makes you stronger? When people treat you and your art with dignity.” - Lana Del Rey
“Other people call me a rebel, but I feel like I’m just living my life and doing what I want to do. Sometimes people call that rebellion, especially when you’re a woman.” - Joan Jett
