Girl Power: female artists and musicians taking the Australian creative scene by storm
Written by the wonderful Louise from our blog team.
It’s no secret that the culture we absorb impacts us phenomenally. So much of our culture is dominated by male voices, but there have always been non-male voices challenging that norm. This is a list (in no particular order) of just some of the contemporary Australian women whose art and music are making waves in the creative scene.
Emily Wurramara
Emily’s songs are melodic and beautiful celebrations of her Indigenous heritage. Having grown up on the remote Groote Eylandt off the coast on the Northern Territory, this talented woman brings an important perspective to the music industry.
Montaigne
Jessica Cerro (aka Montaigne) is based in Sydney, and makes punchy indie-pop songs full of unabashed emotion – great for dancing to in your kitchen or a little bit of morning motivation.
Alex the Astronaut
One of the reasons that I love Alex’s folk-pop songs is because they are uniquely Australian. Drawing on artists like Paul Kelly, Alex tells stories about life, love and music. Her 2017 hit “Not Worth Hiding” is an absolute anthem about accepting who you are!
Alex Lahey
The second Alex, but by no means the lesser on this list! Lahey’s music carries particular importance because of the way it explores and celebrates our everyday lives. Songs like “B Grade University” and “I Haven’t Been Taking Care of myself” have been the soundtracks of my first years at uni.
Isabella Manfredi
The lead singer of Aussie band The Preatures, Isabella Manfredi has possibly the best stage presence I’ve ever seen. An immensely powerful woman who performs with passion.
Camp Cope
This group of women is unabashedly feminist, and proud. Their indie rock songs are hard hitting tracks calling out injustice, and they work tirelessly to make the music industry and the wider world a better place for women.
Kaylene Whiskey
Kaylene Whiskey’s art is startling, exciting and unique. She blends traditional Indigenous imagery and methods with images of icons like Cher and Michael Jackson, and the results are amazing!
Frances Cannon
This incredible woman’s images and words send powerful messages about empowerment and self love. With a focus around body positivity, Frances’ work combines advocacy and art.
This list is, of course, an extremely incomplete one. There are countless talented Australian women creating incredible work, and I urge everyone to support as many of them as they can.
Photo of Emily Wurramara source.