I have had to learn a lot of lessons in life. I've dealt with grief, jealousy and even the joys of life. Music often helped me through those life lessons. Arguably the biggest lesson I've learned is how important it is for women to support women. From Brandie Carlile’s lyrics to Lauryn Shaffner’s work with Loudwire, I think I can speak for most women by saying Women's History month is an everyday celebration.
To continue the celebration, here are 10 women in the music industry who I think you should support…
Aubree Gomez
Founder Of MGG Media
Commonly known for running the Greta Van Fleet Bold n Gold event, Aubree Gomez is a girlboss when it comes to music management. Bold n Gold was a charity fan event that donated to Michigan's very own Hurleys Foundation. Aubree organized the whole event and created all the promos. From the incredible vendors to the rockin’ live music, she really outdid herself. Gomez has also worked with bands such as Mac Saturn and Loud Thoughts. She’s been on tour with Dirty Honey and has made connections with other incredible artists. MGG just turned one this past December. Through networking Aubree has been able to bring the Rock community together and her future looks bright.
Taylor Momsen
The Pretty Reckless
Taylor Momsen started her career as an actress from landing roles in The Grinch and the popular show Gossip Girl. Her acting career branched into modeling and music. Since 2008 Momsen has been the front woman of the famous rock band, The Pretty Reckless. Her signature snow white hair and deep gravelly voice make her the queen of hard rock. Rising to stardom with The Pretty Reckless’ 2010 album Light Me Up, Taylor earned her reputation in the music industry. Traveling the world and performing in front of vastly large audiences along with touring with some huge names in the music industry, Momsen rocks hard.
YOLA
Vastly known in the UK and speaking her truth through music, Yola is a one of a kind artist.
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” a song about the sad truths of our corrupt society, is her trademark song of her discography. Working with Brandi Carlile, Marren Morris and so many other powerful women to create “Highway Women” boosted her popularity in America. Her country soulful sounding vibe and honest lyrics make her songs iconic poems.
LIZZO
Lizzo is a 4 time grammy winner and an activist for the body positivity movement. Her upbeat soulful songs about self love and female empowerment have reached the hearts of so many young women today. Her top song is “Special” featuring SZA showcases the beauty of humans being created equal but different. Realizing there are different figures, skin colors and sexualities makes everyone uniquely different yet we equally deserve the same basic human rights. “About Damn Time” gained popularity on the app Tiktok. Eventually it became the hot girl summer anthem. Lizzo can sing, rap and even play the flute which makes her one of the most diverse musicians today.
Lauryn Shaffner
Journalist for Loudwire
Lauryn is the youngest full-time writer for Loudwire. Interviewing bands such as The Black Crowes and Mammoth WVH, her connections go beyond the spectrum. Her talent, creativity and drive to make her interviews and projects the best they can be is coherent when you see the finished product. Doing little projects such as The GOAT and the history of bands in 60 seconds, Shaffner’s creative approach is what Loudwire needs. She is a huge inspiration for everyone on the Banded Staff and we are rooting her on as we watch her career with Loudwire blossom.
Taylor Balding
Photographer for Staged Haze and Musaholic Magazine
Taylor Balding’s inspirations come from Hannah Wicklund and Greta Van Fleet, her two favorite shows she's photographed. Taylor’s photos draw you in like you're actually at the concert. Her edits add that extra spice and drama, making her one of a kind. She shines the most when she's in the photo pit almost like it's a dream come true. She graduates from college in May and hopes to pursue concert photography as a full time job.
Brandi Carlile
LGBTQ+ activist and proud mama, Brandi Carlile conquers the music industry with her unique talent. The nine time grammy winner has a soulful rock voice with some country twang. Being an incredible role model to her two daughters and women all over the world, her unapologetic energy and badass performances are what make her such a loveable musician. “The Joke” is a song about loving yourself and overcoming fear and judgment. My favorite song by her is “Broken Horses” . The melody and harmonies are like having an out of body experience. Her lyrics are like poetry and there's no one out there making music like she does.
Candrika Rice
Bassist of Lylyth
Candrika Rice from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is a domestic abuse activist and creates music with her band Lylyth to empower women. Playing concerts to raise money for domestic abuse survivors along with suicide prevention organizations, Rice is a true rock n roll queen. The song “Fight Back” was Lylyth’s first ever released song. Unfortunately with Roe V Wade being overturned Drika and her band knew they had to raise their voices. Candrika’s energy on stage is equivalent to Victoria De Angelis bass player of Maneskin. Drika’s big heart, talent and funny personality is what makes her so incredible.
Rihanna
The first pregnant women to perform at the super bowl halftime show, 9 time Grammy winner and 33 time nominee there's no one like Rhianna. “We found love” is her most popular song. If you grew up in the 2010s then you probably know half of her discography. Songs such as “Umbrella” and “Diamonds” shaped me. She worked with Paul McCartney and Kanye West for the song “FourFiveSeconds” which was a unique trio to say the least. Rhianna is a trailblazer for women of color in the music and beauty industry and continues to feed us with her incredible work on and off the stage.
Cassie Irene
Banded’s very own Cassie Irene does a little bit of everything in the music industry. At Banded, her sole focus is photography. When she's not in the photo pit, she’s at home creating songs of her own. Cassie is the perfect example of working outside the box. There is no perfect way to work in the music industry. Once you're in it, you're in it no matter how you contribute to it. Her two songs “Vampire” and “The March” are available on all streaming platforms and there's more to come.