Women Make Noise: Girl Bands from Motown to the Modern

"When was the last time you heard an all-girl band on the radio? Why don't all-girl bands get attention they deserve?"

In "Women Make Noise" musicians, journalists, promoters and fans excavate the hidden story of the all-girl band: from country belles of the 20s-40s and girl groups of the 60s, to prog rock goddesses, women's liberationists and punks of the 70s-80s; from riot grrrl activists and queercore anarchists of the 90s to radical protesters Pussy Riot and the most inspiring all-girl bands today. These aren't the manufactured acts of some pop svengali, these groups write their own songs, play their own instruments and make music together on their own terms.

All-girl bands have made radical contributions to feminism, culture and politics as well as producing some unique, influential and innovative music. It's time to celebrate the outspoken voices, creative talents and gutsy performances of the all-girl bands who demand we take notice.

Including commentary from members of the original 60s girl groups and classic punk-inspired outfits like The Raincoats and The Slits, as well as contemporary Ladyfest heroines like Beth Ditto, this timely exploration shows the world that sidelining all-girl bands is a major oversight.

"Fascinating, diverse and, most important, inspiring - the title alone is as much a rallying cry as a joyous statement of truth" (Zoë Street Howe)

"It's exhilarating to learn about different generations of female musicians from such diverse, strong voices" (Kathleen Hanna)

CONTENIDO:

Introducing the All-girl Band: Finding Comfort in Contradiction (Julia Downes)

1. Female Pioneers in Old-time and Country Music (Victoria Yeulet)
2. Puppets on a String? Girl Groups of the 50s and 60s (Elizabeth K. Keenan)
3. Truth Gotta Stand: 60s Garage, Beat and 70s Rock (Sini Timonen)
4. Prog Rock: A Fortress They Call The Industry (Jackie Parsons)
5. Feminist Musical Resistance in the 70s and 80s (Deborah Withers)
6. You Create, We Destroy: Punk Women (Jane Bradley)
7. Post-Punk: Raw, Female Sound (Rhian E. Jones)
8. Subversive Pleasure: Feminism in DIY Hardcore (Bryony Beynon)
9. Queercore: Fearless Women (Val Rauzier)
10. Riot Grrrl, Ladyfest and Rock Camps for Girls (Elizabeth K. Keenan, Sarah Dougher)
11. Epilogue: Pussy Riot and the Future (Julia Downes)

Notes
Bibliography