Riot Grrrls & Beyond: A Playlist of Female-Fronted Punk and Alternative Bands

This playlist celebrates the female-led bands that have and continue to shape the punk and alternative music landscape. In an industry that sometimes reduces all-female or female-led bands to a gimmick, this collection highlights their significant contributions and undeniable talent. Included are both influential bands that paved the way and contemporary artists who continue to inspire and innovate.

1. “Carnival” by Bikini Kill

When one thinks of the Riot Grrrl movement, the first band that comes to mind is Bikini Kill, and for good reason. Their impact is undeniable, not only in punk music but the music industry as a whole. The song “Carnival” combines the childlike whimsy of a carnival with, as the song describes, it’s “seedy underbelly.” “Carnival” perfectly encapsulates Bikini Kill’s spirit. It blends playful defiance with a dark edge, reflecting their commitment to empowering marginalized voices.

2. “Spit” by Kittie

Kittie, as one of the few all-female bands in the nu-metal scene, broke barriers with their raw, heavy sound. Their song “Spit” expresses the band’s frustrations with both misogynistic men and complicit women, channeling this anger into heavily distorted guitars and raspy screaming. The aggression in the song is palpable. One can’t help but feel the intensity in every riff and yell, as Kittie explores the uncomfortable truths of society.

3. “I’ll Make You Sorry” by Screaming Females

Screaming Females are one of the bands on this list I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live. Getting to hear Marissa Paternoster’s vocals live only gave me a greater appreciation for the band as her theatric singing and powerful yells captured the entire room. In “I’ll Make You Sorry,” the bass rumbles behind her threatening promises, building up tension to a yell filled with vibrato. The song and band as a whole exude a fierce energy that blends grit with emotion, leaving an unforgettable impression.

4. “Loud Bark” by Mannequin Pussy

Mannequin Pussy is another band I’ve gotten to see live, twice actually. This has allowed me to experience their growth as a band, especially with the release of their most recent album. “Loud Bark” is my favorite song off I Got Heaven. The song is cathartic as it expresses both the outward defiance and the vulnerability within, as it grapples with personal identity and the need to be heard, all set against a backdrop of relentless, driving guitars and sharp yells done by lead singer Marisa Dabice.

5. “Weird Girl” by Mommy Long Legs

“Weird Girl” by Mommy Long Legs is a quirky, unapologetic anthem that blends playful energy with a sense of outsider empowerment. The song’s catchy riffs and bouncy rhythm perfectly complement its lyrics, which embrace individuality and love for the unconventional. The band’s lo-fi sound mirrors the spirit of the track. “Weird Girl” celebrates embracing one’s eccentricities and rejects pressure to conform, creating a feel-good track for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.

6. “Cool Slut” by Chasity Belt

“Cool Slut” by Chastity Belt is a laid-back yet introspective track that captures the band’s signature blend of indie rock and dry, sardonic wit. The song explores themes of self-doubt and the pressure to appear “cool” in a world that often values surface-level impressions over authenticity. With its mellow, jangly guitars, the track has a breezy, almost detached feel, perfectly complementing lead singer Julia Shapiro’s nonchalant vocals. “Cool Slut” invites listeners to reflect on the absurdity of a world obsessed with perfection and appearances.

7. “Stab” by Bratmobile

Bratmobile is another band that contributed majorly to the Riot Grrrl movement. In their song “Stab,” lyrics about being stabbed and abused are repeated like a mantra, as if singer Allison Wolfe is confronting someone attempting to hurt her. Her voice has no fear though, and instead is forceful as if daring the listener. The song ends with the lyrics “you say it’s all a joke but I know you mean it,” which could relate how verbal abuse of women in media, even if presented with humor, has real world consequences in the overall treatment of women.

Overall, the list is only a handful of my favorite female-led bands, and there are plenty more that deserve recognition for their contributions to music like Lush, The Distillers, L7, Le Tigre, Veruca Salt, 7 Year Bitch, Sonic Youth, etc.!