Music Monday: La Roux

British electro-pop duo La Roux isn't explicitly feminist - they don't sing about social justice issues, unlike other bands.

But besides their catchy single, "Bulletproof," La Roux caught my attention because of vocalist Elly Jackson's androgynous look - which isn't necessarily unique in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly is a unique look among today's biggest pop stars. She's even refused to wear heels during a performance.

I definitely admire her for standing up to stylists and only wearing what she's comfortable in.

Check out the video for "Bulletproof" below and tell me it doesn't make you want to dance:

La Roux - Bulletproof
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Music Monday: Ode to Riot Grrrl

How can we possibly have a music feature without honoring some of the greatest, most-groundbreaking feminist rock stars of all time?

The Riot Grrrl movement is synonymous with the Third Wave movement of the 1990's. It symbolizes a time when adolescent girls and young women were taking charge of their music - by making it.

Hardcore punk-rock had been mostly a male phenomenon. Girls were excluded from hardcore the same way they were excluded in society from many other male-only rituals, whether street gangs or USA football. The "riot grrrrls" movement of the 1990s changed the sociopolitical landscape of punk-rock by introducing the "girl factor" into the equation of frustration/ depression/ desperation/ anger. - A History of Rock and Dance Music

The artist most frequently associated with the movement is resident badass Kathleen Hanna, who apparently inspired the title for Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. Her band Bikini Kill is iconic of Riot Grrrl.

Hanna, a former exotic dancer and volunteer at a women's shelter, started writing a feminist fanzine called Bikini Kill along with fellow Evergreen College students Tobi Vail and Kathi Wilcox.

Soon they decided to form a band of the same name and enlisted guitarist Billy Boredom. The rest, as they say, is herstory.

The band is most well known for its single, "Rebel Girl":

When she talks, I hear the revolutions
In her hips, there's revolutions
When she walks, the revolution's coming
In her kiss, I taste the revolution

(Ed. note: This is a fan-made video.)

Riot Grrrl is important for many reasons. Women and girls took their place in punk music for the first time. But more significantly, the music was empowering and addressed important social issues such as domestic violence and LGBTQ rights.

Check out the Riot Grrrl manifesto and Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution, to be published in October, and, of course, a list of Riot Grrrl bands.

Music Monday: Flobots edition

The Flobots, who hail from Denver, Colorado, found mainstream success with their song, "Handlebars." I've been hooked on the Flobots ever since I learned the meaning behind the hit single:

"The lyrics came to me as I was riding a bike home from work with my hands in the air — I had just learned how to do it — and I felt triumphant, but at the same time, I knew there were people at that moment who were being bombed by our own country. And I thought that was incredibly powerful. We have these little moments of creativity, these bursts of innovation, and every time that happens, that innovation is used to oppress and destroy people. So it struck me as beautiful and tragic at the same time." - Jonny 5, MC

All of the band's songs have a really uplifting message - they all center around a theme of justice and social change. One of my favorite lines is from "The Effect:"

To sit and watch the needle peak with Mario C
Reppin' CO and 303
(Speak up, girl)
Even if it's what they're against
Do the Helen Keller and confront male arrogance

...which, of course, is a jab at fellow Coloradoan "band" 3OH!3's and their song, "Don't Trust Me."

They also have a unique sound; their music is a blend of empowering hip-hop lyrics and traditional rock instruments along with a viola (played by a woman!) and sometimes even a trumpet.

And possibly the coolest thing about the Flobots is the organization the members started, Flobots.org, which "works to create positive social change by harnessing the power of music and those who love it. We view music as a tool for therapy, community building, leadership development and action."

I went to a Flobots show a few months ago when they were on tour, and I even had the opportunity to meet some of the band members. They are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people ever. And their show - their performance - is among the best live I've ever seen.

I highly recommend both albums, Fight with Tools and Survivor Story. Until then, check out their song, "White Flag Warrior" with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against:

Music Monday: Hesta Prynn

I have to admit, finding new artists to listen to and really enjoy is quite a challenge for me. With websites like Last.fm and even a handful of radio stations in my south central area of Michigan that are actually not too shabby, finding new artists should be a breeze, right?

Unfortunately, the last time I really went gaga over an artist was back in February. I was introduced to Hesta Prynn (Julie Potash) of Northern State fame when, by some strange twist of fate, Last.fm actually recommended something worthwhile. And after listening to Seven Sisters, I was absolutely smitten.





And, while you're at it, have a listen to Northern State--slightly more attitude than Hesta Prynn solo. These girls are the epitome of rad!