you play like a girl

l_3e4742893830478691ba91aa0d07ac98 lykke li

Aftering mildly experiencing the symptoms of tour-life, specifically that of credibility on the road, I have a deep respect for women in the industry. It’s difficult, whether you’re recognizing your own femininity or not, the dudes do. Such standards are magnified for women musicians, as it has been the hyper-girliness that has prevailed in the past months that has either further perpetuated the stereotypes that all girls want to sing about is dancing, and all their voices are synthesized and all they want to do is dj and wear unitards. Or it may give women a level playing field, proving they can hold their own, but for how long? Specifically, I’m talking about the rise of Yelle last year, a French pop singer whose suggestive lyrics were buried under French, which made songs about magazines and jogging sound sexy. Then there was the wildly popular Lykke Li, a Swedish blonde with a baby voice who gave us ‘Dance Dance Dance’ and the cover of ‘Knocked Up’ by Kings of Leon. Now there’s La Roux, who sings 80’s inspired British electro pop who broke out opening for Lilly Allen this year. Then there’s also Little Boots, who is of course, also British electro pop etcetc, Oh right, then there’s Bat for Lashes who is also British.. and has garnered praise from the likes of MIA, Radiohead and Ringo Starr. Oh, and Florence and the Machine, British, of course.Then there’s Newzealander, Ladyhawke best known for her single, ‘Paris is Burning’. Who else- Lights, Amanda Blank, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Cryptacize, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc etc.

They mostly fall under the category of electro-pop music, which I don’t dislike, however I’m wondering about the longevity of their careers and if there is much evolution of their music long after their club days end and it’s no longer cool to wear headbands. Either way, here is a sugary playlist of all those mentioned above. Enjoy!

Yelle- Je Veux Te Voir