Dream Wife
Dream Wife is a London-based indie trio that takes influence from the riot grrrl musical movement of the 90s. Feminist anthems with heavy, punk riffs are the groups forte, although a few softer songs like ‘U Do U’ and ‘Temporary’ are brilliant too. The band headlined one of NME’s Girls To The Front concerts last year and are due to tour next April
Our favourite track: ‘Old Flame’ from the album released last month, So When You Gonna…
Dream Wife- After The Rain Official Video
ARXX
ARXX are a punk duo from Brighton. Unapologetic and powerful, the pair have an empowering sound with heavy drum and guitar and a lot of feminist intention. ARXX are respected by the likes of the aforementioned Dream Wife, having joined them at NME’s Girls To The Front and featuring on their non-binary and female artists mixtape.
Our favourite track: ‘Moments At A Time’ is a great track if you’re a fan of the likes of The Hunna.
Moments At A Time- ARXX Official Video
Nasty Cherry
Nasty Cherry is the child spawned from Charli XCX’s Netflix docuseries ‘I’m With The Band’ in which the pop star manufactured an all-new, unique alt-pop girl group. Of course the group have the party girl characteristics and aesthetics that the ‘how I’m feeling now’ artist is known and adored for, but the sound is much more rock-based. Making the perfect pop-rock girl band Charli said she wished existed when she was a teen.
Our favourite track: ‘Better Run’ is a track from the group’s new EP Season 2, obviously hinting at another season of the Netflix reality show.
Nasty Cherry- Better Run (Official Video)
The Aces
This alt-pop band formed in Utah has returned after two years with a new album of youthful, mellow hits a bit more adventurous and deep than previous songs. The quartet have claimed to take influence from The 1975 and Hayley Williams and we’d recommend them if you like 5 Seconds of Summer, who they supported last year on their Meet You There Tour.
Our favourite track: ‘Kelly’ is a queer pop anthem with retro guitar riffs that features on the band’s new album.
The Aces- Kelly Official Audio
Pillow Queens
Pillow Queens are a queer, Irish fourpiece that float around a pop-punk, lo-fi indie sound, making songs with heartfelt and outspoken messages. Now well recognised in the Irish indie scene, the band have had a Choice Prize song nomination and have supported artists such as Fontaines D. C and SOAK.
Our favourite track: ‘Holy Show’ is the latest track by the band, released this month. Slow and lyrical, with pop-punk-Esque guitar melodies, this track is great if you like Sam Fender and Phoebe Bridgers.
Pillow Queens- Holy Show
CLEWS
Australian duo CLEWS are a sister act with a minimalist discography of only seven singles. The duo features a lot of strong harmonies, passionate choruses with personal and heartfelt lyrics. Although they’ve only been on the scene for two years, the Richardson sisters already have an impressive portfolio of tours, after supporting Portugal. The Man, Ocean Alley, Laurel, and The Strokes member Albert Hammond Jr.
Our favourite track: ‘Feel’ is the latest track by the duo, rich with orchestral backing and gorgeous harmonies as per usual.
CLEWS- Feel Official Video
We’ve created a playlist, so you can listen to all these artists in one place and revel in the ballsy, empowering sound of women doing what they want.
Words by Daisy Grace Greetham
Graphics by Georgia Walters
