Today is the RiotGrrrl Day! Why the 9th of April? Because last year, the Major of Boston, Mark Walsh, honored and recognized the great Kathleen Hanna's works towards music and feminism, with the idea to promote riot grrrl culture in his own city. A much welcomed celebration we obviously couldn't miss. So, in order to celebrate, we have created a playlist with female bands from the last four decades. The idea is try to bring you a diverse and significant, in terms of riotgrrrl/feminist movement (knowing it's impossible to include all of them of course, share your favourites with us!). A fantastic excuse to enjoy and celebrate much loved music played, sung and written by women! Girls to the front!
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius...
Showing posts with label Le Tigre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Le Tigre. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2016
RiotGrrrl Day Playlist!
Today is the RiotGrrrl Day! Why the 9th of April? Because last year, the Major of Boston, Mark Walsh, honored and recognized the great Kathleen Hanna's works towards music and feminism, with the idea to promote riot grrrl culture in his own city. A much welcomed celebration we obviously couldn't miss. So, in order to celebrate, we have created a playlist with female bands from the last four decades. The idea is try to bring you a diverse and significant, in terms of riotgrrrl/feminist movement (knowing it's impossible to include all of them of course, share your favourites with us!). A fantastic excuse to enjoy and celebrate much loved music played, sung and written by women! Girls to the front!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
These Go to 11: interviewing Wild Balbina
Keeping Galizian indie power! Second time in a row interviewing a great band from that region (coincidence or signal there's something going on there?). This week we have the pleasure to count with the answers, riot grrrl style, of Marta González from our dear Wild Balbina. These Go to 11!
Marta González, Wild Balbina
If you are a regular follower of this blog you already know that we are fans of Elefant Records. So, last year, in one of our regular checks of their always exciting roster we had the pleasure to discover Wild Balbina. Coming from Vigo, they formed in 2010 when Antía Figueiras and Marta González moved on from their initial covers combo to a real band after recruiting V. Zapata. Local buzz followed until 2012, when they released the EP 'Eat Tacos' and became a most promising act to follow. In 2013 the group became a quartet with Miguel Binachi and now, with this year's release of the excellent mini-LP 'Sisters Before Misters' they are a complete reality, something also showed live, as we recently saw them supporting the fundamental Comet Gain. Youthfulness, energy, electricity, freshness and an addictive mix of garage, riot grrrl (they also run the feminist-cultural fanzine Typical Girls), surf, C86 and noise-pop sounds. Here we go!
1. First record that you bought (be honest)
Talking in general maybe a Laura Pausini’s cassette, I don’t know! Talking about vinyls the first one was 'Feminist Sweepstakes' by Le Tigre.
2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)
The first one was when I was a child because my family and I used to go to some free shows that in summer are still celebrated in our town, Vigo, at a spectacular natural-concert hall, Castrelos. There we could see Depeche Mode, Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, Emir Kusturica, etc, and yes! some glories of the spanish’s pop as Sabina, that maybe was the first one. The last one was in London in October, Acrobat + Brain Washington + The Mvp’s at Buffalo Bar which we have read that maybe will be closed :(. Sorry for the length of the answer!
3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
'What you waiting for?', Gwen Stefani, a diva.
5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)
So many but I may choose only one, 'Disarm' by Smashing Pumpkins.
6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
Kathleen Hanna and Kurt Cobain.
7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
'I love Delaware' by Drop Nineteens.
8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)
 |
| Wild-teen-riot-surf |
 |
| When riot grrrl went danceable |
Talking in general maybe a Laura Pausini’s cassette, I don’t know! Talking about vinyls the first one was 'Feminist Sweepstakes' by Le Tigre.
The first one was when I was a child because my family and I used to go to some free shows that in summer are still celebrated in our town, Vigo, at a spectacular natural-concert hall, Castrelos. There we could see Depeche Mode, Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, Emir Kusturica, etc, and yes! some glories of the spanish’s pop as Sabina, that maybe was the first one. The last one was in London in October, Acrobat + Brain Washington + The Mvp’s at Buffalo Bar which we have read that maybe will be closed :(. Sorry for the length of the answer!
 |
| Blonde ambition, take 47... |
'What you waiting for?', Gwen Stefani, a diva.
4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
The Spanish edition of 'If You Knew Suzi' by Suzi Quatro (1978).
The Spanish edition of 'If You Knew Suzi' by Suzi Quatro (1978).
So many but I may choose only one, 'Disarm' by Smashing Pumpkins.
 |
| Kat & Kurt, smelling like teen spirits... |
Kathleen Hanna and Kurt Cobain.
'I love Delaware' by Drop Nineteens.
 |
| The Riot Grrrl's "Bible" |
Both! A book: 'Riot Grrrl Collection' by Lisa Darms, a good brief of the contents of the fanzines belonging to the movement. The film: 'Hausu' by Nobuhiko Obayashi.
9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of
'Spit your love'.
I’m not sure of the answer of this one, I don’t usually think about that kind of stuff!'Spit your love'.
10. What does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
Indie is something pure that come up of somebody without the influence of a third person (that obviously can offer money in return of); and that’s done for not only satisfying other people as well. Any music style can be indie.
11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Indie is something pure that come up of somebody without the influence of a third person (that obviously can offer money in return of); and that’s done for not only satisfying other people as well. Any music style can be indie.
11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Zillion thanks Wild Balbina!
Friday, December 6, 2013
"The Punk Singer", Girls to the Front!
The Punk Singer: a Film about Kathleen Hanna
Beefeater In-Edit 2013, Chapter V
And last but by no means least (on the contrary) here's the winner of the International Award at Beefeater In-Edit 2013. A touching and engaging film on Kathleen Hanna, iconic leader of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and happily back on the scene (hopefully on stage too) with The Julie Ruin, the voice of the riot grrrl movement and feminist activist symbol. And a slap in the face to all the female prostitutes that some consider artists (not me) and keep invading mainstream pop music (sometimes also indie), serving the greedy industry while degrading themselves.
Director Sini Anderson had a lot of information to digest and compress on "The Punk Singer". Her music career, her crucial role as a pivotal person on a socio-cultural movement, her disappearance from scene in 2005 and her legacy. But she doesn't just nail it. She is also capable of moving the viewer deeply, affected by the dramatic turn of events of her personal story clashing with her fierce and fearless attempt of being a force of change. I left the theater with the feeling the movie is just too short. I didn't want to end. I just wanted to see and know more.
As I said before, my only complaint is how short this rockumentary is. 75 minutes is an extremely efficient work of concision, and as it develops, I can't say anything else but praise it. It's a great, flawless film. One to celebrate as Kathleen Hanna is a real role-model, a positive influence in this time of pornification of music, where terrible women without any talents are fighting to lead the music charts. She's such an interesting person, and her story is so powerful I believe there's a lot more to be said. About her, and of course about the riot grrrl movement. But please don't take this as a complaint. Take it as a suggestion. A second, third, fourth chapter as good as "The Punk Singer" would be more than welcomed. And needed.
SCORE: 8,25/10
Beefeater In-Edit 2013, Chapter V
And last but by no means least (on the contrary) here's the winner of the International Award at Beefeater In-Edit 2013. A touching and engaging film on Kathleen Hanna, iconic leader of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and happily back on the scene (hopefully on stage too) with The Julie Ruin, the voice of the riot grrrl movement and feminist activist symbol. And a slap in the face to all the female prostitutes that some consider artists (not me) and keep invading mainstream pop music (sometimes also indie), serving the greedy industry while degrading themselves.
Director Sini Anderson had a lot of information to digest and compress on "The Punk Singer". Her music career, her crucial role as a pivotal person on a socio-cultural movement, her disappearance from scene in 2005 and her legacy. But she doesn't just nail it. She is also capable of moving the viewer deeply, affected by the dramatic turn of events of her personal story clashing with her fierce and fearless attempt of being a force of change. I left the theater with the feeling the movie is just too short. I didn't want to end. I just wanted to see and know more.
The combination of archival footage, comments from other musicians plus her intimate interviews makes the movie flow with grace and dynamism. But again, it's more than that. The remarks from other artists are usually flattering if the rockumentary subject is someone the viewer likes, but truth be told, they tend to be tiring and mostly irrelevant. That's not the case with this film, as they also serve to determine better than any director's digression could do the importance of Kathleen Hanna. Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Joan Jett (The Runaways, solo), Tobi Vail (Bikin Kill), Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney, Wild Flag), Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney, Corin Tucker Band), Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile)... are only a bunch (just to name a few) of wonderful artists eager to acknowledge Kathleen as a cultural reference and an unforgettable influence.
But what makes the film achieving such great heights is the personal side of our beloved punk singer. Almost a superhero, outspoken and determined to raise her voice to defend women rights, the sudden end of Le Tigre comes as a shock, and when we know the reason why she had to vanish from the spotlight (what a memorable, human scene when pours her heart out) is like being teenager and seeing your own music Wonder Woman losing her superpowers, forced to hide herself... to RISE again. The scenes with her husband Adam Horowitz (Beastie Boys) are breathtakingly vivid and emotional.
As I said before, my only complaint is how short this rockumentary is. 75 minutes is an extremely efficient work of concision, and as it develops, I can't say anything else but praise it. It's a great, flawless film. One to celebrate as Kathleen Hanna is a real role-model, a positive influence in this time of pornification of music, where terrible women without any talents are fighting to lead the music charts. She's such an interesting person, and her story is so powerful I believe there's a lot more to be said. About her, and of course about the riot grrrl movement. But please don't take this as a complaint. Take it as a suggestion. A second, third, fourth chapter as good as "The Punk Singer" would be more than welcomed. And needed.
SCORE: 8,25/10
Friday, November 15, 2013
The Indie Anthology 31: essential songs
Back to the Indie Anthology, this time... let's get a bit "politically charged". Yeah, after watching "The Punk Singer" it was bound to happen (review of the documentary coming soon).
Song: Hot Topic
Artist: Le Tigre
Year: 1999
I have always had an issue with Kathleen Hanna. I admire her so much and tried so many times to get into her music, but in all honesty, I have never been able to be engaged by her albums fully. I guess straightforward punk (Bikini Kill) and electronic pop (Le Tigre) are just not my genres. With some explosive exceptions, "TKO", "Deceptacon", "Keep On Living", and in a very special way, "Hot Topic". A ridiculously catchy bubblegum pop tune that is also a celebration of mostly female/feminist icons. Gertrude Stein, Billie Jean King, Nina Simone, Sleater-Kinney, The Slits, Joan Jett, and a long, never-ending etc., plus the (I love them) following lines:
So many roads and so much opinion
So much shit to give in, give in to
So many rules and so much opinion
So much bullshit but we won't give in
Stop, we won't stop
Don't you stop
I can't live if you stop
Can pop be meaningful and joyful? Here's one of the best examples I know, an indie mantra of real heroes. Now tell me: do you think there's any space for all the Lady Gagas, Miley Cyrus, Rihannas and all the utter crap we have today pestering music industry here? NO WAY. From a music level, that's why I was so eager to recommend his latest project, The Julie Ruin, finally an album I really enjoy as a whole. And from another, more vindicating perspective, that's why I'm so willing to celebrate Kathlenn Hanna is back, hopefully to (please do it) kick some asses and shake some minds.
Song: Hot Topic
Artist: Le Tigre
Year: 1999
I have always had an issue with Kathleen Hanna. I admire her so much and tried so many times to get into her music, but in all honesty, I have never been able to be engaged by her albums fully. I guess straightforward punk (Bikini Kill) and electronic pop (Le Tigre) are just not my genres. With some explosive exceptions, "TKO", "Deceptacon", "Keep On Living", and in a very special way, "Hot Topic". A ridiculously catchy bubblegum pop tune that is also a celebration of mostly female/feminist icons. Gertrude Stein, Billie Jean King, Nina Simone, Sleater-Kinney, The Slits, Joan Jett, and a long, never-ending etc., plus the (I love them) following lines: So many roads and so much opinion
So much shit to give in, give in to
So many rules and so much opinion
So much bullshit but we won't give in
Stop, we won't stop
Don't you stop
I can't live if you stop
Can pop be meaningful and joyful? Here's one of the best examples I know, an indie mantra of real heroes. Now tell me: do you think there's any space for all the Lady Gagas, Miley Cyrus, Rihannas and all the utter crap we have today pestering music industry here? NO WAY. From a music level, that's why I was so eager to recommend his latest project, The Julie Ruin, finally an album I really enjoy as a whole. And from another, more vindicating perspective, that's why I'm so willing to celebrate Kathlenn Hanna is back, hopefully to (please do it) kick some asses and shake some minds.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Discoverer 74: new indie findings
Another Sunday full of amazing new indie proposals for you ears only, enjoy !
The Julie Ruin. We start with a NYC quintet formed in 2010 and leaded by Kathleen Hanna, riot grrrl myth, feminist activist and former lead singer of the seminal bands of like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. As a matter of fact, Hanna released a solo album entitled the Julie Ruin in 1998, but until 2010 the project didn't acquire its final, full band incarnation, with a first performance arriving that December. In 2012, they released the song "Girls Like Us, and the debut album, "Run Fast" is out since September. As expected, the album is fire and fun, vital and tough. The B-52 fuelled by the punk sharpness and wisdom of a 20 years spanning and honest career. Welcome back, Kathleen, we needed you!
The Meaning of Life. Still in NYC to meet a Brooklyn-based trio, born through an ad in 2012 and creating their only release to date, "Play Fuego" EP, during that summer, preceded by the advance single "Laura V.". The release, that you can still grab (name your price) at their bandcamp is an exciting blend of dream pop with the more melodic version of shoegaze, where the layers of reverb and noise doesn't attempt to bury the thrilling vocals of Marta DeLeon, which imo recalls to my beloved Beth Orton, but instead propelling her to wide, cinematic, and haunting spaces.
Trick Mammoth. Only two songs, but I already know I have found a band to love (thanks to the great Just Music that I Like blog for the recommendation). Hailing from Dunedin, New Zealand, they formed in 2012, and after some late-year demos, the trio of Adrian Ng, Millie Lovelock and Sam Valentine recorded their first full album in mid July of 2013, which is entitled "Floristry" and will be out in late November via Fishrider Records but... only in NZ! We Europeans will have to wait until February 2014 through Occultation Recordings! That's unfair, that's a tragedy! Judging by the mind blowing first single "Delphine (With a Purpose)/Pinker Sea" available at their bandcamp the wait is going to be excruciating... Immediate but intriguing indiepop, delicate (Millie's voice is disarming) and uplifting. Love at first hear. Want the record now!
The Julie Ruin. We start with a NYC quintet formed in 2010 and leaded by Kathleen Hanna, riot grrrl myth, feminist activist and former lead singer of the seminal bands of like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. As a matter of fact, Hanna released a solo album entitled the Julie Ruin in 1998, but until 2010 the project didn't acquire its final, full band incarnation, with a first performance arriving that December. In 2012, they released the song "Girls Like Us, and the debut album, "Run Fast" is out since September. As expected, the album is fire and fun, vital and tough. The B-52 fuelled by the punk sharpness and wisdom of a 20 years spanning and honest career. Welcome back, Kathleen, we needed you!
The Meaning of Life. Still in NYC to meet a Brooklyn-based trio, born through an ad in 2012 and creating their only release to date, "Play Fuego" EP, during that summer, preceded by the advance single "Laura V.". The release, that you can still grab (name your price) at their bandcamp is an exciting blend of dream pop with the more melodic version of shoegaze, where the layers of reverb and noise doesn't attempt to bury the thrilling vocals of Marta DeLeon, which imo recalls to my beloved Beth Orton, but instead propelling her to wide, cinematic, and haunting spaces.
Trick Mammoth. Only two songs, but I already know I have found a band to love (thanks to the great Just Music that I Like blog for the recommendation). Hailing from Dunedin, New Zealand, they formed in 2012, and after some late-year demos, the trio of Adrian Ng, Millie Lovelock and Sam Valentine recorded their first full album in mid July of 2013, which is entitled "Floristry" and will be out in late November via Fishrider Records but... only in NZ! We Europeans will have to wait until February 2014 through Occultation Recordings! That's unfair, that's a tragedy! Judging by the mind blowing first single "Delphine (With a Purpose)/Pinker Sea" available at their bandcamp the wait is going to be excruciating... Immediate but intriguing indiepop, delicate (Millie's voice is disarming) and uplifting. Love at first hear. Want the record now!
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