Music

Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, surrounded by bandmates

Me Who?: Debbie Harry’s “Face It” and the Challenge of Addressing Outmoded Rape Narratives

by Noa Azulai
October 16, 2019 at 12:14pm
The urge to superimpose the cultural context of today on the difficult truths of the past risks erasing them. Read more »
Normani, a young Black woman, sings on stage in a blue sparkly outfit.

What Critiques of Normani Reveal about Racist Expectations of Black Women Artists

by Brooklyn White
September 11, 2019 at 4:02pm
Music critics and listeners alike give Black pop stars hell—especially when they’re women. Read more »
two white people stand on the beach and pose playfully for the camera

BitchTapes: Anti-Fascist Heavy Metal Tunes

by Kim Kelly
August 30, 2019 at 12:02pm
Metal is too good for Nazis and there are a growing number of artists who agree. Read more »
Taylor Swift, a white woman with shoulder-length blond hair, is posed in front of a pink background

Cruel Bummer: “Lover” Is an Odd Litmus Test for Taylor Swift’s Politics

by Melissa A. Fabello PhD
August 27, 2019 at 2:32pm
Taylor Swift is turning 30 in December, so it’s no surprise that she’s released an album that feels more authentic and honest than her previous two. Read more »
Missy Elliott, a plus-size Black woman dressed in a black trash bag and wearing fingerwaves, in the Supa Dupa Fly video

BitchTapes: 20 Years of Missy Elliott

by Evette Dionne
August 26, 2019 at 9:55am
Let’s celebrate a musical genius. Read more »
Ruby and Queenie, a queer singing group, pose in front of a red background

A New Wave of High-Femme Pop Stars Are Queering the Girl Group

by Sofia Barrett-Ibarria
August 21, 2019 at 2:55pm
Sateen is moving the girl group away from hints and subtext toward an aesthetic and musical style that’s unmistakably queer, trans-positive, and staunchly pro-girl. Read more »
Miley Cyrus, a white woman wearing a white tank top with tattoos, is on stage singing into a microphone.

Knee-Jerk Biphobia: What Responses to Miley Cyrus’s Breakup Say about Queer Erasure

by Elly Belle
August 19, 2019 at 8:59am
Miley Cyrus isn’t “back” just because she’s dating a woman. She’s always been queer. Read more »
Portrait of Nichole Perkins by Sylvie Rosokoff

BitchTapes: Southern Gothic Glamour

by Nichole Perkins
August 12, 2019 at 12:00pm
Throw a pinch of salt over your shoulder, turn your face to the moon, and check out Nichole Perkins’s playlist—the perfect Southern gothic soundtrack. Read more »
Megan Thee Stallion, a brownskinned Black woman with a blue and green weave, performs on stage

Straight Capitalism, No Chaser: Brands Are Butting into “Hot Girl Summer” to Make a Quick Buck

by Brooklyn White
August 5, 2019 at 3:55pm
As the phrase #HotGirlSummer has gained visibility, an onslaught of brands attempting to commodify Megan Thee Stallion’s lifestyle. Read more »
A photo of artist Sizzy Rocket, a white woman with dark hair and many tattoos. Sizzy sits on a bed and is pouting.

Take It or Leave It: Sizzy Rocket on Creating Pop Music Just for Queer Women

by Rachel Charlene Lewis
July 26, 2019 at 4:34pm
“Younger queer artists definitely inspire me every day to just be truer to myself. Because I didn’t have that example.” Read more »

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