Riot Grrrl

Riot Grrrl was a young feminist movement mainly within the punk rock and alternative music scenes beginning in the early 1990s in Olympia, WA and Washington DC that spread around the world. When corporate media scrutiny and exploitation in the mid-1990s reached a peak, prominent women within the movement called for a media blackout and refused to talk to the press. Denied access to many of the women important to the movement, the press coverage slowly faded and Riot Grrrl continued as an underground culture. Riot Grrrl was influential in the punk rock and alternative music scenes, as well as in other independent media and allowed young women to assert themselves in the male dominated arenas of both music and zines.


However, riot grrrl's emphasis on universal female identity often appears more closely allied with second-wave feminism than with the third wave. Riot grrrl bands often address issues such as rape, domestic abuse, sexuality, and female empowerment. Some bands associated with the movement are Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Excuse 17, Heavens to Betsy, Fifth Column, Huggy Bear, Adickdid, Emily's Sassy Lime, Frumpies, The Butchies, Suture, Third Sex, Sleater-Kinney, and also lesbian queercore like Team Dresch. In addition to a music scene, riot grrrl is also a subculture; zines, the DIY ethic, art, political action, and activism are part of the movement. Riot grrrls hold meetings, start chapters, and support and organize women in music.

Whether or not I follow the fashion, 'riot grrrl' suit I'd defiantly say that these songs have helped my head, heart and soul over the years whilst growing up. I still absolutely love Hole and Sleater Kinney. This 'riot grrrl' genre is still dope as fuck and I would say is my absolute favourite.



To listen to the riot grrrl playlist please click here.

What were your favourite genre of music when you were growing up?