Music and Gender

 Music and its history has a lot to say about culture, but also gender as well. There have been many noticeable stereotypes with music and gender like how flutes tend to be a feminine instrument whereas a drum set tends to be associated with men. But gender stereotypes have always been pushed, especially now where women are playing instruments and music that the world never would have thought of back in the day. One of my favorite rock bands that you may or may not have heard of, The Smashing Pumpkins, is currently made up of members Billy Corgan (lead singer/guitarist), James Iha (guitarist), Jimmy Chamberlin (drummer), and Jedf Schroeder (keys). But up until 1999, their mainstay bass player was a female, D'arcy Wretzky. Here is a video where you can see her and the guys performing one of their biggest hits, Bullet with Butterfly Wings:

D'arcy broke a big stereotype that hard rock was mainly a man's sport, and even played an instrument which not many women are known for playing, even today - the electric bass. Luckily, she among other females encouraged other girls to ensue what they wanted despite what others may associate it with.

Furthermore, guys have also been breaking stereotypes as well. This dude named Donovan was on America's Got Talent a few years ago and sang some crazy high notes that are normally harder for normal guys like me to sing. Obviously he had a lot of practice in order to be a professional soprano opera singer. Even though he didn't win the season, he is undeniably very talented.

Lastly, I want to point out a part of the world where females are very present in music: Iceland. Icelandic songs are very intriguing in their complex vocal melodies and instrumentation. Björk is one of the most famous and recognizable faces from the area. She wrote a song called Jóga in her third album and this live performance of that song is crazy to watch:

While she's most often labeled a pop singer, I think the term "art pop" fits her more because to me she always tends to portray music in a more artistic way, whether it be the vast instrumentation and writing or the performance of her songs live. It's all very well made.

Lastly, another Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men, had their huge hit a while ago with "Little Talks." One of their lead singers is named Nanna and she's also a really good singer. I just love the way her voice sounds especially when she and the other lead singer, Ragnar sing together.

I'd definitely recommend listening to some of their more recent songs and albums as well as they contain more amazing tunes. Nanna also has a solo project under her own name with awesome harmonies and sounds similar to Björk.