HALSUG Highlights Women in Music
Since 1987, the United States has referred to March as ‘Women’s History Month’ to “celebrate and recognize women’s contributions and achievements (in various fields) throughout American history.” Originally, this celebratory month began as ‘Women’s History Week’ to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8 by the Education Task Force of Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. While more recognized in the US, ‘Women’s History Month’ has since been celebrated across the world in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, and so on, highlighting the work and wonders of women everywhere.
As a female-dominated company working within a male-dominated industry, it’s only right that we at HALSUG recognize and highlight some of our favorite women in music—artists who have been contributing to the music industry with their incredible vocals, enticing music, and empowering messages, putting the ‘Girl’ into ‘Girl Power’ for ‘Women’s History Month.’
Thuy
“For me, I love “Universe” by Thuy! Her vocals are so comforting, and she is an amazing singer. She also makes music that is super relatable” - Asia
Rina Sawayama
“Whatever sexuality or gender you identify as, it’s easy to find inspiration in, and admiration for, Rina Sawayama. A Japanese-born, British-raised, pansexual identifying woman, Rina isn’t afraid to be herself and fights for what she believes in, both, in and outside of her music. In 2020, she was refused nomination by the BRIT Awards due to not having British citizenship or a dual-citizenship but her outspokenness and devastation sparked a Twitter campaign that resulted in the BRIT Awards changing their eligibility rules, now allowing UK residents to be nominated regardless of whether they have British citizenship or not (including Rina!) Rina’s music offers so much creativity, storytelling, empowerment, and relatability, and despite being a Pop artist, she has showcased a vast range of genres through each of her releases, with Hannah Mylrea of NME hailing Rina a ‘genre mixologist.’ Not only a singer but Rina has just made her acting debut in John Wick: Chapter 4, of all films!” - Courtney W
Maya Amolo
“My recommendation will be Maya Amolo and her track “Can’t Get Enough.” I love her because she’s one of the first current R&B/Alt artists from Kenya that I’ve heard since moving to the states (I’m still trying to dive into the music scene there lol.) Her vocals are clear and give off a euphoric type of vibe which helps because her music sounds like a cross of R&B and Lo-fi. Fascinating side note - Kenya didn’t have much of an R&B/Alt scene until around 2015/16 when there was a sudden large interest in the genre. The wave is now called “Nu Nairobi” to showcase Alt/R&B/Soul talents” - Ica
Brooke Simpson
“Brooke Simpson’s voice is perfectly powerful while also comforting and soothing to me! Her songs are all too relatable while so empowering. It makes me so happy to see an Indigenous woman slay in the music industry, on TV, and in theater. She inspires me so much to be authentically myself.” - Tiff
Vivir Quintana and Mon Laferte
“Vivir Quintana and Mon Laferte’s song “Canción Sin Miedo" gives me various strong emotions because it speaks about the injustices to women in Mexico and calls out the government for not doing anything when it comes to femicide rates even though they're at an all-time high. Both women gave the stage to mothers and sisters, who had lost someone due to the violent crimes against women in Mexico, to speak about their cases, and to sing "Canción Sin Miedo" as a way to state, "We won't give up! We are fighting back! You will not take another one of us!" They are an inspiration to me to never stay silent and to never be ashamed of being a woman.” - Cathy
f(x)
“For me, it has to be f(x), not only because they were one of SM Entertainment’s first ever girl groups after SNSD (Girls’ Generation), but their music and style were so different to other girl groups at the time. f(x) were different, with many of the members being from different countries, and I truly believe that their music is still incredible and some of the best in K-Pop. Also, I think it's important to note each member's work outside of f(x), such as Amber's solo career and success on platforms like Twitch, Luna is doing incredible work at the moment on the K-Pop Broadway musical, Krystal has seen success as well, and Victoria is one of the most successful celebrities in China.” - Ethan
Niniola
“‘Too Sweet (O Dun)’ is a textbook Amapiano hit. It’s so rhythmic, you can’t help but move your body. Both the song and the dancing in the video would serve as a fantastic introductory piece for anyone who wants to dive into the genre and the South African club scene. Now, to really give her her flowers, in my eyes, Niniola is one of the top African female artists! She has this haunting vocal that is as enchanting as it is hypnotic. She has rightfully been deemed the “Queen of Afro-House” because every song she drops is an absolute club banger! She’s a Nigerian artist, but she’s absolutely killing it in the South African club scene; the South African community love to claim her as their own. Additionally, Niniola has little gems across her discography that showcase her ability to do different things with her voice and sound, and I love her for it.” - Caroline
Boys World
“Boys World! I love their music and how relatable they are. They’re all funny individually, but especially when they come together! Their voices are beautiful! A song from them I would suggest is ‘SO WHAT’” - Aliyah
Jessi
“I love Jessi’s genuineness, don't GAF, be herself, take no crap, approach to life. I think it's a thread that weaves through her experiences in the industry, as well as her music. I'm proud of her - it seems like she's trying to do what SHE wants to do instead of being a manufactured piece based on someone else's vision.” - Dana
Who’s your favorite woman in music? Check out these artists and their music and tell us what you think in the comments below or on Instagram. If they're not featured, let us know who your favorite woman in music is instead!