Female Vocalists

[Goldenashes]

I was flicking through the forums, and i've seen very few female fronted bands (that I recognise) I was curious as to why that was.(I think too much) I can think of a few explanations personally, but i'd welcome further explanations. I figured this was due to these reasons.
1) The ratio of female fronted bands compared to male fronted bands in nearly all alternative forms of music (other than plain generic pop) is fairly low. This is especially true in those forms of music classed as rock. Unless you're a radical feminist, most fans of rock music could name 5 male fronted bands far quicker than those with frontwomen.
2)The belief that females are less talented at "harder vocals" than men. I personally believe this to be true, however, this is not to say that women can't sing "hard" vocals. Brody Dalle (The Distillers) and to a lesser extent, Jessicka Fodera (Jack off Jill) have proved it is possible. However, through gender based raising of children, males are encouraged to be loud and aggressive, while females less so.
Of these explanations, the latter is favoured by me, especially that regarding the gender specific raising of children. A quick look at some of the most prominent frontwomen of rock music shows troubled childhood and often broken homes.
Other views on this would be appreciated.

[3kage3]

the reason why is because usually you never ever see any female bands with metal and all thta stuff you only usually se thta stuff classfied as "emo"

[Rev0lver]

are you kidding me 3kage? the singers of arch enemy, otep, and uneXpect are girls. and kittie is an all girl metal band.

[BeckRokk]

I think it comes down to the the seemingly obvious fact that most gamers are still men by majority. Men beget men as suggestions. There's probably not much else to it.

As far as female fronted bands go, Cansei De Ser Sexi has five women and one man, and he hardly does anything.

[METALMETALMETAL]

heart
all women
no men
worthy of a guitar hero appearance
need i say more?

[c0nd0rd4myt]

Otep and Kittie are both pretty good metal bands with lead female singers. i dont care for the kind of songs that they turn out, but as far as singers go they are pretty good.

one band that i absolutly love is Nightwish, thier a Finnish Metal band, and not only is thier lead singer a female, but she is trained in classical opera singing and uses that ability in all of thier songs.

[benjamin]

I will admit that I dislike Female Vocals. I dislike them in Rock, I dislike them in all music.

I hate Julie Andrew's Voice, I hate Judy Garland's voice.

I have nothing against woman but I dislike the high octaves. Frank Sinatra is my example of the greatest singer ever.

[Goldenashes]

Just thought i'd throw this in as well. With the exception of a couple of bands, including up and comers miss conduct, most "emo" bands tend to be male fronted. This strikes especially true with the big stereotypical emo bands i.e MCR, fall out boy.
I'll admit I did miss out a few big female leads in my OP, such as yeah yeah yeahs, paramore and kittie.
The thing that really drew this to my attention was my local rock club has had a few excellent female fronted acts in the last few months, as well as, with the major acts, for me at least, those acts with female leads tend to be a lot more impressive than their male counterparts, the only female fronted "rock" band that has really drawn my loathing is paramore.

[fenderblitz]

paramore is ok. damone rocks and morningwood and evanescence(some) are good.

[Zero82087]

What about lacuna coil? I thought someone would mention Cristina Scabbia.

[benjamin]

Neither MCR or Fall Out Boy are Emo in the true sense.

Read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emo_%28music%29

[Goldenashes]

While thats true, words may often mutate in common usage from that which they were originally defined. Take the word sick for example. It's dictionary definition is a negative term referring either to vomit or illness. However, certain subcultures now use this term in a somewhat positive sense describing something that is extreme.
In a similar way, the word emo is generally taken to be a genre of music that is a general cross over from the mainstream popular music and the rock music subgenres. Clearly at least Fall out Boy falls into this genre of music, and seemingly more so as they progress. MCR in my opinion at least is slowly departing this genre with their last album being pretty much an amalgam between various genres.
Just because something is defined as one thing, does not mean that popular culture will use it exclusively for that purpose. Culture controls definitions, not the other way round.

[Seattle_Sound]

Hole, No Doubt

Not saying I like them, just throwing names out

[FallenAce]

I think succeeding as a rock band is probably a pretty tough market. I don't know, but I would bet when you stand out a little with a lead female singer, you're going to have to rock a lot harder because you're going to be scrutinized worse for being different. Think about it: if you saw an average female singer in an average band, you'd probably write them off and say they suck. (They probably do anyway, so don't feel bad.)

The norm for a band is a group of guys. Guys, on average, tend to have a greater desire to rock than girls. I'm not saying there aren't tons of women who want to rock, I'm just saying there are tons more guys who want to rock... hence they are the average... hence the girl rockers are not the average... hence they are scrutinized more closely.

Some chicks really do rock. I think Amy Lee has an awesome voice. So does the chick in Flyleaf. I think the girl in Element 101 has a kickass voice too. So that's three. Should I name all the guys I think kick ass?

That's why you see a lot more male-led bands being referenced.

[leviathan667]

are you kidding me 3kage? the singers of arch enemy, otep, and uneXpect are girls. and kittie is an all girl metal band.

yeah, but look at them all. Oteps singer is ATROCIOUS, Arch enemy's singer is horrible live (the band is good though), and kittie is just using the whole female thing to make sales. I will have to look into uneXpected.

[CountAntoniuszzz]

Aimee Mann is one of my favorites. As well as the lead singer of The Cranberries.

[darthrick10]

one band that i absolutly love is Nightwish, thier a Finnish Metal band, and not only is thier lead singer a female, but she is trained in classical opera singing and uses that ability in all of thier songs.

that was tarja their old singer but the gave her the boot cuz she was an uber *****. haven't heard their new singer yet but she was apparently in an abba cover band lmao. lookin forward to hearin her.

also i love arch enemy and lacuna coil both female fronted bands

[TRY2KPUP]

What about lacuna coil? I thought someone would mention Cristina Scabbia.

I love her voice so much. Hell im even listening to Lacuna coil ATM.

[SirAnonymous]

When the subject of female vocals comes about, it is obligatory that someone mentions Grace Slick and Janis Joplin.

I think I just did.

[Frankenlife]

Becky Bondage of Vice Squad. I don't expect too many people here to know that name. But if you do then you know what I'm talking about.

[SmPriNi]

Angela Glossow has a nice voice.

[WingsOfSteel]

the reason why is because usually you never ever see any female bands with metal and all thta stuff you only usually se thta stuff classfied as "emo"

Nightwish. Nightwish is effin' metal with a girl vocalist.

[BlackHole]

Heart is on Guitar Hero II(Crazy on You) and Guitar Hero III(Barracuda)

[Keagan2387]

Janis Joplin??????
Joss Stone??????
Or older music Billie Holiday?

[viru30]

Angela Glossow has a nice voice.

Agreed. :D

The lead singer from Freezepop's voice is pretty nice. It's all robotic-y and cool. :D Freezepop are pretty awesome.

[CarusoBattle]

Don't forget Blondie. Debbie Harry was a total babe back in the day, too bad she looks like a banshee now. There are also some good punk bands fronted by females, like X-Ray Spex and Bikini Kill.

Also, I'm going to get lynched for saying this, but I think Fleetwood Mac is a fantastic band and Stevie Nicks a great vocalist.

[Blue88]

I'm willing to make some crazy forum bet that Vagiant is going to be in the game, considering that their lead singer is singing in all the videos.

Also, Rush isn't female, but do you know any male who can sing that high and not be Geddy Lee? I've gotten into huge arguments with people who hear Rush and say "Who's this girl singing?" Same with that crazy scream in Main Offender ( idon't even think Helen can hit that. Although it's not confirmed, I Believe In a Thing Called Love is ridiculous.

[monlienNH3]

Just thought I'd throw a few bands out there.

Rasputina: (Rock with distorted cellos.) The last two albums have been particularly great.
Scarling and Jack Off Jill: Already mentioned, but worth noting again.
Babes In Toyland
The Sounds
Le Tigre
Regina Spektor (not rock, but great anyway)
7 Year B*tch
L7
Brassy
PJ Harvey
Salt
Faun Fables (not rock either, more folkish but worth noting)

I personally find myself listening to fewer and fewer male fronted bands... And can't find enough good female fronted bands to appease my neverending desire for new music.

[WingsOfSteel]

Also, Rush isn't female, but do you know any male who can sing that high and not be Geddy Lee? I've gotten into huge arguments with people who hear Rush and say "Who's this girl singing?"

Um... Freddie Mercury? Although he has a lot better range, so he can sing fairly low too.

[xcrissxcrossx]

I will admit that I dislike Female Vocals. I dislike them in Rock, I dislike them in all music.

I hate Julie Andrew's Voice, I hate Judy Garland's voice.

I have nothing against woman but I dislike the high octaves. Frank Sinatra is my example of the greatest singer ever.

I have to agree, I have nothing against women, but I simply dont like their voice in music.

[Keagan2387]

I'm willing to make some crazy forum bet that Vagiant is going to be in the game, considering that their lead singer is singing in all the videos.

Also, Rush isn't female, but do you know any male who can sing that high and not be Geddy Lee? I've gotten into huge arguments with people who hear Rush and say "Who's this girl singing?" Same with that crazy scream in Main Offender ( idon't even think Helen can hit that. Although it's not confirmed, I Believe In a Thing Called Love is ridiculous.

Claudio Sanchez
Cedric (from the mars volta)
Craig Owens
Anthony Green

All have high pitch voices.

[IbanezBassist_v2]

Joss Stone no doubt has outstanding belt skills. Lacey Mosley from Fly Leaf is amazing as well. Here are a few more acceptable females that top my list when it comes to singers.

Ann Wilson (Heart)
Gwen Stefani (No Doubt)
Whitney Houston (No matter how cracked out)
Lacey Mosley (FlyLeaf)

Now before you get into some argumenative discusion. I don't nessecarily like or enjoy all these, but the can sing.

List for un-talented singers is longer but will leave you with a few of my dislikes. Since you all asked and everything.

Courtney Love (Hole)
Liz Phair (although very hot)
Amy Lee (don't like the whole opera rock)
Juliette Lewis (self explainitory)
etc....

[Raider87]

IB's mom can hit a pretty high note herself if you know what I'm sayin

[Phrank-E]

heart
all women
no men
worthy of a guitar hero appearance
need i say more?

Only two women..Ann and Nancy.. A MAN played lead guitar too.. Do your homework.

[Phrank-E]

Also, I'm going to get lynched for saying this, but I think Fleetwood Mac is a fantastic band and Stevie Nicks a great vocalist.


Why would you get lynched for that? Fleetwood Mac I believe may still hold the record for the most records sold worldwide for Rumours.. They aren't metal or nothing but a more talented team of songwriters may well never come again.

[trent0090]

I don't think the issue is that female singers can't rock as hard as dudes it's just most suck. Before you get all pissed you know what, most male led bands suck worse. Think about it, the problem is just to few girls sing rock, punk, metal, etc... (punk big time, but that's a sexist issues not a talent one. At least when it comes to oi, crust, street, or hardcore styles.) I just hope that changes over time that's all.

[Jsnkr9216]

Arch Enemy, Flyleaf, Otep, Crisis, Lacuna Coil, Evanescence (older stuff), Jack Off Jill, Nightwish, In This Moment, Walls Of Jericho, Within Temptation, Epica, and Kittie are all pretty awesome and get my mojo boiling.


Mmm. Leather and Screaming Chicks. Nothing better.

[LavatoryLoveMachine]

Any metalhead here knows that if you want female vocalists, oh yeah, there are plenty. If you stick with crappy alternative, indie bands, or rock bands, of course you are not gonna find many female vocalists.

[METALMETALMETAL]

There are enough female vocalists in rock music these days to satisfy those that like the female voice backed by heavy guitar playing. Im not really a fan of the female singers, but there are a few good ones out there that really get the job done.

[LavatoryLoveMachine]

Start listening to some Nightwish or Forgotten tales.

[MrGrieves]

Candace Kucsulain(Walls of Jericho) has a pretty strong voice and can hold her own against any male fronted hardcore band out there.

Maria(In This Moment) is pretty hot altough she's not a great singer.

[Spandrel]

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Gossip, and The Noisettes are all some good non-metal bands that have strong women singers.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

good non-metal bands fronted by women:

bjork
paatos
joni mitchell
carol king
stina nordenstam
anna ternheim
brandi carlile
etc etc etc

[DanielABR]

hey if you guys want a good female-fronted hardcore metal band, check out my band We Own The Night (http://www.myspace.com/weownthenight). It's cool cuz we're the only local metal band in our area with a female vocalist lol.

Thanks :D

[Parodygm]

Any metalhead here knows that if you want female vocalists, oh yeah, there are plenty. If you stick with crappy alternative, indie bands, or rock bands, of course you are not gonna find many female vocalists.

I hope to god that was sarcasm or you're very, very young. :eek:

[FleshofJesu]

Runhild Gammelsaeter
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bKxoQD1xD74&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bKxoQD1xD74&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[jessilou]

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, the lead singer of Freezepop (I'm spacing on her name right now :confused: ) and Karen O from the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. Also, Shirley Manson (Garbage). They all have beautiful, unique voices that are easy to sing along with.

[pmpboarder]

...the lead singer of Freezepop (I'm spacing on her name right now :confused: )...

Liz Enthusiasm is my name. Wearing funky clothing that will put yours to shame. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7L9Z1C97Kw) :D

[jessilou]

Yes, that's it. Thank you. :)

[Insane3]

I'm willing to make some crazy forum bet that Vagiant is going to be in the game, considering that their lead singer is singing in all the videos.

Also, Rush isn't female, but do you know any male who can sing that high and not be Geddy Lee? I've gotten into huge arguments with people who hear Rush and say "Who's this girl singing?" Same with that crazy scream in Main Offender ( idon't even think Helen can hit that. Although it's not confirmed, I Believe In a Thing Called Love is ridiculous.

Yeah, many people know singer who sing as high as Geddy lee lol. Geddy my fav bassist but he's not a good singer. Just like Bob Dylan who is an amazing lyricist but has a bad voice. Some ppl (me) like the way Dylan sings anyway but i can't say he's got a touching voice or anything. David Bowie, Freddy Mercury, Ian Gillan and lots of others can sing as high as Geddy Lee.
Some female vocalists sound too pop, just like some male vocalists (most neo-alt-rock singers) but Janis Joplin is in my top 3 fav singers of all times.