Nine Females Who Kick Ass

It's no secret that a number of female-fronted punk bands are seen as a huge joke. While it's true that some should have never bothered picking up an instrument, there are others who deserve recognition not only for their talent, but also for their attitudes and beliefs. I present to you, in no particular order, a list of women notable for their badassery.

1. Brody Dalle (The Distillers, Spinnerette)

Any girl who can style her hair in liberty spikes or a mohawk and still look amazing is a win in my book. Hailing from Australia, Dalle began her music career at the age of thirteen and relocated to the US after meeting Tim Armstrong of Rancid. Though Dalle is often compared to Courtney Love because of her rough singing voice, she made a name for herself playing guitar, singing, and writing nearly every song for The Distillers until they disbanded in 2006. In addition to fronting her own bands, Dalle has also made numerous guest appearances on songs by bands such as Leftover Crack, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Transplants. And her opinion on female artists? "They say women can't play guitar as well as men. I don't play my guitar with my fucking vagina, so what difference does it make?" Amen.

2. Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre)

If you don't know who Kathleen Hanna is, then you've probably been living under a rock for the last two decades. Not only was she the frontwoman for both Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, but she was also a major part of the Riot Grrl movement that started in the early 1990s. Hanna is an outspoken feminist activist (she attended her first rally at the age of nine!) and isn't shy about voicing her opinions on other political issues, whether it be in interviews or in lyrics. She's also volunteered at the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls and has taught an art class at NYU. Whether it be the fact that she stands up for what she believes in, or her high-energy performances at shows, there's a reason people love her. Now enjoy this video from 1992 of Bikini Kill performing "Jigsaw Youth," in which Hanna shows off some nerdy dance moves:

3. Jenny Hurricane (Midnight Creeps)

I've read one too many comments on the internet in which the author calls this woman a slut because of her raunchy performances and the outfits she chooses to wear on stage. It all boils down to the fact that she is open with her sexuality and isn't afraid to express that. I think the best description of Jenny Hurricane comes straight from of the Midnight Creeps MySpace biography: "Jenny Hurricane lives up to her name, shaking across the stage like the second coming of Iggy Pop." You won't understand until you see it for yourself, so below is a video of the Midnight Creeps performing at CBGB's. The best part comes at around 4:10, when she is asking audience members to describe something dirty they will do to win a piece of her skirt, which is made out of caution tape. One guy even manages to win two pieces by telling her he's going to kill George W. Bush. Classic.



4. Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather)

There are no words. All the proof you need of her excellence can be found in the video for "Treat Me Like Your Mother" by The Dead Weather. Great voice? Check. Subtle sexiness? Check. Shooting Jack White with a submachine gun while wearing heels? Triple check.

5. Ryann Donnelly (Schoolyard Heroes, Blood Cells)

In 2000, Schoolyard Heroes played a cover of The Misfits' "Last Caress" at a Christian Battle of the Bands, and the rest is history. Though she has been the singer for horror punk bands with lyrics about the undead, serial killers, and other topics along these lines, Donnelly does not throw femininity out the window. In fact, she wears dresses during most, if not all, live performances. Her vocals can get high-pitched and shrieky at times, but in a way that is not grating or otherwise unpleasant to the ear.

6. Juliette Lewis (Juliette and the Licks, The New Romantiques)

Chances are you know her as the actress from movies such as Whip It and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. The characters she plays in films are often raw and in-your-face, which isn't a far stretch from reality. Unlike most, Lewis makes the transition from movies to music smoothly; she's not just another actress trying to tap into her nonexistent well of hidden talents. Obviously this spitfire was made to be an entertainer.



7 & 8. Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin (Tegan and Sara)

These twins, who call Canada their home, began their foray into music at the age of fifteen, writing songs under the name PLUNK. Since then, they've released six albums as Tegan and Sara and have both worked on numerous collaborations for artists such as Against Me! and DJ Tiesto. Tegan even wrote a song for the audio book version of A Wolf At The Table at the request of the author, Augusten Burroughs. The duo write all of their own lyrics and music, but rarely ever write songs together. The media seems to dwell on their sexuality, as they are both lesbians. Most adorable Canadian twin lesbians ever.



9. Chibi (The Birthday Massacre)

Though she is the lead singer of a synthrock band (often incorrectly referred to as a goth band), and certainly looks the part, she happens to be one of the biggest sweethearts on the planet. Her airy vocals are usually a stark contrast to the music, but at times she employs a low whisper or scream to add an extra layer of creepiness. Chibi never forgets to show gratitude towards fans of the band, whether it's by interacting with them in person or by making hearts with her hands while performing. She often blogs about cats, knitting, and Star Wars -- a girl after my own heart. In addition to fronting a band, she makes jewelry for an Etsy store called Goodbye Forever, alongside her long-time friend, Laura, and her younger sister, Emily.