I’ve loved rock ‘n’ roll since I was a little girl. And back then I was happily unaware of the segregation that exists between women and men in the music industry. As a kid, I had never heard of gender roles or discrimination of women or even feminism. I just thought it sounded really cool with distorted guitars, and James Hetfield singing “Sad but True” on MTV was the most awesome thing I had ever seen. I just knew I loved it and that I wanted to do it!
Aaralyn O’Neil was one of the acts on the TV-show America’s Got Talent last year. Her older brother Izzy played the drums while she sang her own original song “Zombie Skin”. Aaralyn’s growling made the female judges’ jaws drop out of fear. The two male judges, however, made “horns up” and gave the kids standing ovations. In the next round, Aaralyn and her brother Izzy performed with another one of her own songs, “Dog Poop”. Mel B, the former Scary Spice who made girl power a people’s movement, said afterwards to the 6-year-old child that she’s a sweet girl and therefore should be singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Heidi Klum said Aaralyn scared her. Two female stars who are supposed to be role models were telling 6-year-old Aaralyn that what she was doing wasn’t acceptable for a little girl. Not because Aaralyn lacks talent, but because she did something DIFFERENT AND UNEXPECTED. I ask you – does girl power really mean going your own way, or is it just another unwritten rule about how women should act to be accepted?
Is rock ’n’ roll for men only? Is expressing the “dark side” of yourself the way Aaralyn did, something that should be kept from girls? Of course not! You’ve got Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hyde, Patti Smith and Courtney Love to show for it. They are all legendary women who rocked! But that’s five women, compared to about a zillion men. Men get away with drug abuse, beating up their girlfriends and making all kinds of racist, homophobic, and sexist statements (not mentioning any names), but God forbid a female rock star should lose or gain a pound or two.
Rock ’n’ roll IS all about breaking rules, going your own way, going against the establishment, and yet, being a head-banging, growling, singer – and female – is still rare and even controversial today! Women still have to fight twice as hard as men for being accepted and recognized in the business. And even though I have deep admiration for many male rock bands and musicians, I also know that a male musician will never ever understand how it feels when no one listens to you, when no one takes you seriously or when all focus is on your appearance, rather than what you have to say. My band, Mental Monky Ballet, raises many eyebrows because the women are in the majority. Am I the only one who thinks that’s absurd?
About the Author:
Anna Wennersten plays guitar, keyboards, and vocals for Swedish rock band Mental Monky Ballet. Anna Started her performing career in early childhood, always tough, daring and full of ideas. She has a strong belief in justice for all living creatures and is the true activist of the band. Connect with Anna and Mental Monky Ballet here.
Connect with Mental Monky Ballet
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
April 19, 2014 at 4:51 amI watch AGT and I don’t remember Aaralyn O’Neil at all 🙁
I do think that this day in age, a woman can do anything she wants and if it’s rock – then more power to her.
Ann@IW says
April 19, 2014 at 5:35 amWomen should not be expected to play only certain kinds of music.
Ashley Gill says
April 19, 2014 at 9:00 amWomen that are rock stars are the best!! The emotion they portray is something other women need. I’m not sure about this artist, but there is definitely a place for her in this world.
lawna says
April 19, 2014 at 11:28 amIt’s sad that gender plays a role in music. Women can play any type of music they want. I myself, love rock and roll!
Angelic Sinova says
April 19, 2014 at 12:32 pmI think women rockers are awesome! She like women comedians! Just because there are more men in certains fields doesn’t mean anything! Girl power <3
Triplezmom says
April 19, 2014 at 1:47 pmThat just stinks. I hate sexism. Go girl rockers!
Lily@IW says
April 19, 2014 at 4:38 pmI love your passion. I have never watched AGT, so I won’t comment on that. But, definitely support women in whatever music they pursue!
So many great women in the history of R&R. Can’t even imagine if they hadn’t gone for it.
Pam says
April 19, 2014 at 5:02 pmI haven’t seen AGT in years so I don’t know who she is, but I say women can be whatever they want! Thats what I tell my daughter when people tell her she can’t.
Curby Aardvark says
April 19, 2014 at 6:07 pmThere are so many awesome female rock singers, but they really don’t get much recognition a lot of the times.
Jennifer Williams says
April 19, 2014 at 6:46 pmI do not pay attention too much to music. I listen to it when I run and that is about it. I kind of tuned it out when everyone decided to start wearing skimpy outfits when they were singing – I prefer older music where it sold because it was good and we loved listening to it. You heard about the actual songs singers were singing not the crazy outfits or the stupid things they did.
Anya@IW says
April 19, 2014 at 9:38 pmGreat post, Anna. You really made me think. I can’t deny that the majority of those I love in music are male. There are many women as well though.
You mentioned Courtney Love. I love her. “I want to be the girl with the most cake” remains one of my favorite lyrics ever! Courtney is “crazy”, but no more than many of the male stars I adore.
Other female rockers I love – Joan Osborne, Patti Scialfa, Gwen Stefani come to mind. There are others. We still have a ways to go though. Looking forward to checking out Mental Monky Ballet!
Rosey says
April 20, 2014 at 10:49 amMy husband likes Courtney Love. I like Gwen Stefani.
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
April 20, 2014 at 11:44 amWomen who rock will always rock, and break rules, and be stars. It’s just a matter of how far they take themselves! Go with the flow? Meh, rock it out!
becca says
April 20, 2014 at 12:22 pmthere is a lot of separation in the music business. they want these cookie cutter performers that bring in money but are afraid of musicians that have talent.
Amy Desrosiers says
April 20, 2014 at 6:51 pmI have always loved Rock and Roll music myself! I think it is jam packed with self expression and originality.
Veronica says
April 20, 2014 at 7:00 pmI had no idea that that form of segregation existed in the rock and roll world. There have been so many great women rockers that I didn’t realize what they had to go through to get to the top.
Autumn says
April 20, 2014 at 7:33 pmIt’s awful that we seem to have such bold stereotypes, especially ones that cause us to react in unkind ways to little girls. Rock is for everyone, and some of my favorite rockers are women!
The Chef's Wife | Anne says
April 20, 2014 at 7:34 pmI have never been into rock ‘n roll but my cousin, also female, definitely was! And I’ve known plenty of other females to be also.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
April 20, 2014 at 7:51 pmI think it is so important to teach our young women about the contributions that women have made in all aspects of the arts including music.
JennieIW says
April 20, 2014 at 9:25 pmGreat piece! I have been a rock fan since I was a child and have loved both male and female artists. Women can rock too!
Jessica says
April 21, 2014 at 6:21 amI was never a rock n roll fan until I met my current boyfriend. He got me into loving all types of music and introduced me to classic rock n roll artists. I love seeing a strong woman that isn’t afraid of stereotypes!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
April 21, 2014 at 8:01 amI do love rock, and I remember that act well. However, I think the girl should have had rock lessons on how to grind her voice without damaging her chords. She can do it, but I don’t want her to have nodes and then not be able to sing at all!
Marina says
April 21, 2014 at 9:18 amNever thought gender played a role in deciding one’s place in the music industry.
Angel says
April 21, 2014 at 10:45 amWe like to listen to Christian music. My aunt was telling me the other day that Skillet I think, has a lady drummer. She first saw her play with the band when she was just 17! 🙂
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
April 21, 2014 at 10:55 amTotally cool that women play in bands and make awesome music!
Keikilani says
April 21, 2014 at 11:58 amI am all about women breaking through those walls! I have seen some women totally out-rock some men!
Aimee says
April 21, 2014 at 3:03 pmI wish there were more female rockers. This is a great post, thanks for getting my wheels turning!
Onica {MommyFactor} says
April 21, 2014 at 3:12 pmI think rock and roll music can be enjoy by everyone. Men and women. There has been many great rock n roll women artist.
Angela says
April 21, 2014 at 4:24 pmI think there is definitely a place for women in rock music.
Debi says
April 21, 2014 at 4:24 pmI have always been a rock and roll girl too. I agree, I am disappointed by the lack of female artists.
April @ My Real Food Family says
April 21, 2014 at 5:27 pmThere have been plenty of women that have made an impact in the rock world. I don’t think there are any gender expectations, just more men that try to make it than women.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
April 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmI don’t watch that show so don’t remember her. It sounds sort of cruel to say that to a child though, who was likely gathering all of her courage to perform in the first place.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
April 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmThere music industry is so big there should be room for all. There shouldn’t be boys and girls, just misicians.
Felicia says
April 21, 2014 at 6:03 pmWow! I’m so glad we live in a time where women are less expected to fit a mold.
Amber K says
April 21, 2014 at 6:21 pmShe’s gorgeous! I love women rockers.
Chelsea says
April 21, 2014 at 10:17 pmI think that if women want to play rock…. then so be it! Music is music. There shouldn’t be a gender!
Anna says
April 22, 2014 at 2:28 amI am overwhelmed by the great response on my post 🙂 Thank you all so much! I’m so glad and proud I got the chance to make my voice heard on such an important blog as this.
I believe if we all inspire and support eachother – both men and women – we will build bridges and work for an equal society together, because together is the only way to achieve it! Then, if our daughters want to be rock, hiphop or countrysingers or austronauts or whatever they want to be, they will be able to reach for that dream, and being born a girl won’t be an obstacle for them. Thank you again, imperfectwomen.com for your awesome work and for having me 🙂 Let love rule! //Anna
Anna says
April 22, 2014 at 2:38 amPs. If you want to know more about my band Mental Monky Ballet and listen to our music, you’re welcome to visit our website http://www.mentalmonkyballet.com 🙂
// Anna, MMB
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
April 22, 2014 at 5:01 amI love women rock n’ roll. But either a 6-year old boy or girl singing a song about Zombie Skin and Dog poop would be unexpected. I would not want my 6-year old son singing those songs.
Liz Mays says
April 22, 2014 at 5:26 amI didn’t realize there was so much negative feedback. I’m glad it hasn’t stopped her and she’s meeting with success!
Christie says
April 22, 2014 at 6:11 amWow, I love so many rock n roll chicks. I never knew how much negativity surrounds this issue
StacieinAtlanta says
April 22, 2014 at 6:11 amI don’t think gender matters to much in Rock n Roll. If you’ve got the voice and the ability to command a crowd you will go far.
Debra says
April 22, 2014 at 6:44 amWhy should any person female or male be limited to a certain type of music or activity. They should and can do what they enjoy – I think people are much more open to women in rock these days!
Terry says
April 22, 2014 at 6:54 amThere are a lot of GREAT woment in the Rock And Roll business. In my day, there were few women in the business, but that has changed and for the better.
Krystal says
April 22, 2014 at 7:10 amShe’s awesome. I can’t wait to hear more of her!
Pam@IW says
April 22, 2014 at 8:37 amThanks Anna for stopping by! We loved your post. A lot of great insight into #womenwhorock .
April at Two Chic's Blog says
April 22, 2014 at 10:05 amI remember this little girl on the show with her brother. They were very good considering their age.
Theresa says
April 22, 2014 at 10:43 amIt’s sad that women are often only thought to stick with girly type things. It takes a strong woman to stick to her guns and push the boundaries. Like Joan Jett. People were shocked when she rocked out, but she made some awesome music!
Toni says
April 22, 2014 at 11:56 amRock and roll is definitely not just for men. I love women rockers, especially classics like Pat Benetar and Joan Jett!
Ashley M says
April 22, 2014 at 12:07 pmIt’s amazing how often these types of descrimination occur – it’s also very sad. I think as successful women they should be responsible in part to help pave the way for future generations.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
April 22, 2014 at 12:12 pmI agree society has a messed up way of thinking! Strong women definitely help to change that stereotype!
Cam | Bibs and Baubles says
April 22, 2014 at 12:44 pmI think women rockers are awesome. Mostly because I love to see women do something that society deems “for men only”. Ha! I say, get it girls!
Beeb Ashcroft says
April 22, 2014 at 2:39 pmI grew up around the music industry and completely agree about the difficulty women face in being taken seriously as players and also in roles like engineering. I’m on your site listening to your band’s stuff right now because I love Swedish rock!
Anna says
April 22, 2014 at 2:45 pmThank you so much Beeb Ashcroft! And everyone else who gave their feedback! You’re all awesome!! 🙂 <3 //Anna, MMB
Erica says
April 22, 2014 at 4:05 pmI’m glad you are not letting anything get in between you and your dreams! Keep busting open those ridiculous gender seams!
Raya says
April 22, 2014 at 7:01 pmThat’s absurd that women can’t be rockers! I grew up wanting to be a drummer because of women musicians! Keep on rocking out!
Dawn says
April 22, 2014 at 11:48 pmI don’t watch America’s Got Talent, but I do love women rockers. Some of the best were Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benetar and the women of Heart.
Danyael says
April 23, 2014 at 12:18 amI think it was the kids dad that said that heidi klum actually liked them but AGT edited it in such a way that it gave the impression that she did not. As for scary spice, what qualifies her to be a judge of someone else’s talent, because, the fact that she was a spice girl is really not a very steller resume.
Anna says
April 23, 2014 at 2:04 amThat’s a good point of view Danyael, that the producers of AMG want the women in the jury to look chocked by the raging 6year old, and the men to think it’s awesome. Again – stereotypes, created by the media. That’s why I love that there are so many of us who disagree and share our opinion. That’s the only way to let others know we can be whoever we want to be and we – neither women or men – won’t accept medias small “genderroleboxes”.
//Anna, Mental Monky Ballet
Lisa says
April 23, 2014 at 6:43 amThis article is right on point regarding women in music. But it also speaks to kids being heard as well.
Aaralyn has always had an opinion and has always wanted to be heard. What child doesn’t?
I am just so grateful that her parents have supported her and Izzy’s right to express themselves. That their mode of expression is odd to some, I urge them to listen.
The style may lead some people to judge and categorize it as ‘evil’. It is most definitely not!
As for her voice, Aaralyn has had training on how to be gutteral and to project from her abdomen not strain from her throat.
Just remember, everyone steps in poop once…make fun of those times and rock on \m/
Amanda Her says
April 23, 2014 at 7:00 amI think women rock and rock WELL! They absolutely have a place in rock music!
Desiree M. says
April 23, 2014 at 6:33 pmI’m not a rocker, per say, but I love good rock music. You wouldn’t think any of it being I always dress completely opposite to what I listen to. Rock and Roll is just music and I’m a firm believer music is good for your soul.
Dina says
April 24, 2014 at 10:26 amrock n roll is not for men only. I say good for her for being a true rock star.
Vivi Lundström says
April 24, 2014 at 10:55 amAnna, we are so proud of you! Female rock’n’roll for ever and eternal love to all of you for supporting Ann’s blog and this very important subject.
/ The rest of us in Mental Monky Ballet.
Shell says
April 24, 2014 at 3:07 pmI never thought of it as being a male-dominated thing. How awesome to be breaking a stereotype!
Katherine G from La La Land Mommy says
April 25, 2014 at 10:30 pmI think a person’s talented should be the deciding factor in any job. Same with music. What does a person’s sex matter. What matters is their talent and skills.
Veronica Lee says
May 4, 2014 at 9:11 amWomen rockers rock! I think she’s awesome and would love to hear more of her.
June S. says
May 6, 2014 at 8:52 pm(A Woman’s Place in Rock Music) I really like listening to everything from rock to head banging music. One of my favorite bands was Type O Negative, have everyone of their CD’s in my car.
katie says
July 12, 2016 at 9:52 amThis girl needs some new role models! Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and Hayley Williams carrying on the legacy in modern rock!
Vivi Lundström says
July 18, 2016 at 6:03 amWow! I’m so happy to hear about all this positive energy about women in rock!! I totally agree, they are fantastic rolemodels.
And thank you Anna for your powerful spirit, showing the need for more women in rock’n’roll. Hell yeah!
I am the leadsinger, guitarist and the songwriter of Mental Monkey Ballet, the band she play in.
My influences are Debbie Harry (like you), prete..Souxie (and the Banchees), Björk (she started in a punkband called Sugarcubes). But then most of the influences I have musicwise are male bands/artists like Ramones, Joy Division, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Lenny Kravitz, Prince and many more…A lot of them has female musicians though, which I believe is equally important as lead singers. Maybe even more important because it’s more common with female lead singers then female musicians in rock.
My strong belief is that, the rockworld is a great place for women. Rock is loud, rock allows you to express strong feelings like passion, frustration and anger, as well as sorrow and vounerability. Rock gives you the ability to express your sexuality freely and rock gives energy to act and claim your right to be heard and take control over your life. and Rock is a powerful influence to change and ROCK ROCKS!!!
Women are not men (obviously) and should, according to me, strongly show thei’re feminin force, as a natural as part of rock. It will change rock forever and also change the womens voice and influence in all areas of society…yeah, change the world drastically.
You just gotta picture yourself up on that stage och just playing among friends for . If you’re meant to do it, you will see it, but you gotta look!!!!!! Then pic a favourite artist to copy, do it in front of a mirror. The face, the moves, the instrument, the microphone! Picture yourself raise your arm and show the audience that you are giving them your power and spirit….they will love it, they need it, they will have to give you energy back!!
Hey, I’m 50 years old and I’m doing it after 2 hip operations! I decided to change career when I was 38, I saw myself do doing music and loving it so I really don’t care about people saying it’s against all odds to start and succeed this old. This is my time and I do what I’m meant to do. Let the world hear my voice loud and clear!! Yeah it’s possible to rock your own world however you need to do it. You will be the inspiration too, for all the girls and women you meet and even all the men you meet.
And I mean everyone. What you need to say to be the best you can, can never be wrong.
Yeah, I guess my rolemodels did a great job. I wanna inspire too. Show my love and show my mess and power.
All my love too you wonderful women here, and out there.
/Vivi, Mental Monkey Ballet
Jon Charterina says
April 15, 2019 at 3:19 amDear Anna,
(In reading this post a fwe years later…) I really enjoyed it. I totally agree with you. Being a 49 year-old pal with two daughters, getting too old too fast, I am still a decent rock fan of bands like, say, Queens of the Stone Age. I recall in this band, as the example I put here is a very good one on women and women’s roles in rock songs. Just look at this ‘oldy’ song & video. I confess it gives me an exhalarating rush of adreline to listen and watching it once every so often. Really enjoying for a male, I confess! Go and TRY IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHKOC64KnE
And yet, I feel uncomfortable, by what the footage shows. Obviously, us, the good (male) grown-ups should disapprove of such level of objectification of women’s bodies. But after all, coming to agree with you at what you write on 2nd, 3rd and last paragraph, Rock’nRoll is about breaking rules and going your own way. BUT HONESTLY,sometimes I wish I enjoyed rock songs that are NEITHER ‘twinkle twinkle little star -like’ NOR sexist of offensive to women.
Maybe the only solution is letting the market go with the flow (taking this song’s motto), so as women find what they like with total freedom, the same as men have always done. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, we all should make respect some kind of deontological code, or at least a minimum of it. What kind of code? This is the hard bit of the quesiton.