Michelle Habell-Pallán wrote “[women] embody the hybrid identity of artist-activist-advocate...[who] have used their music and activism to create music scenes that anchor social justice movements.” I found this quote proactive as it holds true today. Memphis Minnie’s “stylistic innovations disrupt the tidy, gendered bounds of genre, place, and periodization” (Retman, 2020). She transfigured rockism of women artists, anchoring “evidence of new generations and new possibilities” (Retman, 2020). This was because Memphis Minnie embodied the afro-sonic sound, using her electric guitar to add oomph to her unique style. Her stylistic take on her songs not only revolutionized artistic opportunities for women but also circulated race records to regional and international markets.
This week’s readings were empowering. As a woman, learning about the risks, challenges, and impacts women have made dating back to Memphis Minnie and Big Mama parallel the challenges women artists face today with their own music. Dua Lipa released a new album called “Future Nostalgia.” She incorporates a change in her musical style, using groovy, ‘90s alt, disco-pop beats and vocals. Her song Cool is about growth and tackling challenges, which she does by exploring a range of her voice she had not tried in her previous tracks. Levitating deflects her typical style of dance-cry love songs but as a playful dance song. The lyrics written by Lipa are intentional, and she uses them to speak her mind without fear of backlash or rejection. The two songs I chose by Lipa parallel the artist-activist-advocate theme of the readings and encompass the empowering aspect of women singing music whether that’s a gender and sexuality battle in the entertainment industry or a battle they’re facing with their own musical style due to gender norms.
Cool by Dua Lipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8tAKDVxK8
Levitating by Dua Lipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHuBW3qKm9g
-Estelle
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