I’ve been reflecting on what I love so much about the entire LOUD WOMEN movement for a while now, the reasons are complex and many also describe why I love the festival. This year, LOUD WOMEN demonstrated that inclusivity doesn’t mean just catering to one group, but finding a way that the widest range of people possible can enjoy a great experience together, whilst feeling safe and accepted.
After attending LOUD WOMEN Fest last year, I have been excited about the big day for months. Standing at the back during Baby Said and soaking in the pop rock delights on offer I scanned the mostly female and non-binary crowd – a rarity on the festival scene in itself, and a space that I value immensely. I noticed that this year the main room was more full, which brought me joy, but also there were also more seemingly cis men. I pondered this for a while. On a brief break between bands, I chatted to my cis male partner about this. He hates testosterone filled spaces, as he can’t conform with the social norms held within them. We concluded that maybe some men need safe spaces too. Safe spaces for men that don’t impact the experience of safety for women and non-binary people, is this possible? Can society really achieve this? Well from my experience. I think LOUD WOMEN managed it.
With the above in mind, I wonder if the artists allowed themselves to offer a more vulnerable performance, as they are in the mindset that they are performing to a ‘safe’ crowd. Lilith Ai in her beautifully emotive performance expressed exactly this before singing about her experiences of rejected parental love, and abuse.
LOUD WOMEN may have created a space where women can be everything they are; powerful, angry, challenging, dynamic, funny, compassionate, caring and vulnerable. I’d love to hear from the artists about their experience of performing in this space.
I accept that people in cis male presenting bodies may appear to be more threatening and I know that violence towards women is predominately perpetrated by men so that perception is reasonable. In saying this, I think we agree that society will benefit from the messages given throughout LOUD WOMEN FEST. Messages from incredible activists such as Safe Gigs for Women, who gave us a really important lesson on bystander intervention. What if we can create a space where the expectation is that everyone conforms to different social norms – social norms that mean no one has to feel afraid, or hide who they truly are. LOUD WOMEN Fest, from my perspective, I think you achieved this and I sincerely thank and applaud you. Now do us a favour and roll this out to society will you!
Enough of the reflection and on with the bands. AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH they were all brilliant. There wasn’t a bad one but this would be the longest article in the world if I commented on every single band. So I’m going to go with my faves.
Chloe Hawes and the Holy Claws
Manchester based Chloe Hawes, with their band the Holy Claws, brought their own brand of folk punk rock. With that I will proudly receive as a little Manc humour, Chloe made the spelling of their surname clear from the outset. Like a punky Grace Petrie, they casually chatted to the crowd and held banter with their band in between well constructed songs about love, life and misadventure. It warmed my heart and set me up for the festival. Nice one!
I, Doris
I, Doris came with nearly a full line up; missing the wonderful keytar Doris, who was sadly missed, but including Dunstan Bruce, who brought some cowboy action to ‘Cowboys Cry Too’, and vocals to the I, Doris feat. Dunstan Bruce) song, ‘Not done yet’. Being such busy Dorises, I never expected their diaries would align for me to be able to catch this song performed with Dunstan, so that was a total treat and they delivered such a joyful performance.
Cherym
Cherym brought the Derry charm with this performance, as well as the level of depth and power that I’d expect from a band who were raised in a place with such a rich history of activism. I bet their community is so proud. They should be because this was a faultless performance. Their songs are catchy, their message about supporting women’s rights as well as wrongs, brave and the music incredible. I danced and screamed and it was exactly what I needed to pick up my lulling energy after an already full day. Smashed it!!!
Berry Galazka
I still have ‘Man Can’t Hang’ buzzing around in my head. What a performance, one that could teach many contemporary artists about how to write a catchy hook. It was a danceable, energetic and charismatic performance. Her little stories in between songs, akin to Beth Ditto, just added to the glory. Berry’s name is embedded in my mind (and now my in socials) so I’ll never miss a UK performance again.
Before I go on. I noted that the following acts were from our international cohort and I wanted to add another tiny reflection. At what other festival would you get to see such a collection of incredible international grassroots artists like this?
Yacko
Yacko, an Indonesian rapper who sings about sexism in her home country. Yesssss Yacko. Upon chatting we (her and the women in the crowd) realised the experiences of being ‘cat called’, of unwanted touch and being judged for failing to act in whatever way society wants us to this week, isn’t localised. The songs delivered some pretty intense drum and bass and caused lots of dancing. It was a party with a message and I loved it. At one point Yacko thanked the crowd for the energy and said, ‘whatever energy you give me, I give it back.’ The entire room was bouncing and so was she. We were all knackered after but thanks for the experience. Even if I did ache for days after, it was worth it. Also, we were dancing so much we forgot to take a photo, sorry Yacko you were too good for distractions.
BANGZZ
North Carolina based band BANGZZ, were the final act of LOUD WOMEN FEST and what a perfect closer. LOUD, intense, funny with scuzzy guitars and excellent drums. Erika’s vocals hitting ranges I would have thought impossible for one person. Closing with one of my fave songs ‘Hell is other people’, which they cheerfully described as being about depression and then delighted in the cheer from the crowd on such a dark subject. Loved it, loved them but knew I would!
Honestly there’s too many amazing acts to mention. Venior with their experimental electronic sound was brilliant, Bugeye with their catchy power pop tunes, Zoe Sky Jordan with her beautiful voice. It was all too much, there were too many excellent bands and artists and I have too few words left. Thanks so much Cassie for putting on this spectacular event, without which, I’d have likely missed out on most of these excellent artists.