Women in the Entertainment Industry: Great Women in Great Bands

Este, Danielle and Alana in HAIM

Sisters from California, HAIM rose to fame with their 2012 track ‘Don’t Save Me’, a song that epitomises the band’s unique combination of light-rock and ethereal sounds. Influenced by their parents’ love of classic rock, the Haim sisters were born into a popular traditional genre using it as a base for their creative sound which they later infused with contemporary pop and R&B. Their strong sisterhood makes for a rare onstage presence where their anecdotes about jamming in their lounge at a young age highlights how they have grown up together with music, all contributing to their authentic and genuine image. Not forgetting Este’s bass face.

Hannah in London Grammar

Part of the English trio London Grammar, Hannah Reid’s hauntingly celestial vocals brought the band to fame with debut album If You Wait. Beginning their career gigging in small, local venues, London Grammar experienced an organic growth where they became a staple British sound of 2013. They gained attention through single ‘Hey Now’ accompanied by their ambiguous image due to an initial lack of promotional photos. Throughout London Grammar’s success, Hannah has never used her femaleness as a means of categorising the band, but they instead have become a collective, androgynous act with her creative force driving their success with selfless endeavour.

Johanna and Klara in First Aid Kit

Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit, comprised of sisters Johanna and Klara, have released three albums during their musical career but have finally achieved the true recognition they deserve with most recent record Stay Gold. With their layered folk sound and delicate vocals, the two sisters bring their harmonies to the forefront of their music, exquisitely complimenting each other with their vocal differences coming together to foster a confident sound. Influenced by their father’s pop-rock band as well as Klara’s love for country music beginning when she was only 12, the two performers have developed over the years and finally made a mark with their gentle sound in a music industry populated with heavy beats last year.

Florence in Florence + the Machine

Often being mistaken for a solo act, band Florence + the Machine is driven by Florence Welch’s  power house vocals and her signature look and presence on stage. Florence has brought a key aesthetic – almost Kate Bush-esque – back to the contemporary music scene giving the band a unique image heightened by their powerful and echoing sound creating an encapsulating orb for the listener to get lost in. With Lungs‘ floral hippy tone and Ceremonials‘ dark and epic sound, Florence’s versatility as a vocalist creates a chameleon-like aura, with ‘What Kind Of Man’, the band’s new single, promising yet another dimension to the English musician.