Music Across Genres and Years: Femme Style: 1990s & Shoegaze

While grunge bands were receiving fame in the MTV culture of the 90s, the underground and less well-known shoegaze movement was occurring simultaneously.

This genre saw much more female involvement as bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and more were all comprised of male members and seemed to cater to men given their rough and aggressive sound.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Nirvana and other all-male shoegaze bands just as much as I do bands with female members, but the importance of having female representation in bands of the 90s was crucial as it set the scene for current experimental musicians.

The first time I was introduced to the shoegaze, or shoegazing, genre was in the film Lost in Translation.

My Bloody Valentine's song 'Sometimes' was featured in a scene that follows Scarlett Johanssen's character as she rides a taxi through Tokyo after spending a night on the town with Bill Murray's character. (Great movie if you haven't seen it already!)

Since then, I have been hooked and captivated by the dreamy vocals and harsh noise associated with the genre and ask people I know for suggestions of all-female bands who produce this type of music. If you know of any, feel free to comment.

Current bands are still influenced by these groups from the 90s, such as Whirr, Grouper, Tamaryn, True Widow and more.

Some of the bands I will mention still even perform, having been functioning groups since the late 80s or with a break in between activity.

My Bloody Valentine (1983-1997, active equally in 80s and 90s, Bilinda Butcher was key female member on split vocals and guitar)

Yo La Tengo (1984-present, active for all 10 years of the 90s, Georgia Hubley is sole female member on split vocals and drums, also designs cover art for albums)

Black Tambourine (1989-1992, Pam Berry is vocalist, one of earliest Slumberland record label groups)

Slowdive (1989-1995 & 2014-present, majority of years active were in 90s, female Rachel Goswell on split vocals, guitar and bass. Goswell later went on to join Mojave 3.)