Punk rock is known to be a male-dominated genre. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any talented female punk bands out there making great music. Some of the best punk bands around today are fronted by women.
Female punk bands have made a significant mark in the music industry. From intense rockers to catchy pop-punk groups, check out this list of 20 female punk bands that will get your blood pumping and feet moving.
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1. Blondie
Blondie, a band led by a female vocalist, merged new wave and punk rock in the late ’70s, becoming a top act of their time. Their blend of new wave and punk made them hugely popular.
Debbie Harry, Blondie’s frontrunner, is one of punk history’s most iconic figures thanks to her beauty, icy vocals, and iconic fashion sense. Blondie, fearless in experimentation, influenced new wave and punk music’s evolution.
2. The Runaways
The Runaways, a female band, made the hard rock and punk hybrid possible by being one of the first to bring punk rock to the mainstream.
Renowned for their talent in music and fashion, The Runaways inspired many female bands who followed them.
Renowned for their on-stage talent and heavy metal guitar riffs, the band made waves with hit songs like “Cherry Bomb,” “Queens of Noise,” and “Hollywood.” They paved the way for future female rockers, proving that women are equally talented and tough as men.
3. X
Fronted by Exene Cervenka, X has played punk rock since 1977. Although they didn’t achieve widespread success, they remained advocates for folk, punk rock, and Americana.
With a distinctive sound and Cervenka’s confrontational lyrics, it’s no wonder X has inspired many punk and alternative bands over the years.
4. Bikini Kill
The unapologetic feminist movement in punk rock started with Bikini Kill. This Olympia, Washington band led the riot grrrl movement of the early ’90s.
Powerful lyrics and bold personalities from Bikini Kill inspired women to fight and speak up for themselves.
The band’s blend of power-punk and feminist anthems empowered a new generation of women.
Their song “Double Dare Ya” rages against society’s double standards on women, while “Rebel Girl” celebrates punk girls everywhere. Bikini Kill’s impactful work in punk is still celebrated today.
5. Hey Violet
Hey Violet‘s unique pop-punk style has been gaining attention since their start in 2008.
Fronted by the talented Rena Lovelis, the band brings fresh, catchy melodies and edgy lyrics to the punk scene.
Their song “Guys My Age” resonates with anyone who’s had an immature partner. The relatable lyrics make it easy to connect with, showcasing why Hey Violet stands out as one of the top female punk bands today.
6. Lolita No.18
Experimental punk style and gothic undertones make Lolita No.18 one of the most interesting female punk bands to listen to.
Formed in 1989, the Japanese band is celebrated for its high-pitched, cartoony vocals. They’re regarded as one of the era’s best bands.
With a bold mix of punk, goth, and pop, Lolita No.18 shows that women can be just as edgy and bold as men. Their song “Rockaway Beach” embodies their style and will definitely get your feet moving.
7. Hole
Aggressive lyrics and guitar-driven melodies define Hole. Fronted by Courtney Love, this band was a top female punk group in the ’90s.
Their album “Live Through This” has enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim, selling over 1.6 million units in the US.
Their song “Celebrity Skin” explores the pressures and expectations tied to fame and the need to appear perfect.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be perfect, this song will resonate with you. This is just one reason Hole stands as one of the best female punk bands.
8. Lunachicks
A very loud and proud pop-punk band, Lunachicks formed in 1987. They’re known for raunchy lyrics and onstage antics, unapologetically embracing their identity. This fan-favorite attitude set them apart.
The band published a memoir titled “Fallopian Rhapsody”, showcasing their real experiences as a politically-charged feminist band, often undermined due to their gender.
Refusing to bow to the industry’s patriarchal stance, they fought back, created music, and emerged as one of history’s most iconic female punk bands.
9. Dream Wife
Dream Wife, an English punk rock band, sings about miscarriage, queer love, and misogyny. The band, featuring Alice Go, Bella Podpadec, and Rouge Mahoney, is famous for its high-energy live shows.
Their song “F.U.U.” expresses anger at the world and a refusal to take any crap from anyone. It’s a badass track that’ll make you want to scream along with the band, proving them to be one of the best female punk bands in the music industry.
10. The Featherz
Glam and funk influence has marked The Featherz since they formed in 2009. This Welsh-English band stands out for its guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and danceable beats.
Their song “Forget All You Know” perfectly showcases their rock and funk style. The Featherz is one of the top female punk bands since they’re bold enough to experiment with their music.
11. Siouxsie and the Banshees
Siouxsie and the Banshees, fronted by the bold Siouxsie Sioux, was one of the post-punk era’s most daring musical acts. Formed in 1986, the British band gained acclaim for its dark, atmospheric sound.
Goth gained popularity in the punk scene, with Siouxsie and the Banshees leading the charge. Their song “Happy House” highlights the gothic and spooky visuals and sound they became famous for.
Siouxsie and the Banshees was one of the pioneering female punk bands, paving the way for future acts. They’re still highly respected today.
12. The Regrettes
The Regrettes is a groovy LA-based band made up of teenagers Lydia Night, Genessa Gariano, Sage Chavis, and Maxx Morando. Their music blends punk, garage punk, pop, and rock.
The band, formed in 2015, has been making waves in music ever since. The Regrettes’ song “Barely on My Mind” dives into a toxic relationship and manipulated emotions. Its simple bassline gives an ’80s vibe, making the song both relatable and catchy.
13. The Muffs
The Muffs’ adrenaline-fueled punk sound is a must for any playlist. Formed in 1991, they’re known for high-energy live shows and catchy hooks.
The song “Kids in America,” was released for a motion picture called “Clueless.” The raspy and raw screams of singer and guitarist Kim Shattuck distinguish The Muffs from other punk bands.
14. The Slits
Rock, reggae, and blues blend to create The Slits’ unique punk sound. Formed in 1976, this British band stands out in a male-dominated punk scene. Thanks to Ari Up’s reggae locks and their energetic live shows, they’ve always been a refreshing act.
The Slits give “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally by Marvin Gaye, a unique twist.
The song is slower than the original with a clear reggae influence. The Slits, a band that fuses Jamaican fashion and sound with punk, is among the best.
15. Gore Gore Girls
Another all-girl group that’s creating unique punk music is the Gore Gore Girls. Their songs blend ’60s garage rock, surf rock, and country. Formed in 1997, the band is known for its trashy garage sound and feel-good tracks.
The song “Where Evil Grows” captures the feeling of being trapped and wanting to escape. It’s catchy and easy to sing along to, making it one of the Gore Gore Girls’ top tracks.
16. Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney stands out as one of the most influential female punk bands ever. This American rock band, formed in 1994, is openly left-wing and feminist. They have been a key figure in the riot grrrl punk subgenre.
Considered one of the best punk bands ever, Sleater-Kinney’s “Modern Girl” is a catchy, rebellious critique of excessive consumerism. The song embodies everything punk stands for.
17. The Donnas
Teenage angst is something that The Donnas understand well. Formed in 1993, this American band consists of four friends who bonded over their shared love for classic rock and roll.
The Donnas’ music blends ’70s hard rock and punk, making them commercially successful with Atlantic Records.
Some of their songs, like “You’ve Got a Crush On Me,” are featured in film and video game soundtracks, including a PlayStation 2 game. The band leans towards fun punk rather than rage, making them one of the best.
18. L7
Grunge and riot grrrl merge in the unique sound of L7. Formed in 1985, this American band of four women draws influence from Frightwig and Ramones. They’re famous for rocking the stage in ‘slob girl’ fashion, embodying a rock-metal aesthetic.
They’ve earned respect in the punk-grunge scene with their powerful and captivating performances as an all-female band.
The song “Pretend We’re Dead” in GTA San Andreas talks about conforming to society even when you know it’s wrong. Its powerful lyrics make it one of the best punk tracks out there.
19. The Red Aunts
Women can be just as punk as men, and The Red Aunts prove it. Their rough, raw music blends punk and garage rock.
With no experience in being a band, they got help from Jon Wahl and Scott Drake from Long Beach’s band, the Humpers. This guidance helped them find their unique sound and musical direction.
The song “Freakathon” shows the group’s furious, powerful energy in their scorching punk tracks. They’re known for screech, thrash, angst, and fun, and they definitely deliver.
20. Gossip
Ending this list is a remarkable indie rock band that combines punk, indie rock, and dance music to create a unique sound and has won awards for their music.
Gossip, known for New Wave riffs and Beth Ditto’s powerful voice and stage presence, has been charming audiences ever since.
The track “Heavy Cross” saw major success in Germany, selling over 450,000 copies. It’s a piece from their album “Music For Men”, discussing societal pressure and the desire to be unique.
The song is anthemic with a powerful message, making it a top punk track by a female-fronted band.
Conclusion
Punk constantly changes, and these female bands have been iconic in shaping its sound and message.
There are many fantastic female punk bands still making great music and highlighting social issues. Blending rock, metal, blues, or even pop, punk is a genre anyone can enjoy.
If you’re seeking music for a rainy day, want to challenge norms, or simply enjoy great tunes, check out these bands!
The Runaways Featured Image (Top-Right) by: Here, Fair use, Link
X Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: George Rose, Los Angeles Times, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bikini Kill Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Nfopollenz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
