Birmingham, West Midlands, UK

What Is Riot Grrrl?

Hey Grrrls,

As you know this delightful blog that I bring to you kick ass readers is named 'Adventures Of A Riot Grrrl', but what is riot Grrrl? My fellow 90s teenagers raise you chipper fingernailed hands and let's do some good old fashioned schooling. If you are a regular reader you would have kicked back with me on some nostalgia back in 'I will always be a rebel Grrrl' or even caught my Alt curves fashion post. 


I first discovered Riot Grrrl back when I was a teen hanging out in pigeon park in Birmingham when someone made me a mix tape. Yep a good old cassette because that's what we used to do swap tapes. When I put that tape in my little beaten boom box I had got for my 13th birthday and hit the play button my mind was well and truly blown.  I had heard bands like hole with their screamy vocals and angsty fierceness before but Bikini Kill and Lunachicks brought a whole new dimension to my musical world. Women singing about things that spoke out to me. They weren't taking any shit and they definitely were not afraid to tell you so. 



Riot Grrrl was birthed in Washington USA, Olympia would soon become many a girls haven. Underground feminist punk bands full of women. Women who were fed up of being treated like a second rate citizen. The third wave of feminism was on the rise and Riot Grrrl brought us ballsy protest songs that spoke about issues that were going ignored. Songs about rape, cat calling, domestic abuse, sexuality and empowering women to speak out stand proud and be awesome.    Some awesome bands for you to check out are Bikini Kill, Lunachicks, Bratmobile and more. I have even left you an awesome playlist at the end of the post. 


Riot Grrrl is so much more than just a collection of brilliant bands. It is a whole social movement that despite what others may stay is still going strong. Girls in their bedrooms making music or fanzines spreading words of body positivity, activism and DIY craft tips. Why sit around and settle for the norm, when you can cover everything in leopard print and glitter and make it fabulous while empowering yourselves and others around you.


You will hear so much more about riot grrrl if you keep reading this blog but for now I will leave you with an awesome playlist.


Who was your favourite riot grrrl  band?


Comments

  1. I remember the 'tape music' tames. It was so difficult to find a song you wanted to be played on. Great text, really enjoyed reading it.

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  2. This isn't my style; but your site design looks fab x

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  3. Ah I saw you were adding all those tracks to a playlist! Should have guessed why, I loved Riot Grrrl, was what I grew up with.

    I adored Bikini Kill, and Sleater Kinney were great.

    If you haven't heard of it yet you really really need to play Gone Home, it is a game like no other! Even if you don't normally game, if you like Riot Grrrl you will love it.

    I might do a review of it this month and link back to this post if that's ok sweetheart?

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    1. Hahah I had been meaning to make a playlist anyway but I am going to add more to it. I have a few posts coming up about the new wave of riot grrrl bands it is just getting round to writing them haha.

      Bikini kill were amazing!

      No way where would I play this game? How much is it? and of course link away lovely xx

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    2. The website is here, think they sell it through a few sites, they'll all be listed there http://fullbright.company/gonehome/

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    3. I am totally going to get this xx

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  4. I looove babes so sad I just missed their gig the other day x

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  5. Great post! Lurrvvvee the Riot Grrl movement so much <3 My Dad was a punk in the 80s so it fell to me super naturally!
    comicsandcookies.com

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    1. That is so awesome! Did he have a big mohawk and awesome jacket x

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  6. I love your blog, so pretty :) I was born in the 90's so I am not a fully fledged Riot Grrrl but I love what they stand/stood for. Thank you for joining in with #WMBlogChat linky x

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    1. Anyone can be a riot grrrl :p Thank you for stopping by x

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