LOUD, UNAPOLOGETIC + UNSTOPPABLE | CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MUSIC + BEYOND

Ah, International Women’s Day! A day to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, the artists who make the world a little louder (and a whole lot cooler), and the legends who kicked down doors before us. It’s also a day to acknowledge that while we’ve come a long way, there’s still plenty of work to do. Because let’s be real, the patriarchy didn’t just pack up and leave; it’s still lurking like a stain that won't go away.

Women Who Rock (In Every Way)

I’m lucky to be surrounded by insanely talented women—friends, colleagues, musicians, and creatives—who constantly inspire me. From photographers capturing raw energy on stage to musicians pouring their souls into every note, the industry wouldn’t be what it is without them.

And speaking of artists absolutely crushing it right now, let’s talk about some powerhouses making waves in the scene:

• Doechii – A force of nature. Whether she’s spitting bars or bending genres, Doechii is proving there are no limits to her artistry. Her energy is chaotic in the best way possible, and she’s carving out space that refuses to be ignored.

  
  

• Lambrini Girls – Punk as hell, loud as hell, and exactly what the industry needs right now. If you haven’t seen them live, fix that immediately. They’re the sonic equivalent of throwing a brick through a misogynist’s window—pure, glorious rage with a message that needs to be heard.

  
  

• TYLA – South African superstar in the making. If you haven’t caught Water yet, where have you been? She’s bringing Amapiano to the global stage and doing it with effortless style. The way she moves, sings, and commands a track? Unmatched.

  
  

• Lola Young – Raw, soulful, and way too talented for her age. Her voice hits you in the gut in the best way, and her songwriting is brutally honest. She’s proof that storytelling in music is alive and well.

  
  

• Beth McCarthy – She’s making pop-punk personal again. Whether she’s writing about love, heartbreak, or the absolute chaos of existing, Beth McCarthy is putting her own spin on the genre and making sure her voice is heard.

  
  

• Scene Queen – Breaking boundaries and creating a wave of her own, Scene Queen has taken the music scene by storm with her bold, unapologetic energy. She’s a force of nature, combining pop-punk, metal, and a whole lot of attitude to bring us anthems we didn’t know we needed.

  
  

• RØRY – Pop-punk’s emotional wrecking ball. Every song feels like a gut punch in the best way possible. She’s not afraid to say what needs to be said, whether it’s about mental health, heartbreak, or just existing in a world that often makes no sense.

  
  

And it’s always great to see brands actually doing something meaningful. Take Barbie’s Women in Music campaign—shining a light on trailblazing women in the industry, from producers to performers. Because, fun fact, only 2.8% of producers in the music industry are women. TWO POINT EIGHT PERCENT. That’s fewer people than who still think Crocs are a good idea.

WOMEN IN HISTORY: THE OG TRAILBLAZERS

Speaking of legends, let’s talk history. Women have been shaping the world forever, often without getting the credit. We all know about badass women like Rosa Parks, Ada Lovelace, and Frida Kahlo, but what about the countless others who fought, innovated, and led in the face of resistance?

And let’s not forget LGBTQ+ history. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, was instrumental in the Stonewall Uprising. Sylvia Rivera, another trans icon, fought for the rights of homeless queer youth. These women paved the way for so many of us, and their legacy still fuels movements today.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO THE WOMEN WHO INSPIRE & SUPPORT ME

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible women who have supported and believed in me. So here’s a huge thank you to the absolute legends in my life:

• Gracie Hall – Thank you for not gatekeeping when I returned to the industry after a decade and for showing me the ropes. Thanks to you, I’m confident and killing it.

  
  

• Rebecca Bush – My first friend in the photo pit and my constant support when I feel like I’m drowning. Couldn’t do this without you.

  
  

• Kit Foster – Thank you for being my rottweiler to my golden retriever and bringing me onto the Ryoko team and trusting me with a new role and responsibility to help train me up for my future career! #TrustingTheProcess 💜 + Shoutout to all the amazing Ryoko queens, even you Rob—LOVE YOU FOREVER!

  
  

• Michelle Kerr & Kirsten Sprinks of Cosa Nostra PR– Your impact on this industry is immeasurable. Michelle's legacy continues to inspire, and the passion you both poured into this industry will never be forgotten. Big up to Jazmin, who has joined the team and is already crushing it. Thank you all so much for the opportunities you’ve given me!

  
  

• Vicky Hungerford – Vicky, you are an absolute powerhouse in this industry, and your dedication is beyond inspiring.

  
  

• To all the drag queens I've had the pleasure of working with – You all bring the sparkle and the absolute magic that makes every project unforgettable. From those first chaotic backstage moments to the electrifying performances, you’ve shown me what true artistry, confidence, and community look like. You never fail to make me laugh, sometimes even at myself (I’m looking at you, unexpected wardrobe malfunctions and lip-syncs that go completely off-track). You’re all shining examples of resilience and creativity, and I feel so lucky to be part of your world. Thank you for helping me find myself and my home. You're the queens, the legends, and frankly, the reason my camera is always ready for action!

THE FIGHT ISN'T OVER, BUT DAMN, WE'RE CRUSHING IT

Yes, we’ve made progress. Yes, we’re seeing more representation, more voices amplified, and more people calling out inequality. But let’s not pretend the fight is over. Women still battle for equal pay, safety, recognition, and basic human rights in too many places. So while today is about celebrating, it’s also about refuelling for the work ahead.

To every woman—cis, trans, queer, loud, quiet, rebellious, kind, all in between or a glorious mix of all of the above—you’re incredible. You inspire, you create, you fight, and you exist in a world that hasn’t always made it easy. And that? That’s worth celebrating every damn day.

Happy International Women’s Day!