Herstory 15: Samba Legend, Elza Soares, Turns Tragedy and Trauma into Her Muse
Elza Soares is not a name that you hear very often outside of South America, but is one that you should know moving forward. She has become not only one of the most revered names in Samba, but one that has displayed strength and resilience since the 1950s. Surrounded by continually younger musicians and an ever-changing musical landscape, the iconic Brazilian singer, has remained a constant power in our midst. This is her story.
Herstory 14: Michie Mee, The Canadian Rapper Ahead of Her Time
Michie Mee's experimenting with battle rap and dancehall created a new wave of hip hop in Toronto. One that matched its title as the most multicultural city in the world. She was also the fist Canadian rapper to sign a record deal with an major American label.
6 Music Videos That will Make Your Skin Crawl
Our roundup of the creepiest, most otherwordly tracks out there - and the music videos that take them to the next level.
Herstory 13: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Was A Guitar-Shredding Legend
The godmother of rock ‘'n’ roll was a guitar-shredding, queer, womxn of colour. What does a rise to fame look like amidst racial segregation?
Herstory 12: Kym Mazelle's Journey from UK Pirate Radios to Record Deals
The rise of Kym Mazelle demonstrates the power of pirate radios. The US-born singer songwriter found success on illegal radio stations and it led to a bidding war among major record labels.
Herstory 11: Missy Elliott and the Evolution of Music Videos
Missy Elliot didnt fit the industry’s expectations of a female artist so she created a new way of existing in the industry. Her talent and her story of rejection and resourcefulness is a source of inspiration for many.
Herstory 10: Ivy Queen Teaches Us Dancefloor Consent
Ivy Queen’s 2003 hit “Quiero Bailar” shaped the sound and culture of reggaeton. Find out why so many artists credit her as an inspiraiton.
Herstory 9: Reggaeton, Royalties, and Jenny la Sexy Voz
The voice behind some of your favourite reggaeton hooks deserves more recognition.
Herstory 8: Big Freedia's Complex Come Up
Big Freedia is bounce music’s breakout star - are we actively erasing her from music history?
Herstory 7: Sade's Intentional Absence
Sade has perfected the art of protecting your image, art, and peace of mind.
Half Access Org: Creating Change as a Community
SIS had the chance to talk about venue accessibility with Cassie Wilson, founder of Half Access Org.
Herstory 6: Sarah McLachlan Revolutionizes Music Festivals
The success of Lilith Fair exposed a major blindspot within the industry.
Herstory 5: Haute Couture and Runway Music
A look at the musical masterminds (past, present, and future) of runway music.
Herstory 4: Selena Quintanilla Is Mislabelled As The Tex-Mex Madonna
English-speaking media’s representation of the Queen of Tejano music is far from reality.
Herstory 3: Sister Nancy Conquers Jamaican Sound Systems
Before Sister Nancy recorded her timeless track, “Bam Bam”, she made a name for herself on the sound systems. As the first female on the mic, she was navigating uncharted territory.
Herstory 2: Wendy Carlos, Electronic Music's Godmother
Two womxn made history through electronic music, Bach, and Playboy. For Herstory 2, we’re talking about Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind-Tourre.
Herstory 1: Sylvia Robinson Commercializes Rap Music
Sylvia Robinson was critical to the rise of hip hop because she was one of the few people that saw the business opportunity in hip hop.