Sometimes it can be hard to predict which contemporary voices will stand the test of time and live, as they say, forever. But when it comes to some, you just know instantly. Whether it’s their actual singing voice, the way they present themselves on stage, their songwriting, or just how they rock a tune. Some talents jump out and say: BOOM!
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Here below, we wanted to explore three such frontwomen. Three female rockers that will be talked about, listened to, and studied for generations. Indeed, these are three standout female artists from the 2020s whose music will last forever.
[RELATED: Phoebe Bridgers: “If It’s Not Good, I Just Won’t Write It”]
Brittany Howard
Born October 2, 1988, in Athens, Alabama, Brittany Howard rose to fame and popularity thanks to her band Alabama Shakes. The rocker was the principle songwriter, frontwoman, and guitar player for the indie rock group that earned several Grammy nominations for its 2012 hit “Hold On.” Since then, Howard has played in several side projects like Thunderb—h and Bermuda Triangle. But it’s her solo work more recently that has helped take her to a new level of recognition and visibility. She released Jaime in late 2019 and then followed it up with What Now in 2024. And when it comes to the question of what’s next, Howard will surely be rocking for as long as she wants.
Phoebe Bridgers
Born August 17, 1994, in Pasadena, California, Phoebe Bridgers rocks so hard that she (misguidedly) garnered criticism for it when she bashed and broke her guitar on stage on Saturday Night Live in 2021. That aside, Bridgers has been at the forefront of indie rock over the past handful of years, whether with her side project boygenius or as a solo artist. Her sophomore album Punnisher, which she released in 2020, was many a music fan’s favorite and her sticky/thoughtful songs and expressive grins have made her a mainstay in the culture.
St. Vincent
St. Vincent, born Annie Clark on September 28, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, released her debut LP Marry Me in 2007. But it was her 2021 album Daddy’s Home that really propelled her to the tips of everyone’s tongue. (Her 2012 record Love This Giant with David Byrne was also a big hit.) Now, she’s one of the fiery rebels of modern rock, helping to carry on the genre as well as anyone with a sense of style and a sharp smirk. Many want to see her, many more want to be her. But thankfully, she’s helping the torch of music burn brighter.
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