Femininomenon: The Rise of Female Artists Dominating the Music Industry

In a remarkable shift, the music industry has witnessed a surge of female artists taking center stage and captivating audiences across all genres. From industry veterans to rising stars, women have been consistently topping the charts, challenging the traditional male-dominated landscape and redefining the landscape of contemporary music.

Empowering Melodies: The Unstoppable Rise of Female Artists

Trailblazers and Newcomers Shaping the Industry

The music industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with female artists emerging as the driving force behind the charts' success. Whether it's seasoned performers like Ariana Grande or fresh talents like Chappell Roan, women have been dominating the airwaves and capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide. This surge of female representation has been hailed as a "Femininomenon" by Marist College students, who have enthusiastically embraced the shift."Right now, women and men in the LGBTQ community are dominating … and their stardom has become almost instant — it feels, not gradual," remarked Angelina Ruiz '27, reflecting on the industry's transformation. This sentiment is echoed by Jasmin Arias '27, who has observed a significant increase in female artists, particularly in the traditionally male-dominated genres of rap and hip-hop.

Diverse Sounds, Unified Presence

The musical landscape has been transformed by the rise of female artists, who are making their mark across a wide range of genres. From Beyoncé's foray into country with "Cowboy Carter" to Adrianne Lenker's familiar indie folk-rock sound in "Bright Future," women are establishing a formidable presence throughout the industry.Even in traditionally male-dominated genres, such as rap and hip-hop, female artists are making their voices heard. Arias '27 noted the backlash these artists often face, but emphasized the importance of their contributions, stating, "Men will say the same stuff, and it's whatever. But when women say it: 'Ew, that's trashy.' But that's what's so good about it."

The Pop Resurgence: Redefining the Genre

The rise of female artists has been particularly pronounced in the pop genre, with a resurgence of female-led acts dominating the cultural conversation. Marist College students have enthusiastically embraced this shift, with Katherine Ewald '27 citing a preference for female or female-led indie/alternative-pop artists, including Lana Del Rey and The Marias.William Silkowitz '27 has also observed the overwhelming presence of women in the pop genre, noting the "uplifting" nature of their "tone or 'vibe.'" This resurgence has been driven by the success of artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, whose albums "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" and "brat," respectively, have captivated audiences and sparked cultural conversations.

Representation and Connection: The Impact on Female Listeners

The increased presence of female artists has had a profound impact on female listeners, who have reported feeling more represented and connected to the music they consume. Isabella Loiacono '27 expressed her excitement at the surge of women in the pop genre, stating, "It's great to see how many women are in the pop genre right now because I feel that wasn't always the case."For some Marist students, like Angelina Ruiz '27, the diversity of female artists has allowed them to find artists they can truly connect with, whether it's the enigmatic synth-pop of Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poet Department" or the queer, alternative-pop medley of Billie Eilish's "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT."However, the experience of feeling represented is not universal, as Jasmin Arias '27 noted that she listens to the music for the "fun vibes" rather than seeking personal reflection. Nonetheless, the undeniable success of female artists across genres has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and Marist students eagerly await to see if this trend will continue to thrive in the years to come.