cover image source: Giphy
I've got another Music Monday for y'all that is closely tied to we_coded! This time around we're shining a light on all those artists who do not conform to the gender stereotypes and expectations of the societies in which they live. The reasons for which they do so might vary — whether they are openly defiant of gender roles that have been forced upon them or are just embracing their natural inclination to be themselves, whatever it may be these folks have forged a path that is extraordinary and outside the established gender norms. Likewise, it's interesting to reflect on how these artists have shaped our culture — did they help normalize the fluid nature of gender today? Were they accepted or shunned by society? How was their art different than their contemporaries? This subject is rich for analysis. As with all discussions on DEV, let's keep this one respectful and empathetic. And as with all Music Mondays, feel free to step outside the theme and share something else you're into!
How we do
In this weekly series, folks can chime in and drop links to whatever it is they've been listening to recently + browse others' suggestions. You can follow the suggested genre if you'd like, but don't feel confined to it; you're free to suggest whatever you wanna. 🙌
If you're interested in having other discussions about music, consider following the aptly named #music discussions organization.
Alright, let's hear it for all the gender-nonconformists out there breaking down barriers!
Note: you can embed a link to your song using the following syntax {% embed https://... %}. This should work for most common platforms!
Looking forward to listening to y'all's suggestions! 🎶
🚨p.s. Check out @rachelfazio's sister series to Music Monday, called Podcast Palooza!🚨
Top comments (11)
Ok, I missed Monday by a hair, but I'm going to introduce you to a modern, 80s-ish band who fit the theme: Powderpaint. They're always on my playlist.
Nice!! This is awesome, Ben. Def a catchy tune and I'm feelin' the music video. Great share! 🔥
One of my all-time faves is David Bowie and this performance of his on Top of the Pops playing Starman is freaking amazing!
It seems so tame nowadays, but his cozying up to Mick Ronson (blonde guitarist) apparently was a pretty risque move during the early 70's. But David Bowie (along with others like Marc Bolan & T-Rex) changed the game... opening the door for more glam, androgyny, and ambiguous sexuality.
Interestingly, a 17-year-old David Bowie had formed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men. It was at least somewhat satirical, but still gotta love his awareness and respect his lived experience of being a guy with long locks who received abuse for his feminine looks. I gotta think that some of this must've fueled his rebellion.
Listen to this soothing masterpiece -
Woooooaaaaaa! I am loving this one. Good stuff Deabjyati! This is right up my alley.
Glad you realised the depth of this beautiful piece of art.
Wojciech Kilar was really a true Oscar worthy musician. Sadly very few people have heard of him.
I mean, a gif just isn’t enough…
Haha damn straight! And gah... what an amazing live performer. Great version of Nothing Compares 2 U. 🙌
There's not many names on my list of acts that I'm disappointed having never seen live, but he's #1 there.
I actually got pretty damn lucky and saw him in 2011. He was one funky force!
He must've had 15 musicians on stage with him and he constantly jumped between playing different instruments, singing, and dancing. He was like 50 years old at the time and I remember at one point the dude jumped from standing position up on top of a grand piano, landed perfectly in time to the music, and continued on dancing (in heels mind you) ... It was seriously a phenomenal show! Everyone in the Greensboro Coliseum was going nuts, and he totally deserved every bit of it, haha.
One musician I recommend checking out that I think pushes gender boundaries is Moses Sumney. Check out this performance of Cut Me: