A Day in the Life
November 18-24, 2013
By Becca Bona
Every girl needs a role model, and I have always found mine in music.
A mixture of Stevie Nix, Joan Jett and Grace Slick have held onto my heart-strings for a long time, but I think I have added yet another name to the list.
In today’s world the word “feminist” has almost every possible definition, most of them negative. I lean towards descriptors such as intelligent, strong and real for this category.
Take Joan Jett, for instance. She has been considered a “feminist icon” for ages. I remember first spotting one of her album covers and thinking to myself that she had a presence, and I’m not referring to eye-liner.
Standing up for what you believe in and being real goes beyond feminism and extends into the broader umbrella of humanity as a whole.
Everything from her hairstyle to her facial expressions seemed to scream intensity, but in more than a “I-want-your-attention” kind of way. Jett is a performer, an activist, and of course, a proponent for pushing the envelope.
During my high school years I discovered an artist named P!nk; and like Jett, she pushes the envelope. I don’t remember the exact song that first caught my attention, but I do remember deciding to do some research.
At first, I thought that Alecia Moore (aka P!nk) was another Britney Spears, because she broke out in the early 2000s when it seemed that pop princesses were all the rage.
Her style, sound, and vocals are enough to completely disband the thought. Once I discovered that she named Janis Joplin as one of her musical influences, I was sold. Her lyrics are catchy, dark, and layered.
The song “Stupid Girls,” which parodies other female pop stars reinforced my appreciation of the star. I also love her attitude in the song “So What.” If you haven’t heard it, go check it out. Sometimes when the world gets heavy, a song for a change of perspective necessary.
P!nk is recognized as one of the most successful artists of her generation as well as one of the trailblazers for other female artists including the likes of Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Rihanna.
Even better, however, is how she carved her own niche. She is a performer, and to call her a pop-princess is inaccurate. Instead try pop-rock, namely because she certainly gives a good show.
Think The Who’s light show from the seventies along with any number of Mick Jagger’s sequined shirts; they look just as good on her as they did on the father’s of rock. Pair that with the crazy acrobatic stunts that she is capable of, and you’ve almost got it down.
P!nk has a definite place in my heart along with the great likes of Joan Jett. If you haven’t heard her stuff, check it out.
Until next week, I’ll be perfecting my rock moves.
