For decades girl bands were considered a novelty and not worthy of long term record company investment.
As a result of marginalization they have developed their own strategies in terms of performance and agency. There has long been a focus on female singers, but it is an empowering experience performing in a band. Members of all girl bands often discover a strong sense of solidarity.
There is currently a resurgence of young feminism in popular culture, particularly music, and the all-girl band expresses and reinforces that link. The Internet has been a democratizing force. Less dependent on major label deals, many more women are active as musicians and instrumentalists.
This chapter explores new avenues of research into gender and popular music; how through memoir second wave feminist musicians like Kim Gordon and Viv Albertine are creating a critical context for the new wave of girl bands. It argues that both generations are now building up a strong network together and becoming force for cultural change.

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