• An L7 Punk Rock Father-Daughter Bonding Tale

• Jennifer Finch’s Army

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An L7 Punk Rock Father-Daughter Bonding Tale

“Hello, my name is John. This is not a prank, do not hang up. I’m calling to let you know that your postcard was pulled from the ticket lottery for the Pearl Jam concert at Constitution Hall this Saturday, January 14th.”

“No way, are you serious?”

“Yes, again this is not a prank call. Do you plan to attend the show?”

“Oh my God, YES! YES!” [now jumping up and down, screaming]

“Okay. You have to pick up your tickets tomorrow morning at the address I give you. If they are not picked up during the designated time, the tickets will go to the next entry on our list. Do you understand?”

“Yes! I have a pencil and paper. Give me the information.”

It’s 1995, when Pearl Jam tried to tour without Ticketmaster while pursuing legal action to break up what they called a ticketing monopoly. By all accounts, it was a logistical nightmare for the band and their fans. A postcard lottery attracted over 175,000 mail-in entries for Constitution Hall’s ~3700 capacity for two nights. Real people notified lottery winners and verified they were picking up/paying for their tickets. If not, the phone jockies called the next name on the list. The experiment should have proven Pearl Jam’s point about Ticketmaster’s ticketing monopoly to the federal government. Their legal case against the ticketing agency unfortunately went nowhere. Here’s a Rolling Stone recap for those who are interested.

Some fans submitted 20, 50, 100 postcards in hopes of winning the drawing for this intimate show (by Pearl Jam standards) benefitting Gloria Steinem’s Voters For Choice nonprofit.

I mailed in one postcard.

The art was from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco “The Creation of Adam” zoomed in on God’s hand about to bestow Adam the gift of life. Here is Wikipedia’s look at the complex meaning of the fresco and Michelangelo’s intellectual defiance and depictions of women’s equal and important role in creation. My 26-year-old mind thought it appropriate for the pro-choice event.

It just so happens that my biological father had flown in that day to visit me for the weekend. It was his first trip to the D.C. area from metro Detroit and I already wrote off the concert as wishful thinking. We had just walked in the door from the airport when the phone call came.

Turning to my roommate, Dad declared, “I haven’t seen her this excited since she was a kid. What the hell is going on!”

I hung up the phone and feverishly blurted out “I won tickets to a concert, Dad! We’re going to see Pearl Jam on Saturday!”

He wasn’t keen on going (insisting I take someone else) until I mentioned that Neil Young and Crazy Horse were also on the bill. To which he replied, “Now, him I like. Okay, let’s go.”

That was the start to a once-in-a-lifetime bonding tale that my dad still talks about today. For years he joked with his buddies on the Ford assembly line: “Dear Old Dad is in DC for five minutes and winds up at a pro-choice rally with Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and women taking their shirts off!”

The women he’s talking about would be the punk band L7. They performed after Lisa Germano and before Neil Young and Pearl Jam. Controversial front woman Donita Sparks earned a rep for thrilling (or shocking) audiences by producing tampons from her loins and tossing them into the crowd or yanking down her pants and underwear on live TV.

You could see the wheels turning in Dad’s head throughout their set, but he never vocalized his thoughts. It wasn’t Sparks but bassist Jennifer Finch who unexpectedly freed her boobs during the set finale. Dad’s surprise burst from his mouth:

“Oh my god, they’re WOMEN!”

According to Rolling Stone, Jennifer instructed the audience to “stick your hand down your pants. And remember that’s yours, and nobody can fucking tell you what to do with it.” Dad and I either didn’t hear the directive or protectively blocked it from our collective memory.

This was an odd bonding experience for a father and his daughter, if you ask me. It’s weird standing next to your blue-collar dad witnessing live nudity and commands to stick your hands down your pants. You gotta hand it to my dad, he rolls with the punches and finds the humor in everything. In his own Boomer way, he’s pretty punk rock.

A few more Dear Old Dad (that’s what he calls himself, btw) quotes as I remember them from that crazy night:

“You’re not going to stop shaving your armpits, are you?”

“What’s up with all the loud fuckin’ screeching noise? I don’t remember Neil sounding like this.”

“I need a beer.”

“That Pearl Jam, they’ve got that sound kids these days like.”

Jennifer Finch’s Army

If you told me in 1995 that Jennifer would become an acquaintance on Substack and offer divey L.A. club suggestions for my trip to the GRAMMY’s, I would have been skeptical at best. There’s no way that sassy icon would give me the time of day. But that’s the kind of woman Jennifer is: no pretense, eager to support the music and photography scenes, fan friendly, and still stickin’ it to the man.

Her last activity on Substack praised the work of other musicians and photographers. Always generous with her encouragement.

Now it’s time to boomerang that positive energy back to Jennifer— the musician, artist, writer, photographer. She’s been in and out of the hospital battling an aggressive brain cancer. Multiple surgeries and unforeseen setbacks mean that medical bills are piling up, which adds incredible anxiety to an already stressful time. That’s where we, her fans and friends, come in.

Aubree Miller organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical costs. The campaign details what costs are involved and updates on Jennifer’s progress. The numbers may seem astronomical. After dealing with my own brain-related medical issues over the past year, I can assure you that their goal is reasonable, if not low balled. Right before hitting this article’s “publish” button, an anonymous donation of $44K pushed the campaign to its $350K goal. AMAZING!!!!

That’s no reason to stop the momentum — we know medical bills continue to pile up.

GoFund Jennifer

Aside from the $44k anonymous donor, the music scene is showing up! Over 4700 donors and messengers are spreading the word, including: L7, Bikini Kill, Joan Jett, Garbage, Kathy Valentine, REM, Adrienne Armstrong, Jeff Ament, Alice Bag, Courtney Love, Kevin Lyman, I Speak Machine, She Wants Revenge, Bad Cop Bad Cop, Melanie Vammen. Plus gads of photographers, print and digital media, LGBTQ+ groups, music nonprofits, and more.

Let’s join Jennifer’s Army and help one of our Herizon Music sisters heal knowing that she will beat cancer and not drown in debt doing it. We can get Jennifer’s team to the $375,000 mark.

Donate TODAY and share this newsletter with other music fans!

DONATE TO JENNIFER

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Together We Rise,
Thea ❤️🧡💛

• Confessions II Track and Fashion Pairings

• Herizon Music Spotted in Greece

• ICYMI. Tits Out: Kesha Waves Her Freedom Flag

• Read Madonna Part I here if you haven’t already

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Madonna Part II: Pairing Confessions II Tracks With 16 “It” Picks For Your Fit Pics

If you’ve ever worn stacked rubber bracelets or a mesh top over a tank or a rosary with a corset or tee, you understand the fashion power Madonna wields. She’s influenced pop culture style and international fashion houses since 1983 and now, for the umpteenth time, in 2026.

The Confessions II album release came with an international bombardment of pre-promotional music videos, short films, street performances, and fashion show dance parties that showcase Motha’s current look. Outside of publishing Herizon Music, I am a certified image consultant who is a bit obsessed with fashion magazines and what musicians are wearing on stage and in media. Artists’ image choices (wardrobe, grooming, body language) convey their messages and personality with great precision when done with intention. It’s all part of a strategic personal brand. Motha, her C2 public moniker, mastered personal branding and never disappoints with her evolving signature style.

Here are 16 “it” picks for your Instagram fit pics based on the Material Girl’s current and retro references from her C2 campaign. Is this hard-hitting journalism? Hell no! This is part of the fun that Motha encourages us to have. Don’t get distracted by the numbers, screw the algorithms. Mother says everyone here is a work of art, right? So grab your most outrageous clothes and accessories or buy your favorites from this list. Then, everybody get up and DANCE!

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Confessions II Track and Fashion Pairings

TRACK 1: “I Feel So Free”

FASHION PICK: Silver Moto Jacket
This is the “It” Confessions II fashion statement that we fans can wear on the daily. We’re sure Motha’s stylist Rita Melssen is the taste maker behind the selection, but the designer is a mystery. (Leave a comment if you find out who it is.) Pink is trending, so here’s a list for those who aren’t into metallics.

TRACK 2: “Good for the Soul”

FASHION PICK: Wood Rosary.
Madonna confessed that her rosary style choice was a tribute to her mother (who died when M was five) and not a statement about the Catholic church. Wear one in honor of your own guardian angel.

TRACK 3: “One Step Away”

FASHION PICK: Lace Up Boots.
Motha claims her Yves St. Laurent lace-up boot collection are the most comfortable she’s ever worn. For those of us outside of the YSL price bracket, these two options may become your new faves. One for high-heeled boy toys and one for the rest of us. The modern boot choice for your moto jacket!

TRACK 4: “Bring Your Love” (with Sabrina Carpenter)"

FASHION PICK: Opera Gloves / Wrist Lace Gloves
Motha officially transitioned opera gloves from formalwear to streetwear. And the lace wrist gloves have graduated from wedding parties to Coachella thanks to Sabrina. The modern fit? A smokin’ mini dress (see below) or sparkling bodysuit.

TRACK 5: “Danceteria”

FASHION PICK: Blue Mini Dress
My favorite scene from the Confessions II short film is the bathroom dance party with Madge’s besties letting loose. Her Dolce & Gabbana custom dress is a total GRAIL, and there is a similar satin dress design available for $2845 if you want to go for it. The dresses below are two alternatives that will light up the dance floor: one for the bombshell Monroe look and one for the rocker Moss look.

TRACK 6: “Read My Lips”

FASHION PICK: Kiko Lipstick
Motha is the brand ambassador for Kiko, so it’s only natural she has a favorite Kiko campaign combo: Spiced Tea stick layered with Pearly Peach Rose 3D Hydra gloss. In today’s world, one shade is not enough!

TRACK 7: “Everything”

FASHION PICK: Wrap Sunglasses
As the song says: “Wherever there's the greatest amount of darkness,
That's where you'll find the greatest light.” Be prepared for the spotlight and keep a pair of rimless, oversized wrap sunglasses close at hand. Go ahead and color match them with your corset belt like Motha if you dare!

TRACK 8: “Love Sensation”

FASHION PICK:
“Dee Dee” headscarves
Dee Dee became the star of Madonna’s Interview Magazine interview. According to journalist Mel Ottenberg, “Madonna named her shoot’s character Dee Dee, a fun, hard-living broad who drank prosecco, did her hair big, and blasted the Stones ’til we got kicked out.” I fell in love at first site with Dee Dee’s retro sassy style sense, including the messy updo unsuccessfully tamed by a solid beige headscarf and Ralph Lauren sweater. Brilliant.

TRACK 9: “Love Without Words”

FASHION PICK: Portrait Of A Lady by Frédéric Malle
According to In Style Magazine, this scent is “a rose-forward scent with notes of black currant, Turkish rose (think: a rich, jammy rose), cinnamon, incense, and patchouli.” Madge takes it further with a layering of Perfume - Radical Rose, described as “notes of chili pepper berries, saffron, rose centifolia absolute, and patchouli.” Yummm… Again, in today’s world, one is not enough!

TRACK 10: “Bizarre” (with Martin Garrix)

FASHION PICK: Ford Shelby Cobra Cap.
Madonna wedding gifted a 1968 Shelby Cobra car to ex-husband Sean Penn in 1985. Listen to “Bizarre” lyrics and it’s easy to speculate who the song is about. This tune calls for a bold print scarf tied like a babushka over the cap for the cool Car Girl vibe when you cruise Woodward Avenue or Sunset Boulevard or Ocean Drive.

TRACK 11: “School”

FASHION PICK: Frida Kahlo pouch.
Motha studies and writes idea post-it notes every day as part of her spiritual journey. She may also be Frida Kahlo’s biggest fan owning two original Kahlo paintings. So it makes sense to carry all that creative mojo in one package. The pouch reads: “I never painted my dreams; I only painted my own reality.”

TRACK 12: “Fragile”

FASHION PICK: Blond Ambition Tour Jacket
This track was written for her brother Christopher Ciccione who died of cancer in 2024. Among many other talents and services he provided, Christopher was the art director for the 1990 Blond Ambition tour. Bomber jackets never go out of style! Grab a pair of yellow barrel-leg pants or wide-leg sweats for a chic but comfy weekend fit.

TRACK 13: “My Sins Are My Savior” (with Stromae)

FASHION PICK: Corset Belts
Pink is the new black when it comes to corset belts. Metallics are a close second, if that’s your jam. Ladies with an attitude pair them with mini dresses and thigh highs like Motha wears on stage for C2. That may work for the techno dance floor at 1am, but you can still work corset belts into a day look with an over-sized button up or shirt dress like Pinterest fashionistas wear.

TRACK 14: “Betrayal”

FASHION PICK: Fire Horse Journal
The journal notebook is part of Herizon Music’s 2026 Fire Horse limited series Together We Ride. It’s a take on Herizon Music’s motto Together We Rise. “The Horse symbolizes freedom, vitality, and unstoppable drive. When combined with the Fire element, its energy becomes even more intense—fueling ambition, passion, and rapid change.” - Lisa Wu, If that doesn’t describe Motha’s resilience and persistence, what does? Carry it with your Frida Kahlo pouch.

TRACK 15: “The Test” (with Lola Leon)

FASHION PICK: Thigh-high stockings
Madonna and Lola both embrace fishnets in C2 videos— like mother like daughter. Pair them with your lace-up boots and a mini dress or hot pants (for you Gen Z’s, those are snug short-shorts). Chilly outside? Grab that bomber jacket!

TRACK 16: “L.E.S. Girl”
FASHION PICK: Denim vest and stacked bracelets
Young Lower Eastside Girl Madonna danced in denim. You can DIY her ripped sleeveless jacket or buy the classic look here. The white version will GLOW under black lights on a dance floor. Pair it with the iconic Madonna accessory: stacked rubber bracelets. Bring it to 2026 by mixing in motivational wristbands. Young ones: if you don’t have at least a dozen bracelets on your wrist, you’re doing it wrong.
Load ‘em up!

That’s a wrap on pairings, but WAIT! There’s more. Herizon Music merch was spotted in the wild…

Herizon Music Spotted In Greece

We can all agree! This Herizon Music hat is the perfect accessory for a day at the beech in Tinos, Greece. A big thanks to subscriber Myrsini for supporting women in music and sharing her photo. You can shop the hat and other merch here.

Do you have a pic featuring your Herizon Music swag? We’d love to feature it in the newsletter. Please send the image, your name, and where the photo was taken.

ICYMI

Like what you’re reading? Help Herizon Music continue its mission to spotlight women’s contributions to modern music. Where other publications have failed, you can help us succeed. Sharing articles like this one always helps the cause. If you want to level up your support, become a patron! Here’s how…

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With love and alien kitty space light,
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• New Release: Confessions II

• Roles and Revolutionary Missions

• Motha: The New Revolution Is On

• Read Madonna Part II Here: Pairing C2 Tracks With 16 “It” Picks!

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Madonna: Mother Is Back. Her Next Revolution Is On

Madonna.

What is the first thing you feel when you hear her name?

Euphoric? Strong? Understood? Free?

Angry? Disgusted? Defensive? Uncomfortable?

When you build a career and reputation on polarizing the public, you’re hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t have a visceral reaction to you. The Queen of Reinvention has gone out of her way to agitate the status quo since 1983. Which means Madonna has elated and/or pissed off just about everyone on the planet at one time or another.

Whether you love her or hate her (or perhaps both), you cannot deny that Madge has mastered the art of getting people to talk. That talk turns into action. In Madonna’s case, that action turns into social revolution. She assumes different roles that fit her revolutionary missions — and her missions don’t fade away. They stack.

Confessions II

Madonna’s next Revolution starts tomorrow, July 3rd, 2026 with the Confessions II album release. Acolytes like myself pre-ordered the swag and albums, viewed her promotional performances from Times Square to Paris, and play-and-repeated the two pre-release singles and Confessions II: The Film to a manic degree.

BROWSE MERCH

There’s so much to unpack that this is the first of two issues that will focus on Mother’s impact on the music industry and modern culture.

ROLE: SEXOLOGIST

Revolutionary Mission: Face off with traditionalists by giving us permission to talk about, experiment with, and behave as sexual beings without shame.

Dr. Lee Kinsey says sexologists “study sexuality comprehensively—from its biological foundation to its psychological and cultural influences.” Madonna conducts her studies in mass media:

• Sex (1992), New York Times best-selling coffee table book that was equated to porn by critics. Who noticed! Collectors dared not rip open the packaging for fear of devaluing the product. It’s now listed for $500-$1300 on eBay.

• Music videos: “Like A Virgin,” “Open Your Heart,” “Justify My Love,” “Erotica,” “Human Nature.”

• Films: Body of Evidence (1993) and Dangerous Game (1993) depicting sadomacism and dominatrix themes

• Mainstreaming safe sex for all and gay culture. Examples: same-sex kissing on stage (remember Britney and Christina?) and on video, AIDS awareness fundraisers, free condom and pamphlet access at shows, and gender-bending fashion.

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To think that it all began with her “Like A Virgin” live performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards performance (1984). It ended with sexual floor gyrations and an exposed ass. Her manager claimed her career was over as parents and the FCC went into “what about the children!” panic mode. It seems tame now because Madonna opened the door for “wardrobe malfunctions” like Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake staged at the Super Bowl in 2004. That, too, was an MTV production.

MTV initially banned “Justify My Love” for nudity, but reversed its stance. On ABC’s Nightline: Madonna criticized MTV and society for their hypocritical embrace of violence and degradation of women while at the same time censoring images of sex between consenting adults. (source: madonna.nl) The single hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

ROLE: ICONOCLAST

Revolutionary Mission: Use visual media to challenge religious and puritan ideals that maintain control over the masses and limit their freedoms. Prime examples:

• Music videos: “Like A Prayer,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Express Yourself,” “Live To Tell,” “Dark Ballet.” “Papa Don’t Preach” was surprisingly boycotted by Planned Parenthood for promoting teen pregnancy. Madonna told iHeart radio of the boycott: “I don’t get it. Everything I do is controversial. Nothing’s changed – I’m still in trouble.”

• Stage: Madonna hangs from a cross wearing a crown of thorns for the song “Live To Tell” on her 2006 Confessions tour.

• Met Gala Fashion: In 2018 Madonna donned a head-to-toe, no-skin Jean Paul Gaultier costume for the catholic Heavenly Bodies theme. In 2026, she dressed in a sea witch interpretation of Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony. Fragment II” with seven blindfolded ladies in waiting attending her for the gala’s Costume Art theme with designs inspired by artwork.

They say write what you know. Raised Catholic in an Italian family with the name Madonna (as was her late mother’s name), the artist boldly tackles religious norms and taboos with imagery. “Like A Prayer” (1989) features a black saint who comes to a woman’s aid after she’s assaulted by a white gang. He’s then wrongfully arrested for the crime. Then the burning crosses appear. Pepsi cancelled their contract with Madge and religious groups including the Vatican asked members to boycott her music and tour. MTV, however, doubled down and put the video in heavy rotation.

Once again, the Maverick led the way to other acts who used burning crosses to condemn White Supremacy: Rage Against The Machine “Killing In The Name,” LG Team Genius “Burning Cross’s,” and Kodak Black “Tunnel Vision.”

ROLE: MOTHER

Revolutionary Mission: Give a voice, resources, and care for people who are mistreated, unloved, forgotten, or maliciously ignored.

• AIDS patients. While most celebs turned a blind eye to “the gay plague,” Madonna visited hospital ward AIDS patients. Chatting, hugging and kissing them when no one else dared give physical comfort.

• Raising Malawi. Over 1,000,000 Malawi children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Madonna’s charity raised funds to build orphanages, hospitals, and schools for them. Donate here.

• Ray Of Light Foundation. Ray of Light Foundation supports organizations around the world working to promote peace, equal rights and education for all. Per the website:

“My Revolution has nothing to do with bloodshed or violence. It is a revolution where we support one another regardless of race, religion, or gender. A revolution that promotes peace and demands equality. I don’t accept injustice. And neither should you. I invite you all to join my Revolution of Love!”

Donate here.

• Motherhood. The icon who lost her mother at age five now has six children of her own. She is birth mother to Lourdes and Rocco and adoptive mother of David, Mercy, Stella and Estere (all born in Malawi).

Would Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Brandi Carlile have been able to use their celebrity to become rebellious “mothers” through music and deed if Madonna hadn’t already overcome government hurdles, accusations of charity for public optics, and insulting nicknames like The Whore of Babylon? These and other hardships shaped her vision of creating a more compassionate and just world as any mother would wish for her children.

If you haven’t watched this speech yet, now is the time. It’s a music history highlight.

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ROLE: MOTHA II

Now officially dubbed “Motha,” the Queen of Pop pre-released two singles “Bring Your Love” (feat. Sabrina Carpenter) and “I Feel So Free” to promote her new album Confessions II. Stuart Price joined as co-executive producer, bassist, drums, keyboards, engineering, programming, mixing, strings, and writing. Compared to Bob Dylan’s overt anti-establishment themes, Madonna’s titles and lyrics appear benign like so many pop tunes. But Motha is on a mission.

The Revolutionary Mission: Eradicate digital manipulation and human isolation through music and dance. The Pied Piper of 2026, Motha leads her children to a dance floor where physical movement and freedom of expression will save us all. Her inspiration came from family loss (her brother and step mother) and the power of the dance floor to heal. Read Interview Magazine for her candid, in-depth answers. One excerpt:

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In spite of the mission’s gravity, her sense of humor remains fully in tact. Motha’s promotional short film features creepy masked camera crews following her from a lonely apartment to a jumpin’ bathroom dance floor. Through car chases and a field of people shooting green lasers from their privates. Meanwhile, Motha is protected and guided by a bright alien vaginal light. That’s right, puss-ass lasers and an alien kitty space light. Is there some deep symbolic meaning? Ella Dorn solidly theorizes they are an extension of Madge’s Mother of Creation NFT series. This depiction is disarming and HILARIOUS. Madonna told Rolling Stone UK: “I really have to give credit to these guys in terms of visuals for each environment,” nodding to the TORSO directors. “Specifically, I never would have imagined lasers coming out of girls’ pussies. Honestly, I really wanted to try it, but apparently, you get quite hot.”

People are talking. ✅ Side thought: Madge has her eyes set on a biopic feature film or Netflix series, but I think her Oscar-worthy talents are in short film.

The film cameos are priceless— yes, we’re looking at you Benedict Cumberbatch, you dancin’ fool! Watch it here in all its glory.

The film features six songs from Confessions II, including

1. “Good for the Soul”

2. “One Step Away,” This is my favorite track in the film. One verse:

“Even in the shadows where there’s nowhere lеft to hide
Nighttime comes bеfore the dawn
Come and get salvation, all God’s children can be saved
We’re all waiting for our freedom”

3. “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter. When Motha says she has something she wants to talk about, The Machine gets justifiably nervous.

“I know where the bodies are buried Don’t try to shut me up
Don’t try to distract me with numbers
I did it all for love”

There’s a symbolic passing of the torch to Carpenter. It’s time for the next gen to lead with love and intention, not clicks and likes.

4. “Danceteria” - A tribute to the club and musical influences that launched Mother’s career. (Love the bathroom dryer reference.) The call to action: Everybody Get Up and Dance.

5. “Read My Lips” with Colombian superstar Feid. There’s a big reveal on this one!

6. “I Feel So Free” DJ’s are calling this the Song of The Summer. Credits roll longer than most feature films. What an undertaking!

The irony of using digital technology to cancel digital tech addiction does not escape anyone. The technology carries the message to audiences who can only be reached through it, but the message stands. Turn off the phones, forget the number of followers or clicks. Stop watching life on a screen and live it through physical movement and human touch. Break the algorithms, subvert AI. Change the rules! Find your own rhythm and share it with others. Leave thought control and isolation behind.

Gen X and Baby Boomers grew up on this metaphorical dance floor. We can do it again and show the younger generations how if we’re willing to sideline our online comfort zones and convenience. Meanwhile, we have Motha’s alien kitty space light leading the way.

One more thought: Marketing and PR companies may want to overhaul their client strategies ASAP. Because if history repeats itself, a new digital-to-dance revolution has already begun.

Madonna Part II: Pairing C2 tracks with 16 “It” Picks for Your Fit Pics!

Like what you’re reading? Help Herizon Music continue its mission to spotlight women’s contributions to modern music. Where other publications have failed, you can help us succeed. Sharing articles like this one works wonders and is FREE. If you want to level up your support, become a patron! Here’s how…

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Shop Herizon Music’s Itty Bitty Storefront

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Many thanks for championing women trailblazers and rising stars in the music industry.

Love and Light,
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• New Music videos from women (and duos!) you’ll love

• PRIDE v Proud

• How To Submit Your New Music for Consideration

Herizon Music only needs 58 subs/followers before we hit 3,000 fans. Research points to algorithms visibly hindering indie media growth in 2026 in favor of corporate media on all platforms including Substack. So, I’m appealing to real humans like you to reach our goal. Sharing articles like this one works wonders and is FREE. If you want to go all Beyoncé and level up your support, become a patron! Here’s how…

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Shop Herizon Music’s Itty Bitty Storefront

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar (or more!)

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

• Ask Thea about sponsoring the podcast, newsletter, and showcases.

Many thanks for championing women trailblazers and rising stars in the music industry. Let’s dive into our new music picks!

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New Music: Tank & The Bangas, Jessica Roch, RYAT, Phosphene, Anour

Tank And The Bangas, New Orleans
The Last Balloon (funky R&B with hip-hop flare)

The Last Balloon is Herizon Music’s standout album for Black Music Month 2026. Tarriona “Tank” Ball and Norman Spence have done NOLA proud since winning 2017’s NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. Collaborating with locals across all album tracks, TATB serves up a spicy genre gumbo: R&B, Afro Pop (Shirazee collaborating), funk, soul, and hip-hop. My dance floor banger as a recovering people pleaser: “Whole World.” Surprisingly, this GenX Deadhead keeps circling back to the tongue-in-cheek trap rap “No Invite,” which says a lot about TATB’s ability to attract diverse audiences. There is something for everyone, so give it a spin.

Listen on Qobuz

RYAT, New York
Pulse (experimental, beat couture)

Multimedia artist RYAT (Christina Teleaer) composes, produces, choreographs, directs, films, and dances through Pulse, her first avant-pop album since 2015. “Gone Gone Gone” is the single melding nature and physical human movement. But the track “End of the Road” captivated me sonically and visually. First performed on stage as a live improv, RYAT birthed a Black Mirror-esque video and composition that need to be experienced concurrently for the full tripped-out effect. Follow her on Substack.

Jessica Roch, England
“Par” (ambient)

My sunroom is morphing into an evening spiritual sanctuary. Music sister Myrsini intuitively gifted me an aurora borealis light that floats above tiny laser stars across the vaulted ceiling and mandala tapestry. Jessica Roch’s electronic instrumental “Par” expands her classically-trained piano and violin sensibilities to modern adult playscapes like mine. Thanks to Roch, my celestial nightly ritual turns troubles into space dust. Follow her on Substack.

Listen on Qobuz https://tidd.ly/4vijDpu

Phosphene, Portland
Velveteen (indie rock)

This is the fourth album for West Coast duo Rachel Frankel and Matt Hemmerich. In spite of leading piano interplay and Frankel’s legato timbre, guitar solos and prominent percussive work balance the feminine and masculine with a modern nod to 90’s indie rock stylings. They’ve quickly become MusicStack darlings for a reason. The single “Wire” is a college radio DJ’s “you heard it here first” hit. Fitting for two artists who met at San Francisco State University. Follow on Substack.

Listen on Qobuz: https://tidd.ly/4aUTRiP

Anour, Montreal
“Love Should Feel Good” (cinematic pop)

Picture it: a Netflix chick flick soundtrack where the heroine finally breaks her pattern of falling for the wrong guy again and again. Song credits include a team tied to Celine Dion— a cinematic pop role model if there ever was one. International roots (speaking French, Arabic, and English fluently) fashioned Anour into a musical and vocal chameleon that serves her aspirations well. “Love Should Feel Good” pairs perfectly with popcorn and a girls’ night limited series binge. Album release due out this August.

Listen on Qobuz

Proud v PRIDE

Herizon Music posted “Joan Jett’s Life Lessons For Stirring Up Good Trouble” for PRIDE month 2025. This year, it bears reposting as we continue to hear the argument that gay PRIDE is a deadly sin. Like Inigo Montoya famously stated in the classic fairytale film The Princess Bride:

Paraphrasing my thoughts from the article, PRIDE Month serves as a reminder that we need women in music representing all walks of life, of all ages, all colors, all socio-economic backgrounds to give us courage. To provide comfort and understanding when family or community fall woefully short or are downright cruel. One song or speech could make the difference between a person moving forward or giving up.

I am a Gen X hetero woman who celebrates diversity because it makes us all better humans and spiritual beings. Loving and respecting your neighbor is the right thing to do. Hard stop.

PRIDE reminds people that love and freedom to love transcends the chains of oppression. When people use religious scripture to condemn the PRIDE movement, I ask: Who are you or I to judge others based on a sense of moral superiority? That mentality is the definition of sinful pride. PRIDE month destroys sinful pride in a colorful celebration of equality not superiority.

I featured the article “The Deadly Sin of Pride” by Dr. Paul Sands (Associate Professor of Theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) as a thought-provoking essay on pride. Since then, Baylor has removed the article and Dr. Sands is no longer a professor at Baylor. Thankfully, you can read it at StudyLib.net.

Let’s wrap up with PRIDE articles from MusicStackers.

Hunter Kelly / Untethered Southerner

The Pride Month Anthem for These F*cked Up Times 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Singer/songwriter Rae Isla has been holding down the queer Americana scene in Los Angeles for several years now, and she’s just delivered the perfect anthem for this fucked up, beautiful, and very necessary Pride Month. And she’s not doing it alone…

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2 months ago · 5 likes · Hunter Kelly

hankycode

A Sapphic Soirée with Molly Grace

Just a few hours after the Knicks’ historic NBA Finals win, Molly Grace stepped on stage at Purgatory in Brooklyn as part of her Pride Month series, Lovergirls: A Sapphic Soirée. The crowd was electric, singing and dancing to Molly Grace’s signature pop funk style. The perfect end for a very exciting day for New Yorkers…

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a month ago · 10 likes · Rebecca

Tracy E. Gilchrist

Ariana Grande's Brighter Days Ahead Foundation will protect trans and LGBTQ+ rights

Just as her Eternal Sunshine world tour kicked off and an imminent album drop for Petal, LGBTQ+ ally and icon Ariana Grande is doubling down on supporting LGBTQ+ people. The Wicked star has launched a foundation to benefit trans and queer causes. The Brighter Days Ahead Foundation will support the community through four funds supporting the various need…

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a month ago · 7 likes · Tracy E. Gilchrist

Level Ground

21 Rainbow Recordings

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a month ago · 1 like · C.S.R. Calloway and Level Ground

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars. Love and light to you.
Thea 🎶❤️💛💚🖤🏳️‍🌈

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Now, let’s get back to the main event!

Avery Anna: ACM Winner Testifies

Aging is not for the weak. One day your “internal age” is 32. The next day your body screams, “Try this 57-year-old health crisis on for size!”

Reality check: I am a shadow of my 32 year-old rock star self. It’s horrifying. Especially when there are MRI’s and medicinal side effects to back it up. That’s my 2026 story since January.

Let’s set the scene… Unable to properly move my limbs and immune compromised with steroid “moon pie” face, this party girl has felt trapped and scared and not pretty or empowered at all. When you’re that sick, the few random good days are spent recovering from the many bad days. Plans are canceled or forgotten… repeatedly. Guilt sets in. Emotions run amok. In my case, the word “unhinged” comes to mind.

Steroid-induced sleepless nights and anaphylactic reactions to antibiotics and all FOOD scrambled what was left of my brain. While my central nervous system buzzed, the focus required for writing articles or producing new podcasts/showcases proved elusive at best.

My phone and earbuds became conduits to impulsive, 3 am fashion purchases on Instagram, most later returned. Then came Speed Music Video Dating. An artist’s single had ~45 seconds to impress me enough to advance to my Qobuz library for consideration. Fail, and I scrolled to the next video or reel without pause or remorse. Eat your heart out Simon Cowell. Yes, I’ll be a judge on your next soul-crushing talent competition if you need me.

My cruel game screeched to a halt in March when music review duo Terry & Kaniyia’s reel popped up:

Stop the press!!! (Do people still say that or even know what it means?) Avery Anna’s light broke through my pre-dawn mania like a beacon with her Prince of Darkness tribute “No More Tears.” Anna performed this live version in spite of her band laughing at the idea. Ozzy Osbourne’s song is older than most of her fans and off brand from her country/americana stylings. The gamble paid off. “No More Tears” became the public herald to her next musical evolution.

Anna’s catalog is the journey of a young woman finding her voice, purpose, and higher power. The stylistic transition from 2022’s EP Mood Swings to her 2025 album Let Go Letters and 2026 EP forgive, forget. takes fans from country teen musings to rawkin’ crossover anthems and introspective themes. She bravely bucks Nashville formulas and themes without apology.

Optimistic for a full recovery, I bought tix for Anna’s May 9th Grand Rapids show at the Intersection. Miraculously, my health was stable enough to hobble to her show. Eight days later, she won the ACM New Female Artist Of The Year Award.

Anna’s performance sparked a series of epiphanies.

Fans are avid.

From start to finish, the audience sang along and danced to every song. Clearly, I was late to the fan girl party. Most surprising was how many Gen Exers attended this 22 year-old’s show. Some were admittedly chaperones, but many were there for the experience. Her alter ego Little Debbie performing “Ice Ice Baby” with show opener Ashley Anne again gave nod to retro grooves that satisfied fans young and old.

Self-Worth is the central theme.

This is where Anna really shines. Anna’s songs preach standing your ground, speaking your mind, and following your instincts when facing negative social pressures. These self-proclaimed life lessons belie her youth, which is why they are relatable to a wide age spectrum. They also touch upon accountability in a way that country music has traditionally ignored. “Boys will be boys” is not an acceptable excuse for gaslighting, violence, shaming, and cheating on women in Anna’s world. And that’s a message that fans are embracing in a world desperately in need of honesty. Let’s explore, shall we?

Narcissist
Boy behaves badly. You call him on it. He says you're crazy and overreacting.

Mr. Predictable
You ignore your instincts and forgive boy who behaved badly. You catch him doing it again with “just friends” Scarlet. This is when the rage unleashes (minute 1:26 of the music video to be exact). Soak it up!

Vanilla
Boy pushes girl to go all the way in his car. Girl regrets it immediately and is changed forever. Warning from Anna: saying “no” doesn’t make you vanilla. The Urban Dictionary defines vanilla as "a member of the boring sexual majority.”

Skinny
Girl laments her appearance and suffers the extremes she will go to for perceived physical perfection. No more need be said.

Grave
Girl musters the courage to leave a violent relationship and promises not to take her secret to the grave. Video ends by revealing that one in four women experience domestic violence in their lives. Most never report it.

Follow Avery on Qobuz

The Grace of Letting Go

Avery Anna testified in Grand Rapids, and it shook me. She took a few minutes to get vulnerable about a dark time she experienced and how she finally handed her problems and worries over to God. She found “letting go” brought her much needed peace.

I’m no churchy la femme, but her message hit home. After a year of ups and downs, it’s time a let go of what people may think and explain my health struggles in more than cryptic flybys.

Meet Bob.

In May 2025, I opted for a Gamma Knife treatment that uses pointed lasers of radiation to “kill” a tumor I call Bob. While the tumor indeed started to calcify and shows signs of death (yay!) the radiation caused the tumor to “leak” fluids that then caused swelling (boo!). This edema is so close to my brain’s cortex that it affects my mobility and fogs my brain. Losing movement in half my body and experiencing my first seizure was quite frightening.

To date, steroids and anti-seizure meds have minimized the symptoms. But the long-term side effects are harsh, emotionally and physically. My face and body are swollen and red.— I’ve gained almost 30 lbs. Numbers, dates, and general scheduling gets jumbled no matter how many times I check for accuracy. My immune system is compromised and unexplained anaphylactic food responses have appeared that require daily allergy meds and the occasional shot. When weened off the steroids in April, all my immobility symptoms returned so I’m back on them. Currently, I take a total of 16 prescriptions and supplements to keep me functional.

My sparkling outlook sunk to the lowest of my lifetime. Avery Anna’s advice of letting go has been instrumental in realizing that trying to control something I cannot only makes things worse. That doesn’t mean giving up or doing nothing. It means accepting that not everything is going to turn out as planned. It’s really damn hard, especially when so many setbacks and disappointments have chipped away at my hope and confidence. Spontaneous tears are frequent as are fits of anger. So I ask in my hour of need: What Would Dolly Do?

Yikes, it’s a good thing there isn’t a mental dress code. What I do know: My body is my friend and is working hard to protect me and do what it can to recover. Nurturing it and giving it the love and rest it needs is what I do have control over. Now, I’ve adjusted my diet, started therapy, and slowed my roll with gentle exercises and plenty of horizontal time. Thank God for the support of my family who have been caring for me daily— especially my husband and mom.

Upon finishing this article, I’m preparing for a 12-week treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I’ll receive four IV drips to dry up the leaky fluid over that period, which will in turn reduce the swelling and get my mobility and immune system back in sync.

I plan to listen to Avery Anna’s catalog, breathe deep, and let go of expectations as much as possible while connected to the drip. Even this old dog can discover new talent, learn new tricks, and even take advice from a young pup. Life lessons to live by.

Love and light to you,
Thea

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Katherine Lee Bates: How the U.S. Snubbed a Woman’s Home-Grown National Anthem

National Anthems have been front and center in 2026.

Global citizens felt Olympic pride as the Milano Cortina 2026 winter games unfolded. Medal counts, new world records, technical innovations, and the occasional controversy kept us engaged as 2900 athletes from 92 countries compete in 116 medal events. The ceremonial medal presentations and winners’ national anthems always choke me up.

Here is figure skater and U.S. sweetheart Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal ceremony with the “Star Spangled Banner” (start at 6:45 minute mark to skip straight to the anthem).

Of course, there were the Super Bowl LX’s uplifting renditions of Charlie Puth’s “Star Spangled Banner” and the mighty Brandi Carlile’s “America The Beautiful,” the U.S. unofficial national anthem, if you will.

MLive posted this touching article about Grand Rapids’ “No Kings” protest sing along that warmed my heart. They sang 18 songs, including “America The Beautiful.”

Approximately 192-200 official national anthems are currently recognized and played at international sporting events per various sources in Google search results. My team of researchers, Lucy and Ricardo, reviewed 193 UN members and two recognized independent nations (Palestine and Vatican City)1 and their official anthems’ composers and lyricists.

Only eight official national anthems credit a woman as composer and/or lyricist. They include:

The U.S. Could Have Been The First

France kicked off the “official” anthem trend in 1795 when women’s contributions to such endeavors were not allowed or frowned upon. However, over 230 years later with gads of map and sovereign and social shifts, you’d think we’d see the needle move at least a smidge on this front. Hope trickles eternal.

Austria was the first to adopt an anthem with a female credit in 1946. The U.S. had its chance to be the first in 1931 but blew it. President Herbert Hoover was pressured to designate an anthem with a shortlist of options, including “America The Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Francis Scott Key’s poem for “The Star-Spangled Banner” was set to “To Anacreon in Heaven,” an 18th-century English men’s amateur music club song penned by John Stafford Smith with lyrics later added by Ralph Tomlinson.2

The anthem’s origin controversy caused quite a national stir from Americans who said it was symbolically inappropriate and not home grown. Many advocated for “America The Beautiful,” which was written by two U.S. citizens. But according to Hoover archives, Congress lobbied hard for the final choice, and today we all sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at baseball games. March 3rd officially became National Anthem Day.

The Woman Behind “America The Beautiful”

“America The Beautiful” is as homegrown as it gets. Wellesley College professor Katherine Lee Bates penned the lyrics in 1893 upon first witnessing Colorado’s Pikes Peak grandeur. The lyrics later paired with New Jersey’s Samuel A. Ward’s “Materna,” shortly after Ward’s death. Bates and Ward never met, yet the resulting “America The Beautiful” became their shared legacy.

Bates Graduated from Wellesley College with a BA and later an MA. She was known for incorporating poor and working class female characters into her books and poetry (popularizing St. Nick’s wife Mrs. Claus) as a way to teach social reform.3 “While Bates was initially surprised by the poem’s success, she later reflected that its enduring “hold as it has upon our people, is clearly due to the fact that Americans are at heart idealists, with a fundamental faith in human brotherhood.”4 - source

Lyrics

Bates copyrighted and authorized people to use this version:

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Celebrating “America The Beautiful” Today

Fire Horse Brandi Carlile’s 2026 SB performance and her personal take on ATB’s spirit of the US as an imperfect but aspirational beacon of light inspired this Herizon Music spotlight. I’ll leave you with these videos and an invitation to comment on what ATB means to you personally.

Leave a comment

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Together We Rise,

Thea ❤️🧡💛

👇🏻 Video podcast link below 👇🏻

Welcome to another episode of Herizon Music: The Podcast. Today’s guest comes to us from England. Her new book From Seattle To The System: Grunge As Political Expression is drawn from a thesis she completed at York St. John University where she is a PhD researcher in American History and Sociomusicology.

She’s also a fan of film and photography with a short documentary interview series called Close Focus and posts her music films and photography online.

She’s no stranger to Herizon Music, as we discussed the effects of celebrity political endorsements just before the 2024 U.S. Presidential election.

She’s our favorite musicology political buff and music Substacker, I’m thrilled to welcome Sintija Brence!

In This Episode

• Why she pursued socio-musicology studies and the grunge genre in particular

• Definition of grunge and why its political roots began in Seattle

• Music censorship as a bi-partisan issue

• The woman who had the most influence on the male-dominated genre

• Music as a means to oppress or liberate people through history

Plus, Sintija’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!

Leave a comment

Recorded in October 2025.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
If you’d like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.

Guest Links

Buy Sintija Brence’s book
Website
Instagram

Show Credits

Guest: Sintija Brence
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Thea Wood

Together We Rise!

Please help us champion female trailblazers and rising stars in the music industry. Proceeds go toward podcast, newsletter, and artist showcase production costs. If these text links do not work for you, visit this page and scroll to the bottom

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She’s also a fan of film and photography with a short documentary interview series called Close Focus and posts her music films and photography online.

She’s no stranger to Herizon Music, as we discussed the effects of celebrity political endorsements just before the 2024 U.S. Presidential election.

She’s a favorite musicology political buff and music Substacker, I’m thrilled to welcome Sintija Brence!

In This Episode

• Why she pursued socio musicology studies and the grunge genre in particular

• Definition of grunge and why its political roots began in Seattle

• Music censorship as a bi-partisan issue

• The woman who had the most influence on the male-dominated genre

• Music as a means to oppress or liberate people through history

Plus, Sintija’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!

Recorded in October 2025.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
If you’d like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.

Guest Links

Buy Sintija Brence’s book
Website
Instagram

Show Credits

Guest: Sintija Brence
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Thea Wood

Watch The Video Now!

Paid subscribers get exclusive access to our Video Vault. If a picture is worth a thousand words, video is priceless! Become a paying subscriber today.

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Listen to the audio version from our website or on your favorite podcast platform.

👇🏻Watch the video podcast here 👇🏻

Read more

• Spotlight: All Things Considered & Charlie xcx

• Spotlight: The Romantasy - The Grief That Shapes Us: A Reader Dedication

• Spotlight: Five For Friday - Guess The Theme!

• Spotlight: Chelsey Coy “Sync Licensing 101”

• New Music Videos: Thao, Vitamin String Quartet

• Upcoming Events

Herizon Music Mashup: Romantasy Music Craze

Welcome to the Romantasy Music Craze Mashup issue! This Mashup draft didn’t start as a Romantasy-themed issue. Yet, the Divine FemiNINE stepped in and willed it through seemingly unconnected roots that bloomed into this metaphorical Garden of Eden. Who am I not to heed the call?

For music fans not familiar with this multi-media entertainment genre, indie author and illustrator Angeline Trevena’s article “Five Common Elements of A Romantasy” offers a quick summary. While “Romantasy” may be a pop culture buzzword, the storylines originate from fairy tales of yore. Disney made billions from their historical magic kingdoms.

Publishers, Hollywood, streaming services, and now record labels are milking Jack’s cash cow. The genre dominates the adult fiction book market with a 40% year-over-year growth rate. That does not include subsidiary rights like merchandising, gaming, or movie/series revenue.

Detroit punk/garage/goth fan and personal friend “Riley” turned me onto the genre last year with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “starter” series Ash and Blood. An easy sell since my binge history includes True Blood, Twilight, Penny Dreadful, Vampire Diaries, Lucifer… Point made.

Female-centric fans connect on social (BookTok leading the charge), then meet up at local venues, adopt the fashion, buy the merch, and curate the soundtracks. Big fandom, big bucks.

SPOTLIGHTS

All Things Considered

Which brings us to NPR’s All Things Considered segment featuring host Juana Summers and iconic (and my favorite) music critic Ann Powers discussing music’s growing influence on romantasy/romance fans. The jumping point: Charli xcx’s Wuthering Heights soundtrack album for the 2026 feature film starring Margot Robbie released on Valentine’s Day.

Let’s hit “pause” for a moment. Emily Brontés’s Wuthering Heights is a savage revenge novel akin to Dante Alighieri’s Inferno or the softer Alexander Dumas’s the Count of Monte Cristo. How do we idly accept the plot as a romance? Perhaps Hollywood’s machine cast a curse convincing us that weaponizing sexual violence and control = love and romance (sub-category Dark Romance). Charli xcx’s single “Chains of Love” lyrics and video are submitted to the court as evidence.

Leave a comment

I’m glad Riley started me out with Blood & Ash, where heroine “Poppy” and her true love Hawke develop a sensually intense yet playful Fire Horse romance that battles evil forces.

Just announced: Sony picked up the Blood & Ash series for TV production! What I wouldn’t do to be on the Music Supervisor’s team for this baby. Anyone have a lead for me?

The Grief That Shapes Us: A Reader Dedication

“The Grief That Shapes Us: How Sarah J. Maas writes healing into Romantasy” is a heartfelt and relatable read. The Romantasy and Tara Green dedicate it to a reader who recently lost a loved one. Maas’s characters remind us that healing is never easy, but we can move forward while carrying our grief. Pair with Mary Gauthier’s “Till I See You Again.”

Five For Friday - Guess The Theme!

Music Stacker Emm As In Music publishes Five For Friday, a playlist-themed series. In this playlist, Emm has to guess the veiled common thread that collaborator Kirstin DeMarr’s chose for her five songs. It fits perfectly with our Romantasy theme. Click here to play!

Chelsea Coy & “Sync Licensing 101”

All you indie songwriters may want to pitch your music for a series or any sync opportunities that generate more revenue than a lifetime of Spotify streams. Chelsea Coy was the special speaker at Herizon Music’s off-SXSW event in 2024. It’s a PACKED hour of everything you need to know to prep and submit your music correctly for consideration.

NEW MUSIC

Thao

From Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles to HBO’s True Blood to The CW’s The Originals, I think we can safely claim New Orleans as the epicenter of U.S. romantasy. Thao released the music video “Remember Me” from short indie film Amongst The Disquiet. The Cajun Catholic Eucharistic Procession on the bayou and spirit warding in crypt cemeteries is just what the witch doctor ordered. (Thank you for introducing me to Thao!)

Vitamin String Quartet, Los Angeles

Vitamin String Quartet is a revolving group of classical musicians who have released over 300 classical renditions of popular music.

Bridgerton (Netflix) paints a fanciful world where characters of all stations, colors, and ages may climb their way into masquerade balls and royal courts. Season 4’s Cinderella theme with VSQ’s rendition of Paramore’s “All I Wanted” sets the mood for a happily ever after. This ensemble features violinist/composer/arranger Rachel Grace.

Are you a female or female-fronted act releasing new music? Submit the following info for consideration:
Artist Name
Contact Name (if different)
Contact email address
Link to YouTube video for the single; audio-only videos are fine
Link to website

Poll Time!

Substack has character limits on poll answers, so here’s a detailed listing.

“A Thousand Years” (Christina Perri), Twilight
”Temptation Waits” (Garbage), Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel
”Never Let Me Go” (Florence + The Machine), The Vampire Diaries
”All I Wanted” (Vitamin String Quartet), Bridgerton

Itty Bitty Merch Store

The results are in and the Herizon Music Can Cooler was last month’s most popular merch. Maybe because you can personalize it with your name for FREE. Get yours and one for your music friends today!

GET YOUR COOLER

EVENTS (click orange or underlined text)

• Coffee & Cassettes Radio Series Debut. Mixed tape DJ extraordinaire Joi invited Herizon Music’s host Thea Wood (me) to be the premiere episode guest. It’s an eclectic curation of classic icons and indie artists with the story behind each.

• Wavemakers Learning Series, April 10th. “Alchemy, Systems, and the Art of the Fan Funnel with Ali Holder” covers how to build a high-level narrative using tools like Substack, how to automate the “boring stuff” with AI and Brand Briefs, and how to own your audience through smart email funnels.

• Sintija Brence Herizon Music Podcast Interview, April 16th-ish. Author and PhD Researcher of American Protest Music and Sociomusicology, Sintija Brence talks the politics of Grunge for Herizon Music fans.

• BMI Composer Lab Grant, April 24th deadline. Apply for the 9-day online workshop, followed by a 10-day intensive in Los Angeles, CA.

• Disney Sync Opp, July 2026. Get a head start on this golden opportunity. Details posted on Instagram by Valentina Reynolds.

Welcome to our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars! More ways you can help us champion women in music:

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Shop Herizon Music’s Itty Bitty Storefront

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar (or more!)

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

• Ask Thea about sponsoring the podcast or showcases.

Together We Rise,
Thea ❤️🧡💛

Subscribe now

In this Herizon Music debut Artist Showcase, Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Caroline in the Garden performs music from her March 20, 2026 album release Act Two and chats with host Thea Wood about her own second-act journey.

*Recorded live in 2025

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Meet Caroline In The Garden

• Caroline shares the story behind her stage name

• Caroline’s “Garden Philosophy” and overcoming fear

• Musical influences and Caroline’s unique song DNA

• The “Late Bloomer” discusses why she shifted to her songwriting and creative passions at age 39 after a successful legal career

Featured Songs, Act Two

Caroline performs three piano tunes from her new album Act Two (links below):

• “Push Through”: Inspired by the resilience in a music industry that doesn’t play nice.

• “Mine”: A song about the courage to express oneself and reclaim personal power.

• “The Dentist Chair”: A snappy cabaret tune with a scary metaphor and laser focus.

Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music Artist Showcase guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.

Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, a Qobuz Associate. We receive a commission for every user who signs up for a free trial of one month or makes a purchase in the download store.

Guest Links

• Artist Website: CarolineInTheGarden.com (Sign up for a free song).

• Substack: Kinda Conquering Creative Fear with Caroline

• Qobuz: Add Caroline In The Garden To Your Library

Credits

• Guest: Caroline in the Garden

• Host: Thea Wood

• Production: Thea Wood, Bianca Garcia

Browse articles, podcasts, mashups, and more from Herizon Music.

Ways to Champion Women Through Herizon Music

1. Become a Patron and sponsor evergreen artist showcases, newsletters, or podcast. This is the long-term, high-impact way you or your business can champion women in the music industry and the issues that affect them. Request a rate card, email herizonmusic@substack.com.

2. Choose a discounted Substack subscription or leave a one-time tip.

3. Shop Herizon Music’s Itty Bitty Storefront.

4. Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a commission on purchases at no cost to you).

If you’d like to reproduce this Artist Showcase or a portion of the showcase or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.

• Women’s Music History Month Spotlight

• Herizon Music’s Itty-Bitty Storefront

• Podcast: Kalamazoo Gals (revisited)

• New Music Videos

• Upcoming Events

Herizon Music Mashup: Women’s [Music] History Month

Women’s Music History Month Spotlight

Spotlights include works from a variety of music media journalists, photographers, authors, and artists. Please follow them and forward to like-minded music fans. Sharing is caring!

Music journalist Ellen from Endwell takes us back to the 1960s with this diverse yet united cast of leading ladies.

Rock 'n' Roll with Me

1964 hits by Dionne Warwick, Cilla Black, Marianne Faithfull, The Supremes, Shirley Bassey, Martha and the Vandellas, Sandie Shaw, and Petula Clark

Welcome, everyone, to the first post in my new series spinning and showcasing the hits of the wildest decade in music, 1964 to 1974…

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5 months ago · 44 likes · 51 comments · Ellen from Endwell

Music photo journalist, author, and music media veteran Theresa Kereakes exposes a living snapshot of punk’s late Michelle Meyers.

This one may seem off track… until Jameela Jamil hits you one more time with the Britney Spears Rolling Stone cover. Music media is not immune to the dark side of The Force.

A Low Desire To Please with Jameela Jamil

Ah shit! We let pedophiles decide our beauty standards.

Post the release of the harrowing Epstein files, and the powerful men in media and fashion, considered possible accomplices, it feels fair to say this with more gusto…

Read more

5 months ago · 8960 likes · 614 comments · Jameela Jamil

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Herizon Music’s Itty-Bitty Storefront!

This may just be the most itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-yellow-polka-dot-bikini storefront launch in music history. Four products make their debut. Two are exclusively for our Fire Horses with the motto “Together We Ride” (inspired by Herizon Music’s “Together We Rise” motto and the 2026 Year Of The Fire Horse zodiac issue). After endlessly browsing local bookstores for a Fire Horse themed journal, it occurred to me: design your own! The badass t-shirt is a natural complement and looks/feels really good on (tip: size up this stretchy, women’s tee). Inspiration unbridled! 🔥🔥🔥

Writing the music-centric product descriptions was a blast. Surprisingly, I gave myself a “4-star” review when my personalized cooler sleeve arrived and I was less than thrilled with the font and placement. That has since been beautified. Best part? You can print your name on the cooler sleeve at no additional charge. Personalize sleeves for you and your friends as pre-show trading gifts! There are big plans for this tiny storefront. If you have a music-related retail product or service offers that Herizon Music fans should know about, drop me a line. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements. Meanwhile, always support your local music scene and…

SHOP IT

Podcast: Kalamazoo Gals (ICYMI)

Author, attorney, musician and life-long music history buff John Thomas appeared as the first male guest on the Herizon Music podcast with the backstory behind his book Kalamazoo Gals. It reveals the almost-lost history of women who produced Gibson Guitars during World War II and is a must-listen for Women In [Music] History Month.

New Music Videos

Just a few weeks ago, Herizon Music spotlighted cigar box guitarist, singer songwriter Bear Ryan’s single “Mississippi Mornings” as an essential soundtrack to the modern American Gothic Reckoning now upon us (here’s the music video and writeup), The LP Low & Slow just released and hot damn, it tastes good. This is “Bad Old Man” featuring legendary Chicago blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite. Listen to the whole LP on Youtube.

Substack’s music stackers recognize Ririverse as a force in our community. Her single “HUMANS” released three months ago, so “new” is discretionary. The song is a Night Tapes cover (2023), a successful UK/Estonian soundscape dream pop trio. Why spotlight this song now? Because it’s a rarity when a cover enchants the listener better than the original thanks to an angelic vocal performance.

Upcoming Events

Artist Showcase w/ Caroline In The Garden (March 12-ish)

During Covid, Herizon Music developed an Artist Showcase video series to connect music fans with indie artists during lockdown. But who needs a lockdown to meet artists and enjoy a short set from the comfort of your favorite couch or coffee shop? Music stacker, songwriter, musician, producer Caroline In The Garden (Caroline Milby) will be the first featured artist for the first of many Artist Showcases planned for 2026. Just in time for her debut album Act Two, scheduled for an April 2026 release.

Send Bel and Quinn to the Dakar Music Expo (March 26-29)

Montreal-based sister duo Bel & Quinn are invited to participate in Senegal’s African music festival Dakar Music Expo (akin to the U.S. SXSW Music Fest). A major honor! The catch: artists must bear travel expenses. Fans are raising the funds to get them center stage where they belong. The duo is only 20% away from their goal! The lineup announcement is March 11th.Let’s make sure they meet their goal and hit the stage.

Go Fund Bel & Quinn

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars! More ways to support our work in spotlighting women in music:

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Shop Herizon Music’s Itty Bitty Storefront

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar (or more!)

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

• Ask Thea about sponsoring the podcast or showcases

Together We Rise,
Thea ❤️🧡💛

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• Black History Month: Release The Fire Horses!

• Freedom Songs Playlist on Qobuz

• Music Stackers Recommendations

• BHM Music Article Recommendations

If you see orange text, it is a link to another page or site. Click away!

Quick note: Herizon Music just paid almost $700 on annual production tools and music licensing fees. It’s a legal and moral commitment to the artists and businesses that provide Herizon Music what it needs to spotlight women in music and the issues that affect them. If you are able, any monetary gift is greatly appreciated!

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar (or more!)

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

• Ask Thea about sponsoring the podcast or showcases

BHM 2026: Release The Fire Horses Already!

HM embraces Black women’s contributions to modern music as we enter not only Black History Month (BHM), but also the Chinese zodiac Year of The Fire Horse on February 17th.

Last year was Year of The Snake, the sixth zodiac sign. “The Year of the Snake is far more than just one of the twelve zodiac signs. Its symbolism of ‘rebirth and renewal’ and ‘bearing fruit’ connects it to profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The snake’s ability to shed its skin and grow reminds us of the importance of embracing new challenges and changes without fear.” - Yukari Yamano, Events Coordinator at the Seattle Japanese Garden.

Doesn’t that sound quaint. I’ll give Yamano this, there was definitely a lot of renewal and upheaval in 2025. Metaphorically, it felt like we were yanked from a warm womb by sterile rubber-clad hands into an cold fluorescent room, dangled upside down by the ankle and smacked on the ass until we screamed in pain for an audience of masked strangers.

Birth is a miracle, but romantic or safe or peaceful it is not.

As the Snake year progressed, it culminated into widespread violence, fear, and sadness for too many of our sisters and brothers. It sucked and continues to suck. The sloughed off scales can rot in the cellar’s darkest corner where they belong as far as I’m concerned.

If we view our raw newborn skin as a beginning, the scientific Theory of Chaos counter-balances the woo-woo astrology transition effortlessly. Jump to Wikipedia for the rabbit hole, but this statement stands out:

Think: The Butterfly Effect. For our sporting friends, it’s a golf swing where a one-millimeter stroke differential can mean the difference between a sand trap or a hole in one, all other things considered equal.

Enter The Fire Horse

This is where hope springs eternal for unexpected trajectories. Each Chinese zodiac animal has five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood) so there are in fact five horses mixed with other animal signs within the 60-year zodiac calendar span. February 17th ushers in the Year of The Fire Horse (Hinoe Uma), the first since 1966. People, especially women, born that year were deemed “bad personalities,” according to writer Aonghas Crowe, who elaborates:

“The superstition is even less flattering for women born in that year: the Japanese believe that women born in the Year of the Fire Horse are so headstrong that they will end up driving their husbands to an early grave, a concern widespread enough that the birth rate actually plummeted in Japan in 1966.”

The fear. The loathing. The utter bullshit.

If there has ever been a need for Fire Horse women, it is NOW. Not to send men’s egos to early graves. We need our Fire Horses to blaze a more wild yet compassionate trajectory for us all— escaping the tightening bridle of systemic fear and control on our greatest form of freedom: self-expression through music and art.

This month, Herizon Music celebrates the American demographic that historically personifies the Fire Horse spirit. Black women in music. A short but mighty Fire Horse list:

Harriett Tubman used coded gospel music to help free slaves.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s guitar thundered like a freedom train through Northern and Southern emancipation.

Josephine Baker’s singing career and fame in Paris enabled her to gather information from German, Italian, and Japanese officials at social gatherings and report it to the French Resistance and London’s M16 during WWII. (Thanks to Nick Cascino for suggesting Baker for this list.)

Nina Simone’s unapologetic songwriting and fashion statements fueled civil rights leaders who faced beatings and murder. Read here about Simone finding purpose in her music.

Beyoncé stood up to corporate and societal winds to reclaim Black women’s disappearing country and Americana musical heritage.

This shortlist doesn’t do women’s work nearly enough justice, but the list grows daily. Modern women’s recordings, Substacks, stage productions, awards speeches, nonprofits, and financial investments are the backbone of today’s American Gothic reckoning.

Black women do all of this knowing that the system is rigged against them. That everything and everyone they love can be snatched away in a heartbeat. They step up anyway. These women are FIRE and inspire others to light their inner sparks.

JUST IN: NEW FIRE HORSE TEE & JOURNAL

In honor of our Fire Horses, Herizon Music just launched a limited-time exclusive Fire Horse t-shirt and journal for unbridled inspiration. “Together We Ride” is the motto, based on Herizon Music’s motto “Together We Rise.”

SHOP FIRE HORSES

Freedom Songs 2.026

Listen here with Qobuz.
Rather than call this Qobuz playlist Protest Songs, I chose Freedom Songs to show what we stand FOR rather than against. The 50+ songs span multiple genres, eras, and female artists of all ages and colors. Share your suggestions in the comments! New to Qobuz? Click here for a 30-day trial. If you decide to sign up, Herizon Music earns a commission that goes toward production costs. Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

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Music Stackers Recommendations

While Herizon Music has a broad recommendations list, this short list introduces you to music Substackers of color who spotlight women in music. It’s far from complete (apologies to writers whom I unwittingly missed in my haste), so please add your suggestions and Substack links in the comments for other readers.

• Danyel Smith, Shine Brightly HQ

• Harmony Holiday, Black Music & Muses

• Aisha, Black Music Be Everywhere

• Carmelia, The Coldest Truth

• Stanley C., If You’re Ever Listening

• Natelegé Whaley, Scene Serene

• Shanté, Things I Collected

BHM Music Reading Recommendations

I love a good learning moment! Here are recent music stacks that capture 2026 BHM’s musical spirit and recognize the contributions black women have and continue to make in music history.

Black Music and Black Muses

To the Music Industry in Crisis

Watching the 2026 Grammys was not unlike watching one of the many pseudo-intellectual race-horror films of the post Get Out era, except the victims of this script were already dead and the gore came in the form of “tribute.” As the Bible instructs, let the dead bury the dead…

Read more

6 months ago · 145 likes · 25 comments · Harmony Holiday

Black Music Be Everywhere

Do The Thing Anyway: The Journey of an Artist

Part 1 On a chilly night in December, a friend and I attended a Black Nerd Mafia event in my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Black Nerd Mafia creates events that center the creative and educational experiences of Black folks. Their events are gathering spaces for authors, …

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6 months ago · 3 likes · 2 comments · Aisha

wordsworthesq

Roberta Flack and the uncanny magic of First Take

In the summer of 1968, Roberta Flack approached the Washington, D.C., board of education with a request: Could she take a second job…

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6 months ago · 29 likes · 13 comments · wordsworthesq

DANYEL'S SHINE BRIGHT HQ

strange fruit is in season

It’s hot-hot in Los Angeles and on the Central California coast this week. After the long recent rains when the damp set in and kept me sleepy and swaddled, the sun is breathing life back into my bones. This week you can smell the strawberries turning red. Feel your skin browning and your hair going coppery or blonde. Farmworkers brave brutal raids so we can eat berries and guacamole. They’re in bandanas and ball caps, straw hats and sweatbands, listening to…

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6 months ago · 18 likes · 2 comments · Danyel Smith

Rare Groove Productions

A Beautiful Noise

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6 months ago · 27 likes · 12 comments · Tamara Casey

The Music History Club

The Sunday Round-Up: 2nd-8th Feb (Looking Back on TLC's 'No Scrubs')

Looking Back on TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ (released on 2nd February 1999…

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6 months ago · 13 likes · 1 comment · The Music History Club

Best Music of All Time

“Control” by Janet Jackson

This album review celebrates the 40th anniversary of one of R&B and hip-hop’s most enduring influences…

Read more

6 months ago · 24 likes · 8 comments · Matt Fish

Let’s all join forces and collectively swing open the fence gates so Fire Horses (of all colors, genders, ages) can blaze a new trail. Black History Month is a great time to get on board. A few “Good Trouble” starters to get your inner Fire Horse dancing are listed here. If you like what you see and hear, please support Herizon Music in one of the following ways:

• Become a paid subscriber: only $12 for 12 months!

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

• Ask about sponsoring an upcoming podcast or showcase

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!
❤️🧡💛

It’s a wrap,
Thea 🎶

If you use this link to sign up, Herizon Music will receive a nominal fee that helps keep the newsletter and podcast in production. You’ll get a FREE 30-day trial and four membership plans to choose from with no long-term commitment.

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New Music: Bear Ryan

Single, “Mississippi Mornings” (swampy delta blues)

This is the second single from Bear Ryan’s upcoming LP Low & Slow releasing February 17, 2026. Backed by The Delta Snakes, “Mississippi Mornings” is a stripped down delta blues tune that belies her usual swamp rock and Texas outlaw influences. Though she assures fans that the LP delivers a pace that will rattle your snake cage a bit. Bear’s live video performance of the LP’s first single “I Am The Weather” at Austin’s acclaimed Saxon Pub showcases Bear’s high energy, boot-tappin’ signature sound. See the video below. 👇🏻

I’ve closely followed Bear’s social posts sampling snippets of the LP’s recording sessions scheduled between her Clarksdale barbershop shifts. You know, the place where locals gather and casually pull out an instrument between stories to strum through the thick Mississippi morning air… exchanging nods as a #2 clipper buzzes along with the ever-present cicada choir. The traditional hub of neighborhood culture dating back to the blues’ infancy. Bear Ryan ditched the Austin, Texas manic music hustle to live and wax poetic in Clarksdale. It was a stroke of creative enrichment if her new music is the litmus test.

Bear’s band The Delta Snakes are guitarist and partner Ryan Robertson, guitarist Guitar Frenchie, and drummer “BE.” Robertson is Delta Avenue Guitars’ luthier who builds Bear’s stringed instruments, with a heavy emphasis on cigar box guitars.

Cigar boxes are packaging popularized by need in 1862 due to a U.S. government excise tax on tobacco that required stamped and sealed boxes to prove a retailer paid the required fee. Professionally constructed instruments were far too expensive for musicians (especially Black artists) at the time, so ingenuity resulted in repurposing these “trash” cedar boxes for guitars, banjos, ukeleles, and violins. Here’s a more detailed history if you’d like to take a deep dive.

When you look up cigar box guitar legends, listings don’t include women, as referenced here, but consistently list Blind Willie Johnson, Bo Diddley, and Lightning Hopkins as pioneers. If Google search results are any indication, the most recognized female cigar box guitarist is Kansas City native Samantha Fish who started playing one publicly in ~2012. That’s a lot of cigar box guitar history with little public female recognition. There must be more who deserve credit. If you know of female pioneers from the 19th and 20th centuries, leave their names and helpful links/videos in the comments so I can update this post!

Leave a comment

Back to “Mississippi Mornings” and why Bear’s stylistic adaptation is more relevant than meets the ear. Bear’s cigar box guitar picking and steady yet cutting vocals drop you squarely into the deep south’s spiritual crossroads. Her contemplative yet simple lyrics dusted in struggles of reconciling inner demons, desires, generational traditions, and God’s undisclosed game plan. The stripped down production mirrors modern American Gothic and southern pop culture spiritual phenoms like the award-winning 2025 horror movie Sinners (which raked in over 60 award nominations), my own guilty pleasure series “Supernatural” that ran for 15 seasons on The WB, and 2021’s creepy Netflix mini-series “Midnight Mass.”

Akin to these themes, Americans nationwide now find ourselves in a real-world American Gothic reckoning. Forcing our collective hands to stand strong and face the wind, or timidly spectate from the sidelines, or get the hell outta Dodge. No matter your choice, forces at work will incite social and spiritual upheaval.

So, what’s a woman to do when dawn brings the taxman, temptation, guilt, oppression, or a sense of nothing left to lose? When you’re in the “buckle of the Bible Belt” with a monkey on your back, you may just haul ass before the sun rises. With your cigar box guitar locked and loaded in the backseat.

Just announced: “Mississippi Mornings” landed Bear Ryan 2nd place in the New Orleans International Cigar Box Guitar Playoffs. Here is a link to her submission video.

Visit BearRyanMusic.com for upcoming show dates and music sales.

Follow Bear Ryan on Qobuz.

Scroll down for more music videos, podcast episodes, and articles.

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!

Thea 🎶
❤️🧡💛🚺

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More from Herizon Music

This is my first publication of 2026. It’s been hard to find my voice and organize my thoughts when friends, family, and neighbors suffer and fear for their safety. With personal health issues and family loss in 2025, it feels like I’m emotionally pulled in 10 directions simultaneously.

This morning I woke up and realized that PURPOSE is the antidote for feeling stuck or hopeless or overwhelmed or angry. Who is feeling all that right now? Am I alone here?!?

Enter the power of music. Poetic tales, thundering rhythms, celestial harmonies, and soaring solos can convey what’s in your heart in a way that you may not be able to express. We need our Freedom Songs now more than ever. My purpose today is to pay tribute to past and current artists who have put purpose above greed, peer pressure, security, and adoration. For this white suburban GenExer, that starts with Nina Simone.

Ways you can support Herizon Music’s mission to spotlight women’s contributions to music and the issues that affect them. Click orange or underlined text links.

• Become a paid subscriber: $12 for 12 months!

• Drop $2 in the coffee can tip jar

• Buy a gift sub for a friend

• Sign up for Qobuz using this link (HM earns a small commission)

Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Nina Simone: “Voice of The Civil Rights Movement”

Musicians have always played a role in anti-establishment movements through song. Nina Simone, aka The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement, opened my eyes in so many ways to the struggles and history of oppression in our country when I read her autobiography I Put A Spell On You while researching my upcoming activity and coloring book First Ladies of Music.

Below is an excerpt from my book, so the words are fashioned for teen readers (but music lovers of all ages can appreciate the message). It is based on what I learned about Miss Nina’s unexpected introduction to and eventual public role in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and her friendships with Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders is a shining example of how music helps movements gain traction and incite change.

Birth name: Eunice Waymon

Born: 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina

The Girl: A child prodigy who often felt lonely

The Woman: The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement

Super Power

By age three, Miss Nina could play songs on the piano just by hearing them. This is called absolute or perfect pitch.

HerStory

Miss Nina spent all her time practicing piano and studying at school so she could become a professional concert pianist. This left little time to make friends, especially because other kids didn’t share or understand her super power. Even after becoming a world-famous singer/musician with a husband and child, Miss Nina still didn’t feel like she fit in or that her music served a purpose.

Life Changer

Performer and international activist Miriam Makeba introduced Nina to the Civil Rights Movement. Miss Nina began fusing her classical/jazz/folk songs with soulful lyrics that reflected the times and struggles of women and African Americans. Not only did she form a strong circle of friends with a shared purpose, Miss Nina became known as “The Voice of The Civil Rights Movement.” One of those friends was Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Why? (The King of Love is Dead)” was written by bassist Gene Taylor and was first performed on stage three days after MLK’s death.

Scroll down for music videos covering Simone’s music from Brittany Howard, Lauren Hill, Berklee Black Lives Matter, Cynthia Erivo, Molly (and guests) and Debo Ray that you do not want to miss!

You can learn more about the hardships Miss Nina faced personally and professionally as a black woman and artist in this Hidden Tracks article.

Read More Here

What Is Your Favorite Freedom Song?

Help Herizon Music build its new “Freedom Songs 2.026” playlist on Qobuz. List the female or female-fronted act’s name and the freedom/civil rights song title in the comments, and I’ll add it to the list. Rock, country, gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, hip hop, punk, techno, pop… all genres are welcomed.

Here is a link to the playlist to get your creative juices and suggestions flowing. Your song suggestions can help others (including me!) cope with the emotional toll of social unrest and find renewed purpose, starting today. Add your faves to the comments, my goal is 50 songs.

Leave a comment

If you haven’t tried Qobuz yet, I highly recommend it. I love it so much I applied to be an affiliate and they approved Herizon Music. With this link, you can get a 30-day trial. If you decide to sign up, Herizon Music earns a nominal fee. It helps keep our mission on track: spotlighting women’s contributions to music and promoting gender equity.

Try Qobuz for FREE

Feeling inspired? I am, thank the music gods. Please invite others to join our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars. Together, we RISE!

❤️🧡💛
Thea 🎶

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Inside This Issue

• Giving Season for Music Fans

• Thea’s Tune Tag Challenge

• B-bye Spotify, Hello Qobuz!

• ICYMI

Orange text signifies a link to another page or site. Click away!

If the spirit moves you, please help Herizon Music continue to share the stories of women in music and the issues that affect them. Enjoy our special discount offer of only $12 for 12 months for an upgraded subscription! Or drop us a holiday tip starting at $2. Any and all gifts are greatly appreciated. 💛🧡❤️

$12 for 12 Months

Holiday Tip

Giving Tuesday for Music Fans

Your inbox may be flooded with solicitations from charities on this Giving Tuesday 2025. Giving Tuesday was created in the spirit of everyone choosing a charity that is near and dear to their hearts (or discovering a new one!) and donating money to the cause.

If you’re a music lover and haven’t already donated to an organization, here are music-related nonprofits that Herizon Music supports. IMHO, these causes deliver the most bang for their buck to music makers who need it most. Your donations are appreciated any time of year, but especially now as orgs budget for 2026.

MusiCares

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of ALL music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.

I personally know musicians who have directly benefitted from their services — from displaced victims of the California wildfires to guitarists who needed hand surgery. As a member of the Recording Academy, part of Herizon Music’s dues go toward the cause. Recipients do not need to be Recording Academy members to qualify.

For more information please visit: www.musicares.org

DONATE TO MUSICARES

Girls Rock Camp Alliance

Girls Rock Camp Alliance programs are located in cities worldwide with year-long programming. Their mission: fostering creative expression, positive self-esteem and community awareness for girls, women, gender expansive, and transgender youth and adults through social justice and music education, activism, and performance. Kids 8 - 17 years in age consider this a life-changing program. Herizon Music has partnered with and fundraised for these camps before. See a Girls Rock concert and you’ll get why my heart grew three sizes that year. Here is a 2019 video featuring Izzy Jane from when Herizon Music (then a foundation) fundraised for Girls Rock.

This year, I’m donating to the Girls Rock Detroit chapter as my local charity choice. Find a city that has special meaning for you and donate today!

DONATE TO GIRLS ROCK

Soundgirls.org

This international nonprofit was founded in 2013 by veteran live sound engineers Karrie Keyes (Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Neil Young) and Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato (Indigo Girls, Jewel, Gwen Stefani, Ke$ha, Mr. Big, Melissa Etheridge, Goo Goo Dolls). Their mission: to create a supportive community for women in audio and music production, providing the tools, knowledge, and support to further their careers.

What I love about this group is that women of all ages and backgrounds benefit from networking, educational programs, and big discounts on industry products and services. Only three to five percent of working audio engineers are women, so let’s give them a leg up!

DONATE TO SOUNDGIRLS.ORG

TUNE TAG CHALLENGE!

Musicstacker Brad Kyle of FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE challenged me to a game of Tune Tag. It’s like one-degree of separation between songs, each of us had to name a song that was somehow linked to the previous song. Of course, ours featured a lot of women and unexpectedly turned into a duet theme. The music videos are amazeballs! Brad has hosted gads of these and the reviews are in for ours, the 120th tune tag:

✨@Mark Nash said: “Wow, what an absolutely BRILLIANT Tune Tag this was! Some stunning and legendary female voices included here.”

✨@Andres chimed in with, “I don’t exaggerate when I say this is probably my favourite Tune Tag. Ever.”

✨@Tamara Casey echoed, “I just knew this was going to be amazing and it did not disappoint.”

✨@Chris Bro added, “So so good. Might be my favorite!🎸🤘👊”

✨@Kristin DeMarr sang her praises: “The duets!! Incredible! This was such a great Tune Tag!! Thea is a treasure!”

✨ @NickS (WA) was wowed: “I knew it would be good, but I wasn’t sure that it would be transcendent. But it completely won me over!”

Front Row & Backstage

Tune Tag #120 with Thea Wood of Herizon Music: Sonny & Cher, Maxine Weldon, Rita Coolidge, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Delaney & Bonnie, Al Jarreau

Well, somebody’s got the Tune Tag zoomies…

Read more

8 months ago · 46 likes · 83 comments · Brad Kyle and Thea Wood

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B-bye Spotify, Hello Qobuz!

Herizon Music made the decision to ditch Spotify as its streaming service for a number of reasons.

If YOU want to make a change and want to help Herizon Music, consider French streaming service Qobuz. We’ve become a fan and an affiliate (meaning Herizon Music gets a small commission if you use our link).

PCMagazine gave some great reasons to try Qobuz here. They state that offering only paid subs was a “con,” but I consider it a pro for people who really love music and want to support artists. Artists get paid more than Apple Music and the sound quality is superior. They heavily promote original editorial content and human-generated playlists. That’s a win in my book.

There are Solo, Duo, Family, and Student rates available. This link also gets you one FREE month to try the service. So… why not give it a shot?

TRY QOBUZ

ICYMI

🎧 The Kalamazoo Gals’ Almost Forgotten Story

🤓 Uncharted Territory: Book Preview and Sexism in Music By The Numbers

🎸 Is It Power Pop? Thea’s Top Picks (as contributing author to Remember The Lightning)

Like what you see? Subscribe for FREE or upgrade to a paid sub. Only $12 for 12 months! You can also drop a holiday cheer tip starting at $2!

$12 for 12 Months

Holiday Tip

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!
💛🧡❤️

It’s a wrap!
Thea 🎶

As talented and innovative and exhilarating as Ozzy was as a heavy metal entertainer and songwriter, we have to give credit where credit is due.

Sharon Osbourne made Ozzy, The Prince of Darkness, a household name.

Hidden Tracks: Sharon Osbourne

This Hidden Track reveals the lengths to which Sharon was willing to go to ensure all of us would know The Great Ozz. After reading her first autobiography Extreme (2006), I venture to say there is no other person on this planet who would have invested or endured so much for what many might call a broken soul.

The book is a fast and fascinating read. Sharon’s king-maker story will be met with claims that Ozzy’s talent alone would have made him a superstar. Maybe this hidden track will broaden that perception as we explore some examples of Sharon’s faith, grit, and business sense took Ozzy to metal stardom and beyond.

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This writing includes accounts of domestic violence, addiction, and death. If you live in an unsafe situation or struggle with addiction or mental illness, contact one of these organizations today. Yes, today.

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
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Some Background on Sharon Osbourne

Let’s start with Sharon’s background story to set the scene.

Sharon is the daughter of famous (or infamous depending on your outlook) music manager/agent Don Arden. He represented Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Air Supply, Small Faces, The Move, Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra, and more. Arden cheated most of his clients and associates out of earnings and got his way in the industry through intimidation and outright violence. Example: Arden hired mobsters to attend business meetings to scare the shit out of people.

Arden wasn’t much different at home. If Sharon or her brother misbehaved as kids, punishment was severe and often violent. One example from her book: “Bad days were when I’d be put in the coalhole, which was like a horrible underground cupboard off Nigel’s bedroom. Coal still got stored in there—delivered down a chute from the street—and whenever my brother or I misbehaved, my parents would lock us in there for what seemed like forever, but was probably only an hour or an hour and a half. ” Arden’s mean streak made Sharon not only extremely conscious of how to interact with him and other adults, but also made her tough and not afraid of a fight as an adult.

Sharon signed personal and professional financial contracts for her father per his demands. If a loan or deal went belly up, she was on the hook for it instead of Arden. As a result she found herself in debt quite frequently because her dad was a business man who lost money hand over fist. This held her financially hostage to her father for many years. Even after she disassociated herself from him. The silver lining is that she learned how to communicate with and handle bankers, businessmen, managers, artists, etc.

At age 17, Sharon worked at Arden’s office where she first met his prospective clients Black Sabbath. Neither Sharon or Ozzy paid much attention to each other. The band signed with Arden in 1979. That’s where this hidden track begins.

Shortly after signing with Arden, Black Sabbath kicked Ozzy out of the band due to…

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John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals’ Almost Forgotten Story

This is an historic episode of Herizon Music. For the first time since launching in 2019, I am interviewing a MAN on the podcast. And I cannot think of any other man I would rather have than today’s guest.

We met at an “off” SXSW event hosted by Texchromosome in 2022. He held a World War II era acoustic Gibson guitar and was talking about his new book Kalamazoo Gals. Come to find out, he has unearthed an incredible almost-forgotten history about the women who stepped in and crafted Gibson guitars while the men in their lives were at war. These guitars are considered some of the finest ever made by Gibson.

It was a five-year journey of research, conversations, and travel. The story is so remarkable, it’s become a documentary that won Best Short Documentary awards at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and Red Dirt Film Festival. And there are more festivals screening the film in 2025.

He’s an author, a musician, an attorney, a law professor, an avid cyclist, and a champion of women in music.

Meet John Thomas! (Documentary trailer below)

In This Episode

• How John Thomas stumbled upon the photo that revealed Gibson’s female workforce during WWII.

• The scientific proof that these “Banner” wartime guitars were the finest craftsmanship that Gibson has produced and why.

• The stories of three surviving Gibson workers whom John interviewed for the book and new documentary.

• How Gibson’s reaction to the book has evolved over the years (a rollercoaster ride).

Plus, John’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!

This episode was recorded in April 2025.

Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.

Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Buy John Thomas’s Kalamazoo Gals here on Amazon.

Kalamazoo Gals Website & Social Links

Documentary Trailer

Credits

Guest: John Thomas
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Thea Wood

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Uncharted Territory: Book Preview and Sexism in Music By The Numbers

Chris Dalla Riva’s new book Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us about the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves (Bloomsbury Publishing) officially launches November 13, 2025. Music geeks are already pre-ordering the book and buying tickets for the book’s launch party in Hoboken, NJ. You can do both right here.

Chris gave me a sneak peek at some chart trends for women in music. This infographic immediately caught my eye and served as the springboard for our short but info-packed Q&A. Let’s dive in…

THEA: Motown Records was the driving force behind Black artists achieving more #1 hits than any other time previous to the 1960s. Half of Motown’s chart-topping acts at the time were women. I don’t know of any other label today that can make that claim. What was Motown’s secret sauce for churning out #1 female acts?

CHRIS: I think part of it was the times and part of it was Motown itself. Leading up to the early 1960s, girl groups were having a huge moment. (Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz detail this in their incredible book, But Will You Love Me Tomorrow? An Oral History of the ’60s Girl Groups.) Of course, vocal groups made up entirely of women were not new (e.g, The Andrews Sisters, The Chordettes), but this was a distinct phenomenon that melded close harmonies with rhythm and blues arrangements, as demonstrated by groups like The Bobbettes and The Chantels. Berry Gordy, the ever astute businessman, was very much following this trend.

At the same time, for an industry dominated by men, Motown had a large group of women making decisions from the outset. As I noted in my book, “[Gordy’s] four sisters and then-wife worked in notable roles at the company, and certain departments—like quality control, the department that selected which recordings to release—were headed by women.” I believe that the inclusion of women in decision-making roles helped foster women’s careers behind the microphone at Motown.

THEA: I’m also convinced that the label’s “Finishing School” expert Maxine Powell played a significant role in women’s success during the ‘60s. Television appearances were becoming a big boon for rising stars and having the right style, grooming, and communication skills made great first impressions on national broadcasts. MTV took it to another level when it launched. Do you see visual technological shifts contributing to women’s success when you look at the charts and trends?

CHRIS: I think you are onto something as Motown was especially cognizant of image. In fact, you’ll notice that some early Motown covers don’t even show the artists for fear that white Americans wouldn’t listen if they knew the artists were Black.

Image became more important with the proliferation of television. That importance only grew with the rise of MTV. I wouldn’t go so far as to claim that women only found chart success because image was more important. But we certainly see women pushing their art visually in the second half of the 20th century in ways that were not feasible in the first half.

THEA: What is a “topliner” and why do women get siloed into this role vs. other creative roles like music production or composition?

CHRIS: Historically, songwriting duos divided their labor between music and lyrics. Someone wrote the chords and the melody. Another person set that melody to words. This describes many duos in the early- to mid-20th century, including George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and Burt Bacharach and various lyricists.

This setup slowly broke down during the last few decades of the 20th century and eventually gave way to something called “track-and-hook.” Under this paradigm, you had a producer making chords and beats. Then a topliner would come in to do the vocal melody and lyrics. In the contemporary songwriting process, you are more likely to see women in toplining roles rather than producer roles. In fact, when I spoke to Bonnie McKee last year, she noted, “I’m producing now, but there is still an assumption that because I’m a woman that I’m only there to write a topline.”

In Chapter 11 of my book, I trace this to long-running stereotypes that deem women fit to interpret songs but not create them. Over the last few hundred years, “interpreting” usually meant singing. While toplining does involve composing, it is largely focused on vocal melodies. Thus, it makes sense that women are often siloed to the roles given how historically they were often siloed to singing roles.

THEA: In your book, you mention Kesha’s decade-long legal battles with producer Dr. Luke for alleged sexual assault and verbal abuse. Numbers vary depending on the source, but a 2018 survey by the Music Industry Research Association revealed that nearly 70% of women in the industry had experienced some form of sexual harassment; almost 50% do not report it and many who do say they are ignored or black listed. In your opinion, how can we make music-related careers safer for women?

CHRIS: Obviously, this issue is not exclusive to the music industry, so solving it in music likely requires larger systemic changes. Still, I feel like one of music’s issues is that it operates outside the strictures of normal 9-to-5 employment. Hours are not only irregular, but you learn your craft more in an apprentice model. Because the field was historically dominated by men, many of those mentor roles are still held by men. I think generational turnover is going to do much good for the industry as more women have slowly come into power. If you are a young woman, you will likely have the option to work with and learn from women going forward. I think having more women present in studios will lead to safer spaces.

Of course, that likely isn’t enough to correct all abuses. And I sadly don’t have a panacea to resolve everything. In the book, I am mostly highlighting an issue that I saw appear in the data rather than prescribing a solution. That felt a bit outside my area of expertise. But I think the last decade has shown that men can suffer consequences for their actions. My hope is that seeing those consequences inspires women to keep speaking up and teaches young men that that behavior is unacceptable. Clearly, there’s still a lot of work to be done.

Buy your copy of Uncharted Territory here.

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!

Until next time, it’s a wrap! 🎶

Thea Wood and Chris Dalla Riva

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Herizon Music’s New Releases: September 2025

Steel Gemini, Texas

“Legendary Man” (single, synth pop)

Synth-pop artist Steel Gemini’s (Joy Baldwin) new album Legendary is a heartfelt tribute to Austin icons The Reivers’ 1985 album Translate Slowly. Baldwin’s version does the music proud with her modern interpretation. The love song “Legendary Man” hints at psychotic tendencies with thoughts of drowning and strangling their object of affection. Maybe it’s a fine-line parasocial song like The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” Draw your own conclusions. That said, the promotional pink cassette tape is a conversation starter and pays homage to the ‘80s Pretty-In-Pink vibe. OMG, is Duckie the legendary man?!?

Katie McTigue, California

Pacing (album, pop culture punk)

Pop-culture humor mixed with low-tech punk sensibilities make Katie McTigue’s Pl*net F*tness project a worthy track-flicking romp. I suspect McTigue is a lyrical genius impersonating an everyday Jo(sephine). The short “disclaimer” may be the most revealing and tempting opening track ever recorded in 1 minute and 10 seconds. The whole album is icing on the cake.

Abigayle Oakley, Las Vegas/Nashville

“Hazel Eyed Lover in Patagonia” feat. jed and the valentine (single, folk)

Calling all you campers, hikers and tired rockstars! Abigayle Oakley’s self-released single is a folk ditty that kisses ‘90s indie college station DJ’s. This is the get-back-to-nature anthem for Gen Z’s who are ready for a more meaningful connection with people and nature than an app could ever simulate.

Eva Pagán, New York City

“Til I Die” (single, electro-pop)

Switching the channel for all you Spanglish electronic fans. Eva Pagàn released a club banger about love at first sight with “Til I Die.” Jaded chicks like me know that new relationship fireworks fizzle out before the Grim Reaper comes knocking, but I sure do love the electrified optimism!

Estani, Texas

“Para Que Recordar” (single, conjunto)

Wavemakers Women In Music grant winner Estani Frizell covers just about every Latin genre you can think of. The traditional single “Para Que Recordar” pays homage to her conjunto songstress grandmother. Estani’s new album Tu De Mi Te Acordarás (You Will Remember Me) even features short narratives from her abuela about each song. It’s a 5-margarita rating!

Trousdale, California

Growing Pains, (album, pop)

The Trousdale trio includes SoCal composers/singers Georgia Greene (pianist), Lauren Jones (singer/songwriter), and Quinn D'Andrea (classical pianist)
Ever break up with someone because they just couldn’t get their shit together? Then a miracle occurs and he/she is bragging about how they’re living their best life, achieving all their goals, and blissfully happy and attractive to everyone? I just learned these confused people are called fantasists, and “Over and Over” is for them.

Share-Worthy Headlines from Music Stackers

Herizon Music hosts the newsletter and podcast on Substack, a platform designed for writers. The music writers (a.k.a. music stackers) have nurtured a strong and growing community of writers AND fans that is unmatched in how they support each other. Their expertise, essays, discoveries, and opinions cross my feed daily. Here are some noteworthy headlines.

New Bands for Old Heads

The Musician vs. The Fan

Nobody is immune to parasocial relationships…

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a year ago · 62 likes · 18 comments · Gabbie and Queen Kwong

Letter from Laurel Canyon

'No Head, No Backstage Pass'

From Starship to limo to hotel suite, when you’re a 1970s rock star, all the world’s your personal backstage. Which, as day follows night, gives rise to the backstage pass, ending whatever pretext of…

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a year ago · 25 likes · 8 comments · Letter from Laurel Canyon

Media Room - The Arts in Real Life

Live Interview With Buffalo Philharmonic Music Director JoAnn Falletta

Thank you to JoAnn Falletta and everyone who tuned into my live video…

Listen now

a year ago · 2 likes · 2 comments · Frank Housh and JoAnn Falletta

Remember The Lightning

Is It Power Pop?!

This is a guest post series about power pop featuring some of my favorite music writers. We’ll be sharing a new installment every few weeks or so (while supplies last). Full series here…

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a year ago · 39 likes · 31 comments

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Tits Out: Kesha Waves Her Freedom Flag

Kesha’s Tits Out tour hit North America this year in support of her new album .(Period). It’s the first release on her own Kesha Records label, and she’s celebrating a new sense of freedom given her decade-long legal trouble with her former label and producer.

You’d have to be pretty distanced from pop music to not know Kesha or heard her chart-topping hits like “Tik Tok,” “Praying,” and “Take It Off.” She’s been on my radar for years, but I’m unfamiliar with most of her work. Scroll to the bottom for music videos for her new music.

This is not a concert review, as I feel unqualified to write one. It’s a herald to the message behind the music and the tour.

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The Scissor Sisters Reunited

So, why was I chomping at the bit for tickets for Kesha’s show? Because one of my favorite acts, The Scissor Sisters, reunited to share the bill. The sisters broke up, or took a hiatus depending on the interview and source, in 2012 after “Let’s Have A Kiki” hit #1 on Billboard’s Dance charts and 10 years of recording and touring. The band decided to end on a high note.

The last time I saw them was 2011 at Stubb’s outdoor stage in Austin, TX on a rare headlining gig right after they opened for Lady Gaga’s tour. Their brand of rainbow pop rock (is that a genre yet? if not, I’m coining it), costuming, high energy, and sheer joy set the tone for an extended dance party. The crowd shook their asses off, and when the band asked everyone to put their phones away and live in the moment for just a few minutes, everyone miraculously complied.

Today, my GBF Dan and I both agreed that we were so blessed to catch this electric musical experience before they hung up their microphones.

I never dreamed they would get back together again.

So here I was 14 years later with husband in tow, ready to relive the glory at Pine Knob Music Theater in Michigan. And they didn’t disappoint. The trio Jake Shears, Baby Daddy and Del Marquis are the band’s heart and soul, with drummers Connor Irias and Randy Schrager, and powerhouse vocalists/dancers Amber Martin and Bridget Barkin rounding out the cast of characters. The set dazzled with risqué costuming and campy theatrics (giant boobs were tits out!), high energy dance moves, and colorful humor deeper than an ocean of Skittles.

They scratched my itch with two faves “Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”

My emotions got the better of me when they busted out George Michael’s “Freedom” with singers Martin and Bridget joining Shears. My phone cam is crap but I caught some of it here on the jumbo screen while wiping tears from my face.

The song hits home in today’s political climate, where individuality is suffocating under political ideology. In fact, we saw a masked man standing defiantly at Pine Knob’s entrance waving a “Trump” flag - a symbol of oppression for many Kesha fans. His tiny flag paled in comparison to the night’s in-your-face symbolism of freedom and joy.

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6 Ways Kesha Heralds Her New Freedom

Which leads us to the main attraction: Kesha and the tour’s “Freedom” theme. There is a lot for the 38-year-old singer/songwriter to celebrate, and she’s making sure her independence is clear. Her message resonates with fans if the packed venue and record sales are any indication.

1. Her new album .(Period) was released on July 4th, 2025. Independence Day, baby! It debuted at No. 1 on Top Album Sales, Vinyl Albums & Top Dance Albums charts, per Billboard. This gives hope for other artists considering a switch from major label to indie status.

2. “Tits Out” as a tour theme is about sexual freedom and self-expression. “The most political thing we can do right now is love. Love ourselves and love each other,” Kesha wrote in a press release. “Americans need to have more safe, consensual sex. Our administration is so disembodied and disconnected. I’m going TITS OUT this summer to bring as much safety, fun, acceptance, love, connection, and celebration to this country because we are just as much the fabric of this FREE nation as anyone else.”

3. The album was released on her own Kesha Records label. She was the executive producer with the freedom to write and record without being forced to release music for a label that employed her accused abuser.

Kesha spent the better part of a decade pretty miserable as she battled for her freedom from Kemosabe Records’ contract. Here is a link to NPR’s summary of their legal battle centered around sexual and emotional abuse charges against her former producer Lukasz Gottwald, a.k.a. Dr. Luke. He also employed the moniker Tyson Trax, as Doja Cat's producer on "Say So” in 2019.

Finally free from Kemosabe Records' contract forcing her to work under the same roof (and sometimes same studio) with Dr. Luke during litigation, Kesha is once again an indie artist who released .(Period) on her own label. If the full house at Pine Knob was any indication, successfully touring as an indie artist is 100% feasible. That’s good news for all of us. 

You can buy her digital album here for only $7.99 and CD here for $13.98.

4. The album’s opening track is titled “Freedom” with the opening lyrics:

Freedom
I've been waiting for you
Everything's changed now
We haven't talked for a while

5. Kesha is taking a cue from Taylor Swift’s playbook and is re-recording songs produced by Dr. Luke from her first two albums. She announced that she is performing them for the first time in 13 years on this tour.

6. The decapitated mannequin head. Kesha opened the show with her biggest hit “Tik Tok” carrying a bloody head by the hair that resembled herself from 2010. Throwing away the head by the song’s end effectively symbolized the messy cutting of ties with her past. The visual was jarring and creepy, as her battle with the label and producer must have felt like for so many years.

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Kesha’s New Music Videos

Let’s wrap this up with new music videos.

Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!

Thea ❤️🧡💛🎶