Happy International Women’s day!

It’s International Women’s day and there’s some incredible female musical talent out there, some that gets the recognition it deserves; some that we feel doesn’t always.

In keeping with the day, we thought we’d take the time to shine a spotlight on some of the insanely good talent that’s joining us so far at Y Not this year. We’ve also made a playlist full of all their wonders that you should definitely check out – there’s something for every mood.

• Jade Bird

Firstly, it’s been a while since we’ve heard a voice like Jades. Her songs are impressionable, powerful and they’re everything that our inner voice has been crying out for. She’s been working on her 2017 EP ‘Something American’ for the majority of her life and you can honestly tell. So come July, when you want a cold cider, a sit down and to listen to some melodic beauty make sure you check out Jade Bird.

• Ibibio Sound Machine

Possibly one of the best DJ / live music collectives around. Fronted by the extremely powerful Eno Williams, Ibibio Sound Machine is a weird but amazing mix of West African Funk, Post-Punk and Modern Electro. William’s mother’s native tongue was Ibibo – hence the name. Check them out if you need some serious Funk in your life (we all do)

• The Orielles

This trio is made up of sisters Esmé Dee and Sidonie B Hand-Halford, who met guitarist Henry Carlyle Wade at a house party, clicked, and formed a band the following day. Their surf-chic sound is magnetic and addictive. Their song ‘Let Your Dogtooth Grow’ is probably what we all need to hear right now. For a fun care free vibe, make sure to check them out.

• Anteros

Anteros played at one of our Y Not Charity gigs and honestly we fell in love. Lead singer Laura Hayden is all things a frontwoman should be. Confident, passionate, engaging and someone you could just watch all day. Plus they seem like they’re just really having fun on stage and there’s really nothing better than that. Inspired by icons like Blondie, No Doubt, The Cure and The Cardigans you know that they’re going far. Make sure to check them out!

• Nelson Can

Nelson Can is a Danish female trio, with a range of powerful songs. Founded in 2011, they’ve taken an unconventional approach to get what they want – storming the music industry head on. Which I think we can all take something from. As three head-strong young women, they epitomise what it means to be bold and are a force to be reckoned with. Make sure you check them out – you’ll get all the feels during their set!

• Lady Leshurr

A couple of years ago, Lady Leshurr took over the internet with her series “The Queen’s Speech” and honestly we haven’t been the same since. Her witty, confrontational rhymes are the sass we all need in our lives and she filmed them all in one take. If that’s not unreal talent I honestly don’t know what is. Find me someone as good. She literally is dominating the UK garage and grime scene.

• Lucy Spraggan

Of course I had to talk about Lucy Spraggan. Our local girls and all around star is witty, funny and smart. Her pop anthems are no less. ‘We Are’ is deep, personable and sometimes it’s what we all need to relate too. Then her song ‘Last Night’ is also creepily relatable too… or is that just me?

There are also some more hugely talented female musicians joining us at Y Not. Don’t miss Nadia Rose, Estrons, Anavae, Bryde and more… tell you what. We made a playlist of them, so check it out here!

There may even be a few more to announce…

Happy International Women’s Day.

Love Y Not x