Celebrating women and their contributions to music is something that we do all the time but with today being International Women’s Day it’s even more important to shine the spotlight on this amazing group of artists, sisters, daughters and mothers. This week we have some incredible new music from some incredible women. We have a single 14 years in the making from one of country music’s most popular female groups. Plus we have an important new single from Mickey Guyton, one of the biggest advocates for women in country. Probably the most powerful new song released this week Guyton tackles the injustices brought upon young women, people of color, and other marginalized kids with big dreams. Also this week we have the return of one of the most inspiring young female artists, Demi Lovato. Plus we have new music from the only all-female Canadian country band: Nice Horse who return with their new single “Hot Mess”.
Dixie Chicks
Dixie Chicks perform at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa photo Ron Pettitt
Let’s start with the most talked about new single of the week; the long awaited return of the Dixie Chicks with their first single in 14 years “Gaslighter”. Once again the Chicks have re-invented themselves as they continue to prove why they are a force to be reckoned with both musically and politically. With the release of Gaslighter also came the announcement that an album, of the same title, will be released on May 1. No doubt this song will soon rise to become a powerful anthem for women everywhere, especially those struggling in bad or abusive relationships, who knows it may also give them the strength and courage to stand up and do something about it.
Mickey Guyton
Guyton is a widely outspoken advocate for women in music has released a powerful new song. A song that speaks not just to challenges faced by women but by people of colour, and other marginalized kids with big dreams.
The thought-provoking song asks the simple question, “what are you gonna tell her/when she figures out/that all this time you built her up just so the world could let her down.”
Written by Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks and Emma-Lee, “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” was hailed as the “No. 1 song of Country Radio Seminar” by Variety. Guyton wrote the song three weeks prior to the UMG Nashville Ryman Auditorium show where she performed the song for the first time and received the only spontaneous standing ovation of the event. Mickey’s performance can be viewed here.
Demi Lovato
One of the most inspirational young women in music Demi Lovato is back with a new single this week. Lovato took some time over the past few years to regroup and get healthy after she was rushed to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in July of 2018. A long advocate for women and mental health it’s great to see Lovato back, healthy and making music once again.
The music video which accompanies the new single, “I Love Me”, draws inspiration from her Disney Channel roots, her family, her relationships, and her near-fatal overdose that occurred in 2018. Lovato also showed that she’s come a long way since her breakthrough role in “Camp Rock,” which lead to her breakthrough as a recording artist.
Nice Horse
Nice Horse, Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival, PhotoByEGO
Last but not least we’ve got some Canadian content this week as our good friends Nice Horse return with a hot new single called “Hot Mess”.
I spoke to Brandi earlier this week about the single, their upcoming trip to Switzerland and a new app she and the other horses are working on geared towards DIY (Do It Yourself Artists). Everyone has a bit of a mess in their lives, it’s what makes life interesting. This song pays tribute to those messes. According to Brandi 2020 will be a busy year for Nice Horse, especially when it comes to new music. You’ll find Nice Horse on the road this summer with dates in Western Canada, Europe and Lucknow Music in the Fields announced so far.
Watch for our interview with Brandi in the coming week.
To all the amazing females out there, whether you be on stage, back stage, in the studio, in front of the stage with a camera, a mother, sister or daughter today is your day. We salute you all, you’re all special.
Girl Power Playist
For more of the best female artists from ALL genres be sure to check out our Girl Power Playlist on Spotify!
Fav Five Shirts
Don’t forget you can show your support for your Fav Five by ordering one of our exclusive shirts which are available in partnership with #1 For Country Rogers Country Radio across Canada. More information here!
