All or Nothing H.C.

Last night my band, The Lost Tourists,(sorry... shameless self promotion) had the pleasure of playing with All or Nothing H.C. at the Sidebar in Baltimore. I cannot emphasis enough how great of mood this band's set put me in. To give you a general idea, I'd describe their music as having a Sick of it All sound with xLookingForwardx style vocals and positive messages all around.
The lead vocalist, Renae, not only fronts the band but also runs On the Rag Records and Zine AND is a 5th grade teacher.
Even though the place was nowhere near packed, the band didn't give us any less of a show. Renae had a story for almost every song, most notably, before "Knife to My Neck", she shared the fact that she was a rape victim and has turned a negative into a positive by raising awareness through the music.

Basically she's my new hero.

Without ever listening to them before that night, I had the chant from their last song stuck in my head on the way home.

"They are We" Live in Germany:


Here I have their newest release, but I highly encourage everyone to check out all their stuff and support ON THE RAG records in any way possible.

California Bleeding

Gather

If you enjoy that traditional fast hardcore with heavy ass breakdowns, but are sick of the usual negative and violent lyrics, then California's GATHER is for you. With a sound similar to Walls of Jericho and the Vegan Straightedge message like that of Earth Crisis, Gather was able to tour both the US and Europe until they disbanded in 2007.
I'd hate to try to put their message into my own words, so check out this video of them playing @ Chain Reaction in '06.
The vocalist Genie says it all.



Unfortunately I'm missing Beyond The Ruins but here's:

Total Liberation.

Bikini Kill

Yeah, I admit, I loved the Spice Girls, but they sure as hell didn't coin the "GIRL POWER" slogan.
It was actually used in the Bikini Kill feminist zine started by Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox, and Tobi Vail at Evergreen college in Olympia, Washington. In 1990, with the addition of Billy Warren, Hanna, Wilcox, and Vail decided to start a band with the same name as their zine, and pioneered the Riot Grrrl movement. Playing straight and to the fucking point punk rock, Bikini Kill confronted misogyny with their no bullshit lyrics, and unique live shows. Girls were urged to come to the front of the stage, moshers were asked to stay to the side or back, and women were also invited to take the mic and talk about their personal experiences of sexual abuse. Disbanding in 1998, all the members moved onto other projects. Most notably, Hanna went on to front the Electro Punk group Le Tigre, still holding true to her feminist message.

Oh...and for a little side of random trivia, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana was actually inspired by Hanna, who was a friend of Kurt Cobain and spray painted the phrase on his bedroom wall. Apparently Hanna and Courtney Love were long time rivals too, but who hasn't gotten in a fight with Courtney?

Here's a clip of "Sugar" @ Kill Rock Star Records in 1993. Damn I wish I wasn't 5 when this happened...



Pussywhipped.


Reject All American

The CD Version of The 1st two Records


The Singles

Welcome to

Ever since I've been going to and playing DIY shows I've always been disappointed by the lack of women/girls in bands and in the crowds.
This is for anyone else who feels the same way.
Or anyone who wouldn't mind hearing something new.
I hope to share as much girl positive music/film/art/ and events in the MD/DC/VA/PA area as possible.

Enjoy.