In the music world, one major issue lies in the disproportionate booking of femme artists. Though, the problem is much more complicated than booking; sexism is rampant throughout the industry and artists are beginning to speak out about it. At the end of last year, the avant-garde pop revolutionary, Björk, wrote an open letter to music industry sexism. This struggle isn’t exclusive to the past, as it damn well should be. The battle for women’s rights is still very much raging today. This archaic mistreatment can be pretty depressing. Nevertheless, it is important to balance this negative dialogue with a commanding hopefulness and optimism by shining a light on the achievements and talent of female artists.
Treefort Music Festival has always been set apart from the typical. It’s independent focus has bypassed much of the controversy, inequality and general lameness of other major festivals nationwide. It brings together a shmorgishborg of passionate artists, making for a strong community. In my opinion, Treefort is a forward thinking festival to be proud of. There are so many talented women in the massive lineup of this year’s festival. In an attempt to combat the absurdity of sexism with purposeful inclusivity, here is a spotlight of some of those fantastic artists.
Compiled below is a playlist of only some of the femme-forward artists that will help make this another memorable year of Treefort (the playlist follows the artist order of this article).
Kate Tempest
SUNDAY 5:30pm @ Mainstage
Don’t miss this. Don’t miss this. DON’T MISS THIS. Tempest is a lyrical whirlwind. I’ve already mentioned her in my previous list of Treefort artists, and her album Let Them Eat Chaos was a favorite of 2016. Don’t just take my word for it though, Co-founder of Treefort, Eric Gilbert, said “if you want to know the one Treefort Music Fest artist I would say you definitely shouldn’t miss, I’m going with Kate Tempest.”
Emma Ruth Rundle
SATURDAY 9:10pm @ Mardi Gras
Her powerful voice surrounded by dark, crushing chords, reminds of last year’s epic performance by Chelsea Wolfe. Her sound is undeniably heavy, but the lyrics and voice bring a warmth and comfort that soothe any angst.
Rituals of Mine
THURSDAY 9:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
FRIDAY 3:00pm @ Woodland Empire
THURSDAY 4:00pm @ Radio Boise
SATURDAY 6:00pm @ Modern Hotel
These girls own the stage with influences from hip-hop and electronic dance. Lead singer, Terra Lopez, will stun you in a matter of minutes. She recently had an exhibit in San Francisco entitled This is What it Feels Like. Patrons would walk through dark hallways and experience being catcalled, bringing attention to the common verbal abuse women experience. With plenty of off-schedule performances, you have no excuse to miss Rituals of Mine.
Y La Bamba
SATURDAY NIGHT 12:00am @ Neurolux
The voice behind the Treefort veterans, Y La Bamba, is Luz Elena Mendoza. She taps into her Mexican American heritage for some truly uplifting folk.
Cult Bride [LOCAL]
THURSDAY 6:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
“Expect powerful vocals, sweeping orchestral elements, and cleverly crafted lyrics. Cult Bride strives to create quality, beautiful music that a wide and diverse audience can enjoy.”
Xenia Rubinos
FRIDAY 11:00pm @ Linen Building
“Xenia’s powerhouse vocals are at the center of her music which grows from a wide range of influences from R&B to Hip-Hop to Caribbean rhythms and jazz all delivered with a soulful punk aura.”
The Seshen
SATURDAY 10:30pm @ The Reef
SUNDAY 2:00pm @ Mainstage
“The Seshen is a San Francisco Bay Area-based seven-piece led by singer/lyricist Lalin St. Juste and bassist/producer Akiyoshi Ehara. Their forward-thinking sound combines synthesizers, drum machines, live percussion, and entrancing harmonies to create an unmistakable fusion of R&B, synth-pop, and electronic music.”
Cavegreen
SATURDAY 10:30pm @ BAAMP
FRIDAY 5:00pm @ Modern Hotel
“Cavegreen is the artistic collaboration of Eleanor Murray and GianLuca Bucci, that blends electronic and acoustic music, poetry, and images.” I remember seeing Eleanor Murray’s solo set last year at Treefort and was blown away. Her timid personality, expressive voice and delightful melodies made my skin shiver. She mentioned that she was working on this Cavegreen project and I am greatly looking forward to their set.
Sassy Black
FRIDAY 9:00pm @ Linen Building
“This Goddess of “electronic psychedelic soul” & “hologram funk” explores the concepts of sound through deep compositions. With roots in classical & jazz, her voice is often compared to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Erykah Badu & Georgia Anne Muldrow.”
Mercy Brown
FRIDAY 8:30pm @ The Shredder
“Mercy Brown is known for their dynamic musical presence, ranging from blackened death metal, to punk rock, to dark ambience.”
My Body
SATURDAY 6:00pm @ Neurolux
“My body is Jordan Bagnall and Darren Bridenbeck, the band currently resides in their native Portland and was formed in 2012. Jordan leads the project as the primary producer and songwriter, using her classical training to create catchy electronic pop that is avant garde and decidedly unique.”
Emily Afton
SATURDAY 8:00pm @ The District
“Oakland indie-rock meets an after hours quest for mischief, with ribbons of soul and electro-pop interwoven.”
There is No Mountain
SATURDAY 9:00pm @ The District
“…an intricate, turn-on-a-dime brand of psychedelic pop, with audible influences ranging from ancient folk to modern americana, world music to doom.”
MORE ARTISTS BY DATE:
WEDNESDAY 3/22
Everyone is Dirty – 8:00pm @ Neurolux
THURSDAY 3/23
Bijouxx [LOCAL] – 6:35pm @ Boise Contemporary Theater
The Foxxtones [LOCAL] – 7:00pm @ Pengilly’s
Death Valley Girls – 8:00pm @ Linen Building
Weezy Ford – 10:00pm @ Pengilly’s
Good Dining [LOCAL] 10:00pm @ The District
Madisun Proof [LOCAL] – 10:30pm @ Spacebar
Dressy Bessy – 10:30pm @ The Olympic
Chastity Belt – 11:00pm @ Linen Building
The Coathangers – 12:00am @ Linen Building
FRIDAY 3/24
Luci Kolada [LOCAL] – 6:00pm @ BAAMP
Shady Elders – 6:30pm @ Neurolux
Ana Lete [LOCAL] 7:00pm @ The District
New Shack – 7:00pm @ Linen Building
Grouper – 7:30pm @ Boise Contemporary Theater
Weaves – 9:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
Wild Powwers – 9:30pm @ The Shredder
Sun Blood Stories [LOCAL] – 10:00pm @ Linen Building
Genders – 10:10pm @ El Korah Shrine
The Still Tide – 10:30pm @ Pengilly’s
Marshall Poole – 11:00pm @ The Olympic
Pure Ivy [LOCAL] – 11:00pm @ The District
a.k.a. Belle [LOCAL] – 11:35pm @ Pengilly’s
Alanna Royale – 12:00am @ The Olympic
Maszer – 12:40am @ The Shredder
SATURDAY 3/25
Know Reaction [LOCAL] – 1:30pm @ BAAMP
Kathleen Williams [LOCAL] – 4:30pm @ BAAMP
Lily Lorenz [LOCAL] – 5:00pm @ The District
Thistledown [LOCAL] – 5:00pm @ Basque Center
Anna Tivel – 6:00pm @ Basque Center
Lizzo – 7:00pm @ Mainstage
The Lower 48 – 7:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
Tele Novella – 8:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
Belle Game – 9:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
Shana Falana – 9:30pm @ BAAMP
Windoe – 10:00pm @ The District
Alvvways – 11:30pm @ El Korah Shrine
Thunderpussy – 11:30pm @ Hannah’s
Great Grandpa – 11:30pm @ BAAMP
Thick Business – 12:00am @ Linen Building
SUNDAY 3/26
Reptaliens – 5:30pm @ BAAMP
Raven and the Writing Desk – 8:30pm @ Neurolux
Angel Olson – 8:30pm @ Mainstage
BOYTOY – 11:00pm @ The Olympic
Psychic Twin – 11:00pm @ El Korah Shrine
