What does International Women's Day mean to Nottingham's music scene?
We caught up with the artists performing at The Bodega's IWD warm-up event...
Lara Elise Grant
Hi Lara! How are you feeling ahead of the IWD show at The Bodega? What should people expect from the event?
I’m really excited to be performing, it’ll definitely be a great night with some amazing musicians. To be able to perform with a line up full of women is honestly the coolest thing. It’s really important to have this kind of support and create opportunities for women in music with spaces like this.
What does IWD mean to you personally?
There’s so many amazing women in my life who I have the privilege of knowing. From my family and friends to women I’ve never met before looking out for me when I needed it the most. International Women’s Day, to me, is about celebrating the women who are fighting for the mental and physical wellbeing of women from all walks of life. So many women throughout history, and today, have been fighting to keep themselves and those around them not only safe but empowered. Having days like International Women’s Day is about celebrating that whilst also shedding light on the issues we face today.
Name 3 female artists who have inspired you recently - including one from Nottingham!
I’ve been listening to Adrianne Lenker a lot recently. She’s such a talented musician and her lyricism is insane in the best way possible. Her lyrics feel real and honest which is one of the main things I think music is all about. Evoking feeling and saying the things you wouldn’t necessarily say in every day life.
Rachel Chinouriri is another artist that I really love. Both her and Adrianne Lenker are the kind of artists who I listen to and wish I’d have written the songs myself. She puts into words feelings that I’ve never been able to describe until hearing her say it out loud.
GIRLBAND! are one of my favourite Nottingham artists. I saw them live at Rock City last year and they’re so talented. I really love their song ‘21st Century Suffragette’ which is definitely a very fitting song for International Women’s Day. Feminism is constantly changing with the world around us, but at its core it is the same, advocating for equality.
Emily Alice
Hey Emily! How are you feeling ahead of the IWD show at The Bodega? What should people expect from the event?
I am so excited to be playing at The Bodega for IWD. I feel so privileged to have been asked to perform at not just an incredible venue, but an amazing event advocating women in music, alongside such inspiring artists like Dororthy and Lara. For anyone coming along, you should expect an evening full of beautiful music, played by three girls all so individual and unique in their music styles, but identical in their love for women in music.
What does IWD mean to you personally?
To me personally, IWD means celebrating women's place in the world, their contribution and importance day to day, most specifically in music. It is about celebrating women's achievements, and all that women can achieve.
Name 3 female artists who have inspired you recently - including one from Nottingham!
Maggie Rogers, Maisie Peters and Alessi Rose.
Dorothy Ella
Hi Dorothy! How are you feeling ahead of the IWD show at The Bodega? What should people expect from the event?
I’m very excited and honoured to be part of the IWD event at Bodega with Dizzy magazine! I’m very grateful to be working with such talented and passionate women to celebrate women in the music. I feel like it’s going to be a very wholesome and supportive night and I honestly can’t wait!
What does IWD mean to you personally?
IWD is very important to me and actually makes me quite emotional to reflect on the amazing women in my life. The feeling of women all coming together to support each other is something that just can’t be explained.
Name 3 female artists who have inspired you recently - including one from Nottingham!
Ellie Grice from Eighty Eight Miles - she’s so talented, fun and hardworking. I’m in awe of the things she’s achieved and am very honoured that she will be joining me on stage on 6th March on guitar and backing vocals. Her constant excitement about music inspires me to keep pushing to achieve my dreams.
Remi Wolf is also a HUGE inspiration to me - musically and overall fabulous energy. I saw her play in Manchester and I genuinely think it’s the best gig I’ve ever seen.
Nottingham artist - Rainbow Frog Biscuits! Amber is the loveliest person and is a real life Disney princess. She produces her own music and the way she writes, creates content and performs is very inspiring to me.
The Bodega’s IWD warm-up gig is taking place on 6th March 2025.