Where My Girls At? [An Op-Ed by Courtney Hartmann]

By Chris Mills | April 22, 2011 at 1:45 pm | 7 comments | Op-Eds/Misc.

702 – “Where My Girls At”


Who’s big in music right now? More specifically, who’s big and female, in music right now? As Gaga mania rages on in anticipation for her May release date, her “little monsters” set the trends on Twitter daily. There’s the dulling hype that has surrounded Nicki Minaj, whose strengths reach epic proportions as a guest appearance, but not so much as a main attraction. (This further proven by the fact she’s rumored to be opening for the reinvention of a failed, formerly-reinvented Britney Spears). And slowly, the buzz on artistic music strength, Adele is climbing to higher volumes; but when “Rolling in the Deep” runs its course, will her album reach the success it deserves?

When I turn on the radio I am shocked that even I am sick of what I’m hearing. Me, the girl who loves a good club jam and nonsensical lyrics, as long as it has a good beat. The girl who doesn’t take her music too seriously now kind of wishes music would…well, take itself more seriously. More noticeably than the lack of variety along the airwaves, I barely hear any women! Gaga, Minaj…and Ke$ha are on the radio. I heard Jessie J in rotation for two weeks, Rihanna reruns on every station. The female creating the most recent big stir in the music world is teenage bus rider, Rebecca Black who topped YouTube numbers and social networking status updates with a screeched out “smash” about a day of the week.

I know there are tons of talented female artists out there…so, where are they?

Bringing it to a local level, I hear new tracks from male KC artists nearly every day right now. The scene seems to be as hot as it’s ever been for years; but as for females, I had to refer to other sources, including Chris Mills, who mapped out for me a road to where the ladies’ sounds lie. After only a sampling of listens, I was amazed at the talent and the broad diversity of music they embody, not to mention the outpouring of people who are fans they attract.

Why aren’t these women on my radar? Why am I not hearing singles or snippets or much of anything regarding their musical contributions? Is KC providing good publicity for these ladies and I’m just out of the loop? If so, I want in. Do you have to be part of the music crowd to be in tune with new tracks? If that’s the case, I want to begin my initiation process into the heart and soul of talent that seems to be so secretive to the outside world.

I’m taking a break from radio. I’m seeking a resurgence of women in music. I have a running start on those who should be on my listening list, but I ask you, who are your favorite female artists in Kansas City?