5 Modern female artists who are recreating the sound of the 60’s
Who doesn't love a nostalgic sound made anew? I certainly do. In particular, I’ve grown fond of modern music that is unmistakably reminiscent of the 60’s, specifically female-made music. The themes of music sung and released by women in the 1960s were not very broad. Back then there were three things for women to sing about if they wanted the industry to see them as marketable; A man (Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin, Son of Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield), being emotional (Emotions by Brenda Lee, It’s My Party by Leslie Gore), or being emotional about a man (Stormy Weather by Etta James, Misty by Leslie Gore). Of course, there are some exceptions to this, but it was very rare for a woman to be able to get their singing career going without having to sing at least a few songs that express a point of view that men at the time would have expected from a woman.
However different things are now, and however predictable these emotions might be considered in women, they still exist. We still pine after men, we still cry for no reason. It is an unfortunate but inevitable part of the female experience. Something interesting about making the kind of music women made in the 60s now is that these women are making it because they want to and not because they have to.
Other than these lyrical themes that i've described, some other things that can classify a song as 60’s inspired would be consistent backing vocals, short pauses between each lyrical line delivered, a slow delivery of lyrics, orchestral melodies; But mostly it's just a vibe.
Jessica Pratt via Beats per minute
1. Jessica Pratt
Jessica Pratt, who’s song Back, Baby, which NOIZE included in it’s Fall 2024 playlist, has a distinct 60’s vibe. With her acoustic melodies that are accompanied by a very unique and almost unnatural voice, she will instantly remind anyone who is listening of Nico and other artists that ran in the The Velvet Underground crowd. Especially in her 2015 album entitled On Your Own Love Again. Her usual style of a layered haircut with bangs and smart-casual outfits but with more personality also contributes to the evidence of her 60’s inspiration
the cat’s Miaow via wvau
2. The cat’s miaow
an australian indie pop band that started in the 90’s, The Cat’s miaow makes music that has the same peaceful naiveity that the pop, folk, and country music of the 60’s . Though technically the band only has one female member, their music is predominantly female-sung. their 2022-released collection of songs entitled ‘songs ‘94-’98’, is filled with songs with similar themes; a heavy focus on an acoustic-sounding , gentle electric guitar, soft vocals, and an occasional feature of other instruments such as a keyboard (very 60’s) ,or a trumpet.
the softies via rolling stone
3. The Softies
A popular artist of the 90s regaining popularity today, The Softies released their most recent album after an almost 2 decade long hiatus just last year. Their songs have the naive voice and emotional themes that remind listeners of the women made music of the 60’s. With songs so calming they could almost be a lullaby, the duo expresses a vulnerability and femininity that can more frequently be found in 60’s music than in the music of today.
saint etienne via udiscovermusic
4. Saint Etienne
Another band who initially gained popularity in the 90’s with a female lead, Saint Etienne mixes 60’s sound influences with modern elements. With clear and concise female vocals that are high-pitched and feminine, the band sings of love, the seasons, and relationship tropes. The cover art for their 1997 album, Continental, even features a photograph that appears to be on an airplane in the 60s. Many of their songs also have backing orchestral components that sound like they could be from a 60’s song. Their song Spring in particular really captures the essence of the era.
Weyes blood - Photo by Laura Lynn Petrick
5. Weyes Blood
Dramatic and drawn out vocals, Natalie Mering of Weyes Blood is also clearly inspired by the sound of 60’s music. More than any technical aspects, her music captures the female emotion of pain and yearning so well, which is the very essence of artists such as Nancy Sinatra, Dusty Springfield, and other similar artists. As for the music itself, it’s emotional piano and violin can be directly compared to that of a classic 60’s ballad, especially in the intros and outros of many of her songs.
in my opinion, these bands all have something in their sound that is so vintage and reminiscent of a time where rock was in it’s infancy. they create music that makes for an easy listen but also has something interesting that makes it stand out from anything in the past or the present. give these artists a listen on any streaming platform and you’ll see what i mean.
