Loud Women Fest 2018: 10 must-see bands

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Loud Women Fest founder Cassie Fox talks us through the 10 bands you've simply got to catch at this year's festival

Now in its third year, Loud Women Fest has returned with a line up that might just be its strongest yet. Celebrating the music being made by women and non-binary musicians across the UK's underground scenes, the festival gathers artists from the worlds of punk, indie-pop, alternative and beyond.

But with 21 acts being squeezed onto two stages over the course of just one day, it might be hard to work out what your essential viewing programme should be. We caught up with Loud Women founder Cassie Fox to get some insider tips on the bands you just can't miss.

Petrol Girls

"This will be the third time Petrol Girls have performed at our fest – they have been a huge highlight for me the past two years, I can’t wait to see them again. Ren is such a powerful punk performer, and their music is razor sharp hardcore. They’re a band we’ll be talking about having seen when we’re in our rocking chairs, no doubt."

Ms. Mohammed

"The star of this year’s Decolonise Fest, Ms. Mohammed plays powerful, atmospheric guitar-driven music on themes ‘celebrating the divine feminine’ – she’s coined her own genre of ‘clit rock’. Ms. M is one of the four artists chosen to contribute to the Loud Women EP – a limited edition 7” record to be launched at the Fest by Punk Fox Records, and available thereafter direct from Loud Women  or from Rough Trade. The others on the EP are Dream Nails, You Want Fox and Guttfull."

The Franklys

"Hotly-tipped Anglo-Swedish garage rockers The Franklys should be playing on enormous stadium stages – catch them while you can on a smaller stage."

Zand

"Non-binary artist Zand has, as they describe, ‘metamorphosised’ out of the act previously known as Seafoal. The result is hard-hitting, dark electro-pop and exquisite songwriting. Can’t wait to see them live."

Dream Nails

"The ultimate feminist punk pop band, Dream Nails are queens of the DIY scene. This year has seen them release several singles and EPs, tour Europe extensively, and play at festivals including Leeds, Indietracks, Rebellion and Boomtown."

The Menstrual Cramps

"Winners of the 2017 ‘HERcury Prize’ for their self-released debut album We’re Not Ovaryacting, The Menstrual Cramps are big time punk fun."

She Makes War

"Laura Kidd aka She Makes war returns to Loud Women Fest with a stunning new album ready to launch this autumn (she also recently won Louder's Tracks Of The Week roundup - ed)."

Guttfull

"‘Queercore sax punks from Esher’, Guttfull are fronted by Samoan powerhouse Momoe Tasker, with Loud Women’s founder Cassie Fox on guitar and songwriting."

Sister Ghost

"Northern Ireland’s Sister Ghost are queens of their own DIY scene – songwriter Shannon O’Neill set up Girls Rock School NI."

Grace Savage

"Lastly, something completely different: Grace Savage is the UK four-time beat-boxing champion, and she’s amazing to watch. She returns after a stunning solo performance at last year’s Loud Women Fest – this year she’s bringing a full band."

Loud Women Fest takes place on September 15 at Boston Music Rooms, London. Tickets are available now.

Briony Edwards
Briony Edwards

Briony is the Editor in Chief of Louder and is in charge of sorting out who and what you see covered on the site. She started working with Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog magazines back in 2015 and has been writing about music and entertainment in many guises since 2009. Her favourite-ever interviewee is either Billy Corgan or Kim Deal. She is a big fan of cats, Husker Du and pizza.