In celebration of Women’s History Month, RAC is shining a spotlight on trailblazing women artists and producers who have made a significant impact on the music industry. This week we’ll take a closer look at the groundbreaking contributions of five women to the electronic genre. Electronic music has long been seen as a boy’s club, but we can’t ignore the influence these visionary artists had in pushing the genre forward. From the 60s to today, they’ve broken barriers, challenged norms, and shaped modern sound. Here are 5 women pioneers who revolutionized electronic music.
Wendy Carlos
Wendy Carlos is a major figure in electronic, best known for her innovative compositions using synthesizers. In 1968, she released Switched-On Bach, a groundbreaking album that brought classical music into the electronic age. Carlos’ use of synths to reinterpret classical compositions was revolutionary and helped popularize electronic music as a legitimate art form.
Sometimes referred to as the “mother of the Moog”, Carlos also worked on the legendary film scores for The Shining and the original TRON. Her work continues to inspire electronic musicians and composers on stage and on screen to this day.
Crystal Waters
Crystal Waters is a dance music icon recognized for her infectious beats and powerful vocals. Starting out as a backup singer for the house music group The Basement Boys in the late 80s, Waters launched her solo career at the turn of the decade and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and “100% Pure Love.” Her unique sound blending house music with soulful melodies not only dominated the dance charts, but also crossed over into mainstream pop, showcasing her wide-reaching appeal. Crystal Waters’ legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists to embrace creativity and individuality in their music.
Björk
Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and producer renowned for her risk-taking experimental music. Throughout her career, she has pushed boundaries and redefined the possibilities of the electronic genre with hits like “Army of Me” and “Hyperballad,” often accompanied by surreal music videos reflecting her avant-garde aesthetic. Björk’s innovative use of electronic beats, combined with her haunting melodies and striking visuals, has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond music, the multi-talented artist’s influence extends to fashion, inspiring countless artists to push creative boundaries and experiment with personal style.
Grimes
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, is a Canadian multi-disciplinary artist celebrated for her genre-defying sound, ethereal vocals, and DIY approach to production. She gained widespread recognition for her 2012 album Visions, which blended elements of pop, electronic, and experimental music. Also a visual artist, she has directed many of her own music videos, including for popular tracks “Genesis” and “Kill V. Maim.” Grimes’ fearless sonic universe has cemented her as one of today’s most influential multi-talented creatives.
SOPHIE
SOPHIE was a beloved producer and artist with a distinctive futuristic sound that changed electronic music forever and pioneered the hyperpop genre. She gained critical acclaim for her innovative debut album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides, characterized by its hyperkinetic beats, distorted vocals, and eclectic mix of pop sounds.
SOPHIE’s tragic passing in 2021 was a huge loss for the music world as a whole. Her impact continues to be felt, especially in the queer electronic music scene, and will keep pushing the genre forward for generations to come.
Keep an eye out for the next article in our series: 5 Women Who Revolutionized Hip-Hop Music.
Written by Maryse Bernard
Illustration by Holly Li
