Pussy Riot Bringing Back The Riot Grrrl Movement

If you have talked to me in the past two months or so, I am sure that we have probably discussed the Russian Punk band, Pussy Riot. I have wanted to write about pussy riot since the day. I was listening to NPR one day and learned about this punk rock collective of ladies of about 10 performers, who preform flash mob style acts all with their faces covered. They have about 20 to 30 others who help with the process. They have a pretty open entry and anyone who wants to be part of their group. They formed in protest to Putin’s rule and had many different performances in the days up to the election.

As soon, I learned of their existence I tried to get my hands on whatever I could by them, I really wanted to own a 7″ or something. I soon learned that they have no recorded songs but just videos. Their strong fearless vocals are chilling and powerful.

They  drew criticism from the government and the church for their performance inside the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour of the Russian Orthodox Church. Three of the women have been charged with Hooliganism and face up to 7 years jail time.

As a DC area girl, I grew up knowing that the riot grrl movement started in my home town and started from girls just like myself. As a teenager I heard bikini kill, and it made me like I had the power to create change and deeply impacted my personality. It never dawned me that girls in Russia may have had the same experiences.

Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill fame, wrote yesterday that they are the only band that matters and I could not agree more. For years, I thought that the Riot Grrl was a thing of the past and was starting to wonder if I would ever see such a great band. It took a Russian band, with a very English as second language band name to make me believe that it is possible in 2012 to make truly fantastic music that makes a difference.