It's no secret that women can rock just as hard, if not harder, than men. But there seems to be a disparity when it comes to their representation in the music industry. They are topping the charts but barely getting any slots at big name festivals (this years Coachella lineup is 90 percent male). To do what we can to celebrate these women and give them the positive recognition they deserve, each week Music Times will introduce you to a female in the music industry whom we love.
Singer-songwriters, rappers, DJs, producers, filmmakers, and any woman who is part of the music industry is fair game for this segment. So read on, and get to know the women who continue to wow us. This week we'd like to show off ...
Name: Lauren Mayberry
Age: 25
Profession: Vocalist for Chvrches
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Why We Love Her: Not only does her energetic synth-pop get jams get us dancing, but she is also a champion for gender equality — especially in the music industry — and boasts a law degree as well as a masters in journalism. Back in September, The Guardian posted an article she wrote (putting her journalism degree to work) about women in music dealing with online misogyny.What's more, she founded a women's art, music, theater and politics collective in Glasgow. Oh yeah, and she's "secretly" an awesome drummer, too. Talk about a powerhouse and a great role model.
Background: Mayberry has been playing music since she was a child, starting with piano then learning drums as a teenager. Before Chvrches, she played in local bands Boyfriend/Girlfriend and Blue Sky Archives. She began playing with fellow Chvrches members Iain Cook and Martin Doherty in 2011 as the lead vocalist, having first met Cook when he produced an EP for Blue Sky Archives.
Chvrches was born and bred on the Internet. They first premiered the song "Lies" as a free download on Neon Gold's music blog and officially debuted as a band with the single "The Mother We Share." They released their debut studio album The Bones of What You Believe in September via Virgin Records and were ranked fifth on the BBC's Sound of 2013.
Fun Facts: She begins her music writing process using Google Docs.
What Now: Tonight the Chvrches performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The band is currently on a North American tour in support of their debut album.
Watch: Check out the video for Chvrches single "Gun" off The Bones of What You Believe.
