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It’s International Women’s Day! So we’ve asked our Head of Creative Industry Development, Ace of Skunk Anansie, to pick his top five female rockers, with some up and coming ACM talent thrown in for good measure.

Tarja Turunen – Nightwish

As the lead vocalist for Finnish symphonic metal outfit Nightwish from 1996-2005, Tarja’s unique vocal style is out of this world and I urge all rock fans to check out this video:

Carmen Vandenberg – Bones

After supporting Skunk Anansie on our sold-out European tour last year, ACM alumna Carmen went on to write with Jeff Beck on his latest album ‘Loud Hailer’. Her band Bones performs ‘future rock’ music which has even appeared on the Netflix show ‘Orange Is The New Black’:

Vicky Holburt – HYLA

Fusing dark and dissonant riffs with fierce passionate lyrics, this aggro grunge group features another brilliant ACMer in Vicky Holburt. Having recently released music video ‘Chemicals’, the band are currently being played on BBC Introducing:

Skin – Skunk Anansie

Of course I have to mention my amazing fellow bandmate Skin! Having celebrated our 23rd birthday as a band recently, it’s fair to say I’ve been a fan of her for a long time!

Kirsty Lowrey – The Pearl Harts

Featuring another lovely ACM alumna, Kirsty Lowrey, The Pearl Harts are the awesome band currently supporting Skunk on tour. Their blues-driven loud rock has already been given the seal of approval by BBC Radio 1’s Gemma Cairney, so I expect you’ll be hearing big things from these guys soon…

ACM is looking for the next generation of female rockers, so if music is your passion, please call our Admissions Team on 01483 500 841 or visit www.acm.ac.uk/open-days/ to book a place on an ACM Open Day today.

Open Days