The summer camp known for teaching young Lawrencians how to rock out and smash the patriarchy is coming up, and some of Lawrence’s finest musicians/camp counselors are already putting in the work. This Friday, three rockers will perform “An Ode To Femme Performers of the 80’s” at the Replay to raise money for Girls Rock Lawrence.
The camp serves as both an intersectional feminist movement and a safe space for young girls and trans youth. So naturally, the camp counselors performing this weekend are both musicians and activists within the community. We talked to them ahead of the fundraiser for their thoughts on music and feminism in the Lawrence scene.
Name: Angie Schoenherr (Youngest Children)
What artist are you covering on Friday?
“We are covering Laurie Anderson. Laurie Anderson is one of the grandmothers of experimental music that is underappreciated and largely unknown. I have always respected how she just seems to do what she wants without looking back. She doesn’t really fit well into any box. She’s hard to pin down. The art she creates makes you think. Her music was appealing to learn mostly due to its obscure nature and it seemed like a good challenge. It’s unconventional, interesting, funny, weird, creepy, and beautiful all at once.”
What’s the key ingredient to smashing our sexist overlords?
“I think that the main ingredient to smashing our sexist overlords is creativity. You can yell and protest all day (which definitely has its place), but really, creating alternatives to patriarchy based structures is what I believe is the most effective route. I like the idea of ‘crowding it out.’ If we create enough new structures and environments that counter these negative forces, the over-arching oppressive structures will not have as much power. It’s kind of like a garden. You need to nurture the life that you want to thrive and weed out the life that will steal energy from what you are trying to grow.”
Why is it important to have a music camp focused on girls and trans youth?
“Being that the music world is still heavily dominated by men, I think that having a music camp focused solely on girls and trans-youth is vitally important. One of the primary reasons the camp is solely for women, girls, and trans-folks is out of the need for representation. That’s the primary reason I didn’t start playing out until my early 20’s. As with many other women, I didn’t feel ‘qualified’ – AKA I am not a man. Generally speaking, no matter what demographic you fall into, if there is something that you want to do, but don’t see anyone that you can relate to participating in said activity, it is difficult to feel that it is a welcome space for you. The camp is focused on creating a space for campers to explore how they can participate in the music world, and ultimately, use their voices with confidence in the community.”
Name three female-fronted Lawrence music acts every local music lover should know:
“There are too many good ones to choose. Off the cuff, Heidi Gluck and the Pony Show, The Ovaries-eez, and Wendy Moira.”
Name: Katlyn Conroy (La Guerre)
What artist are you covering on Friday?
“We are covering Kate Bush, because on top of just being a general goddess, she has always been an inspiration to me. I get a lot of validation seeing her get away with really unconventional styles, both musically and aesthetically. She is so confident in her vision, you can’t help but love it. She’s a theatrical dream.”
What’s the key ingredient to smashing our sexist overlords?
“Being true to yourself and finding strength in your identity will help push you to break boundaries and explore your potential. Tapping into that while making sure you are conscious of issues like human rights can encourage others to do the same, eventually outnumbering and overpowering all the sexist overlords lurking out there.”
Why is it important to have a music camp focused on girls and trans youth?
“Its taking the focus from old stereotypes of female/trans musicians and the poor treatment of us to how we can be proud of what we can do and utilize it to spread peace and make our community a better place. We can find strength in our differences and celebrate that through music.”
Name three female-fronted Lawrence music acts every local music lover should know:
“Aside from the phenomenal women playing the show: Your Friend, The Ovaries-eez, Wendy Moira.”
Name: Heidi Gluck (Heidi Gluck and the Pony Show)
What artist are you covering on Friday?
“The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde suffers no fools. Something to aspire to.”
What’s the key ingredient to smashing our sexist overlords?
“Uniting.”
Why is it important to have a music camp focused on girls and trans youth?
“We need a gender balance in all areas – in arts, science, government. We’re giving youth the tools to participate.”
Name three female-fronted Lawrence music acts every local music lover should know:
“Wendy Moira, or whatever band Alice is fronting in the future. La Guerre, the best singer we’ve got.
Tie: Youngest Children – They always include a fun fun cover, and they never take themselves too seriously.
The Ovaries-eez – For strength in the hush, and their commitment to a vibe and message.”
Girls Rock Camp is set for June 26 – 30, with a showcase on July 1st. You can find more information here.
Editor’s note: Some other female-fronted forces for you to consider in the Lawrence music scene: Cuee, Sister Rat, MAW, Vedettes, Sunday Heroine, 40 Watt Dreams, and Truckstop Honeymoon.