by Trish Bendix

The women of Warped Tour

This Friday, Warped Tour 2008 kicks off in Pomona, California. The traveling punk festival has been a success since 1994, and each year more than 100 bands participate, from veterans to newbies looking for exposure and a record deal.

Warped Tour is always, by and a large, a sausage fest (AKA the bands are male) but there are always a handful of women who are the must-sees. Past females who have fronted the stage include Juliette Lewis with her band The Licks and Joan Jett.

If you're a fan of punk, hardcore, and what the kids call "emo," I suggest you get to the date in your town early to find out when these ladies will be performing.

Be Your Own Pet

Frontwoman Jemina Pearl admits that the audience at Warped will be a little different from the band's usual crowd. The art-punk band was discovered by Thurston Moore and has been a favorite of music snobs who scoff at the tweens and teens music Warped generally presents. All the better for you to take advantage of moving to the front of the stage during Be Your Own Pet's set: fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs will love Jemina's thrashing, dancing, and style.

Horrorpops

An upright bass at Warped Tour? You bet! Horrorpops are like something out of the movie Crybaby with their psychobilly rock. Patricia Day puts on a stage show that will put an end to the male monotony of the other stages on tour.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry will either be completely embraced or the odd girl out of Warped this year. While her single has done well so far, her pop songs might be a little too happy for the pierced youngsters in attendance. If she plays the same time as any other pseudo-well known artist, she will most likely be playing for a select few bystanders.

Paige Wood

A blonde with a purr, the New York-based musician is definitely worth skipping the no-names on tour. You may not know her yet, but Paige's songs are like Uh Huh Her hiring on Liz Phair circa 1995. She demands attention.

Shiragirl

You know what's punk? Lesbians. Seriously – out singer Shira of the band Shiragirl came to Warped Tour a few years back and just set up a show. The tour had no choice but to invite them along! For the fourth year in a row, Shiragirl hosts their own stage of female punk bands which includes queer band Von Iva as well as Civet, Blameshift, Pretty Mess, Lia-Fail, Me Talk Pretty, Barnicle, and All or Nothing HC. I don't necessarily agree with the separate stage, but at least there's one exciting home base for when the dudes get boring.

Paramore

One of the most successful pop-punk bands of the past year is fronted by a woman. Hayley Williams is the fiery redhead singer of Paramore and co-writes several of the band's catchy tunes. They were nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy in 2007, losing to Amy Winehouse. But if you're into emo and girls with pipes, Paramore is your best bet for Warped 2008.

Are you going to Warped this year? What band is totally worth the sunburn?

Trish Bendix's blog

Submitted by

Trish Bendix

on June 18, 2008 - 1:00pm.

TAGS ::

I'm going :)

Submitted by

<3 Bridget (13 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:04pm.

Dying to see Paramore.

So I just have to.

OMG

Submitted by

Amii. (72 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:15pm.

I won't lie, I did almost faint when I saw Paramore on the front page of AE.

I'm so glad they've got a mention on here!

AE + Paramore = My two favourite things in life.

>.<

I'm right there with you.

Submitted by

Tito (47 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 11:33am.

I'm right there with you.

Horrorpops

Submitted by

sublime_child (2 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:16pm.

Saw Horrorpops at a small club in South Florida a couple of years ago. In two words - absolutely amazing.

Lame

Submitted by

Ed Would (242 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:17pm.

Be Your Own Pet used to be good. Nowhere near as good as Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

I respectfully disagree. Be

Submitted by

Ahhh_Cool (45 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 11:14am.

I respectfully disagree. Be Your Own Pet = Amazing. Yeah Yeah Yeahs = only mildy interesting... sometimes. They seem too focused on their "art punk" image whereas Be Your Own Pet are all about the punk.

In my opinion.

Horses for courses.

Submitted by

Ed Would (242 posts)

on June 20, 2008 - 2:21pm.

I like(d) them both, but after having seen Be Your Own Pet recently I'd have to say that they're nothing about "punk". Frankly, they were (particularly Jemima) up themselves. Prissy and just very very dull. In fairness, I have not yet seen YYYs live as they haven't toured anywhere near me, so I have no comparison.

I just think that Yeah Yeah Yeahs have so much more range. I could listen to Be Your Own Pet from their EPs to the recent Get Awkward album, and not see much change in their sound. Which is fine, in itself. They make decent enough music, but only that which I can enjoy on a superficial level. I don't feel like they have enough layers to keep them interesting, and their little lyrical controversies aren't enough to make me listen. I like bands that seem to develop between their releases, rather than just move sideways as Be Your Own Pet do, in my opinion.

Paramore

Submitted by

Julia (19 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:18pm.

They're not as "emo" as some of the bands I've heard, but Hayley is the Jam!!!

I'm surprised to see Katy

Submitted by

Bridget (73 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:23pm.

I'm surprised to see Katy Perry involved with Warped Tour. I didn't think it was her thing. Oh wells.

Can't wait

Submitted by

ScottishLassie (52 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:30pm.

Can't wait for this years warped tour. Looking forward to Relient K, Angel and Airwaves and the academy is... I am gutted that on the date I'm going Paramore won't be there and neither will Madina Lake. Did see Paramore last year on the tour and they were amazing!! Warped tour NY 26th July 2008, Hell yeah!!!

hayley williams

Submitted by

Alayna (13 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:51pm.

my girlfriend is obsesed with paramore and when she found out the singers name she almost died cause her name is haley and my last name is williams. its just one letter off of what her name would be if we got married, how crazy is that

that is freaking awesome.

Submitted by

Tito (47 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 11:51am.

that is freaking awesome.

FINALLY! Something about

Submitted by

TVDORK (83 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 1:57pm.

FINALLY! Something about Paramore on the site! I know they're young, but they are definitely one of the rising stars of the mainstream rock circuit with a female lead singer- I figured AE would be a 'yay' about that? Well better late than never. They absolutely rock!

"The quick to think are never sure"

--Tiresias, Oedipus Rex

oreskaband

Submitted by

Diablotien (4 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 2:19pm.

I'm not sure I'll be able to go this year because of work, but if I do, I'll definitely be seeing oreskaband, an all-female ska band from Japan. They're awesomely catchy. I'd also really like to see The A.K.A's (they have a girl who plays keyboard), and Say Anything.

Juliette & The Licks <333

Submitted by

Emma (296 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 2:57pm.

Don't tempt me, Paramore is only on Warped for six days, the humanity! I saw them last year though and Hayley is amazing live.

But you forgot Charlotte Sometimes, she's a fantastic artist from New York. She's going to be there the whole tour and I'd say maybe she sounds like Fiona Apple with serious Kate Nash undertones, but anyways she's got a great voice. I can't wait for Warped Tour.

Hopefully Katy Perry will live up to my expectations. I'm looking forward to her, Charlotte, Cobra Starship, Anberlin, Ludo and Angels & Airwaves.

___//♫♪ let your girlfriend do what your boyfriend can't

Paramore

Submitted by

Katie (4 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 2:57pm.

I almost had ahernia when i seen paramore on the homepage!There so awesome,i thought there might have been more about them on AE since there female fronted and taking over the pop punk scene:D

I saw them 2 weeks ago,there amazing.they were robbed of that grammy robbed!Amy was prob on crack ,for the ceremony and didnt even know she won the damn thing

Cobra Starship

Submitted by

Jesticle (26 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 3:54pm.

I know Cobra Starship is headed by Gabe who is obvs a male, but there's a female in the band who does back up vocals and plays KEYTAR! (um duh, awesome) I saw Cobra last year with Boys Like Girls and Cartel and they actually smoked both of those bands. (BLG were amazing and Cartel wasn't bad, but CS is just UGH on stage) It was probably the best concert I have ever been too. So much fan interaction and they are hilarious on stage.

I love Katy Perry and her cd isn't as pop-py as people think. It's actually a really decent record. Ur So Gay and I Kissed a Girl really don't define her cd at all. I think she'll do just fine on tour. Isn't Gym Class Heroes going on Warped? They are also amazing and not something you'd think the "emos" would like, but man...

And who doesn't love Paramore. Hayley has a wicked voice. I can't wait for their next cd to come out because they are just that good. I don't care if that makes me sound like a 15 year old.

What's with the "emos"

Submitted by

Tito (47 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 12:02pm.

What's with the "emos" comment?? Kind of gave Warped a stereotype of being all emo. Which in reality it actually started out being a hardcore punk tour. Times have changed but I still wouldn't say Warped was an emo tour. It still have a bit of its original punk feel to it. Now there is just a lot more diversity with the tour. And Gym Class Heroes is actually classified as more of an Indie rock/ hip hop band. I love that Warped has grown to be such a diverse set list. And I wouldn't ever place it as an emo tour. My sister's best friend is touring with warped this summer and she is a white rapper chick. Not something you would think to see at warped. I wonder if the "emos" will like her??

AfterEllen is Rockin'

Submitted by

A. R. Rocha (2 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 4:02pm.

Thank you for this post.PARAMORE ROCK! they are amazing!Awesome songs!And how cool is Hayley!? You guys should blog more about this kind of stuff

*peace love and rock n' roll*

You forgot

Submitted by

Sandra2611 (12 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 4:35pm.

Juliet Simms of Automatic Loveletter <3 They're playing warped tour,and they're amazing.

I wish i could go to warped, id really like to see Paramore again, saw them last weekend and it was so good. Hayley <3

Automatic Loverletter

Submitted by

Tito (47 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 12:05pm.

ALL actually isn't on warped for the shows I am going to but the week after warped they will be here. So I'm going to see them and I am super excited.

I saw

Submitted by

Robin (105 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 6:18pm.

I saw Paramore live yesterdag, and they kicked so.much.ass. My ears are still bleeping. Hayley Williams is my new hero. I mean, the girl bounces around on stage like an orange ball of energy, and the crowd is SO into it. Loved it.

I can't wait to see Paramore

Submitted by

Sarah (6 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 8:00pm.

I can't wait to see Paramore again! <3 They were amazing last year.

totally agree about paramore...

Submitted by

Rock_Chick_89 (159 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 8:37pm.

...i saw em at leeds fest 07 ..they rocked !

"You do things that make jesus puke !" lol :)

CHICKS RULE!!!

Submitted by

chilaxing (296 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 8:49pm.

I'm in another part of the world but I'm down with chicks that rock! Never been to the Warped Tour before but I would have checked out all the bands you mentioned just because I like live performances. Female musicians rule!!

P-a-r-a-m-o-r-e

Submitted by

Crystal (49 posts)

on June 18, 2008 - 8:54pm.

Paramore. Spashely. Brill.

These are a few of my favorite things. This is the first mention of Paramore that I've heard but I'm SOOOO glad that you guys highlighted them (a little). I saw Paramore in concert in April and they were beyond good. Hayley Williams sounds as good live as she does on the CD and that is REALLLLYYYY hard to find these days. I'm not sure if they're coming through DC this year but if they are, I will SOOOOO be there.

Yay for Women of Warped!!

Submitted by

Tito (47 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 11:48am.

I'm so excited about this article. AE mentioning Paramore is freaking sweet. Even if the picture of them is 2 years old and they don't have all the same band members.

I am hitting up two Warped destinations this summer. Paramore is for shiz worth the sunburn. I have seen them twice already and I could never get sick of their live show. They have so much energy and Hayley Williams... I mean, come on.

I will definitely have to hit up the Shiragirl stage. That is a must. I wouldn't mind seeing some of Katy Perry, even though I think she is the odd ball on warped this summer. She doesn't seem to fit the line-up.

And I noticed there was no mention of Charlotte Sometimes. She is a newcomer, getting pretty big this year and touring with Warped.

Juliette !!

Submitted by

Lezliemac (59 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 1:27pm.

Girls, run to see Juliette and her Licks live if you can. She is fa-bu-lous. And sooo hot and raw and sexy and sweaty and raw and sexy and sweaty and rrraaaaawwwwrrrr.

I'm jealous.

i wish paramore was

Submitted by

Margaret (13 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 1:44pm.

i wish paramore was stopping in denver for warped but sadly they aren't but its ok they're coming for a festival here which shall be awesome. by the way when the article said that hayley co-writes several of paramore's songs, she writes all the lyrics, but josh co-writes with her on some songs as well...just a distinction. she is the brains behind the lyrics and if she isn't it is a group effort which is really cool and their lyrics all of them are hands down amazing. i'm so stoked that paramore graced today's webpage its totally flippin awesome. i'm such a paramore fan i wrote my college essay about the first time i saw them in concert and it worked quite well too :)

oh other female oriented bands that should be mentioned that are going to be at wapred tour are automatic love letter with lead singer juliet simms, anarbor who has jess on bass and they are awesomely great, and the best upcoming band right now the material with colleen on vocals is vying for a spot on the ernie ball stage. they are amazingly phenomenal oh and one of my favorite bands and i'm surprised they weren't including is 1997 with Alida who does vox and the keyboard.

i am incredibly stoked for warped tour this year but last year was the best when i did get to meet paramore and give em a t-shirt i made and the whole adventure of what it took to meet them. ahhh there are sooo many good memories from concerts...and i shall stop talking now because i have mumbled on and on i just get excited about music i suppose

Thanks!

Submitted by

Tonker (31 posts)

on June 19, 2008 - 2:14pm.

Thanks for the Horrorpops! Just checked 'em out and the music's great!

I'd love to see Paramore live...when they're in Germany or in London during the next year, I will definitely go to see them!

Oh HOLY shit. Juliette

Submitted by

elizabeth (27 posts)

on June 22, 2008 - 8:03pm.

Oh HOLY shit. Juliette Lewis, Joan Jett, Be Your Own Pet, AND Horrorpops? Did I SERIOUSLY skip over the Warped tour listings because they usually have lame acts like Fall Out Boy and completely miss this?!?! I hope I still have a chance to go to the own in my area!

you guys might be interested

Submitted by

alltimelowest (1 post)

on June 26, 2008 - 11:45pm.

there's a whole gallery all about the women of warped over on buzznet. anybody seen this yet? http://www.buzznet.com/cp/galleries/photos/djrossstar-thewomenofwarped

Welcome to AfterEllen.com!

by Trish Bendix

The women of Warped Tour