We'd hate to be shallow, but these women are not only physically good-looking, they're also immensely talented. Here are my 88 Hottest Women in Indie Rock:
1. Jenny Lewis
Not only is the #1 hottest woman of indie rock the lead singer of Rilo Kiley, she's also sung with the Watson Twins, and DNTEL & Ben Gibbard in the iconic Postal Service. Oh, and she has her own solo career too, proving that not all childhood actors go the way of Macaulay Culkin. Put on your Rabbit Fur Coat and Rise Up With Fists, this fiery redhead Las Vegas native is hot enough to sustain lava. Her latest, “Acid Tongue” brings all the boys to the yard to test out that acid tongue for themselves. And hey, I'm into her. She's hella hot.
2. Zooey Deschanel (She & Him)
For an actress turned "she" of She & Him, she makes crossovers look good. With acting chops in The Good Girl and the recent Yes Man, her soothing croon and huge seafaring eyes, Zooey marks number two on the list. Too bad she's engaged though. According to Stereogum, Zooey is Ben Gibbard's (Death Cab for) Cutie. Which gives hope to all hefty bearded soft men everywhere.
3. Joanna Newsom
It's not difficult to mistaken Joanna Newsom for an angel. Her voice is this weird folky and entrancing slice of heaven. Also, she plays the harp.
4. M.I.A.
M.I.A flies like paper. If Beyoncé were into indie rock, she’d be M.I.A. Her blue hair and giant, corny sweaters has inspired many a Halloween costume, but not in a scary Dick Cheney kind of way.
5. Marnie Stern
Yeah, Marnie Stern is hot. and This Is hot and I Am hot and You Are hot and So Is That and He Is hot and She Is hot and It Is hot and That Is That.
6. Feist
Canadian Goddess of Ipod commercials, Feist played an angel on A Colbert Christmas and had the muppets humming "1, 2, 3, 4". How cute.
7. Cat Power
Chan Marshall's breathy seduction of a voice has made her the #7 contender on the list. Her stage name is also my favorite euphemism of lower girly parts, interestingly enough.
8. Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)
She's so hot, it's almost barbaric. Kim Gordon is the smokin' female bassist behind the holy Sonic Youth and one of the frontrunners of indie rock. Now approaching her late 50’s, this is one cougar I wouldn’t mind being jumped by in the forest.
9. Emily Haines (Broken Social Scene)
Indian-native, Canadan-raised Emily Haines is probably one of the hottest women to come out of Canada and India at the same time. Her looks are as delicate as her piano and vocals with Broken Social Scene. She's like if Kiera Knightley was in a kickass band but could probably still be that girl in your Spanish Diction class.
10. Tift Merritt
Tift Merritt looks more like a model than your average country singer-songwriter (think Reba). But don’t be fooled, this Carolina chanteuse can sing a gorgeous Americana piece like no other.
11. Santogold
She's dropped her first album in her mid-thirties, opened for Coldplay, and co-wrote songs for Ashlee Simpson. And though the latter two seem to contradict each another, there is no doubt that Santogold can belt out beats to the likes of M.I.A. and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
12. Madeline
This DIY acoustic star has soft, approachable looks reminiscent of her quiet, honest songs from such albums as “Kissing and Dancing” and “The Slow Bang.” She's as delightful as the cartoon french girl of the same name.
13. Kaki King
A pretty girl with sweet vocals and post-rock instrumentals? That deserves to be mentioned.
14. Kelly Crisp (the Rosebuds)
A local Raleighite, Kelly Crisp taught English at a community college before forming the Rosebuds. She's also a comedian, (will her talents ever stop emerging?) which undoubtedly caught the eye of the charming Ivan Howard. And he's not bad-looking either.
15. & 16. CocoRosie (Bianca Leilani and Sierra Rose Casady)
Twins! Bianca and Sierra Casady make for a pretty hot pair in their band CocoRosie. Bianca (Coco) and Sierra (Rosie) oftentimes wear elaborate makeup on stage, making it hard to figure which one is which. Luckily, they’re both hot sisters who make beautiful, psychedelic sounds.
17. Marissa Paternoster (Screaming Females)
She's so tiny, I feel like I could put her in my pocket. But when this girl screams, she screams. With her mouth. It's so evil and delicious.
18. Karen O. (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
Part Korean. Part Polish. All hot woman. Her quirky, orgasmic-like vocals leave her an enigma as the centerpiece of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
19. Jill Andrews (The Everybodyfields)
Frontwoman of Tennessee’s The Everybodyfields, Jill Andrews, is a gem. Her soft country twang intriguing many a bearded male in plaid.
20. Mel Draisey (The Clientele)
So hot she makes the rest of her bandmates look bad. Her pouty eyes and sultry violen make Gwyenth Paltrow sulk.
21. Nicole Atkins
This “pop-noir” singer from Jersey, with her so-short dresses and duotone hair, can wear Old Navy and still look hot.
22. Anna Spence (The Annuals)
Raleigh’s own Anna Spence is the folksy next-door neighbor. You figure she's cute, but really, you just want to court her and hold her hand.
23-25 The Pipettes (Rosay, Gwenno, RiotBecki)
Their kisses are wasted on you. Though the original members may have severed ties to the band, they were hot while they lasted. Their hits were catchy; their charm, infectious.
26. Thao Nguyen
27. Lykke Li
28. Beth Tacular (Bowerbirds)
29. Ladyhawke
30. Kathryn Calder (The New Pornographers)
31. Nicole Barille (Mr. Gnome)
32.& 33. Camera Obscura (Tracyanne Campbell, Carey Lander)
34. Charlotte Gainsbourg
35. Þórunn Antonía (Fields)
36. Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead)
37. Neko Case
38.-40. Au Revoir Simone (Erika Forster, Annie Hart, Heather D’Angelo)
40-44. Sleater Kinney (Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weiss, Corin Tucker, and Lora McFarlane)
45. The Ettes (Maria "Poni" Silver, Lindsay "Coco" Hames)
46-48. Pink Flag (Princess Ojiaku, Betsy Shane and Jessica Caesar)
49. Goldfrapp
50. Khaela Maricich (the Blow)
51. Kristin Gundred (Grand Ole Party)
52. Nikki Monninger (Silversun Pickups)
53. Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces)
54. Analee Fery (Monsters Are Waiting)
55. Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond)
56. Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond)
57. Satomi Matsuzaki (Deerhoof)
58-59. Tegan & Sara
60. Victoria Legrand (Beach House)
61-61. Midtown dickens (Catherine Edgerton and Kym Register)
62-64. The Vivian Girls (Cassie Ramone, Kickball Katy, Ali Koehler)
65. Belinda Butcher (My Bloody Valentine)
66. Joan as Policewoman
67. Katrina Kerns (Sufjan Stevens)
68-70. Ladytron (Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo)
71. Jolie Holland
72. Lovefoxxx
73. Nico Vega
74. St. Vincent
75-77. Tilly and the Wall (Kianna Alarid, Neely Jenkins, Jamie Pressnall)
78. Annie Hardy (Giant Drag)
79. Sia
80. Bat for Lashes
81. Gabriela (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
82. Anita Robinson (Viva Voce)
83. Emiliana Torrini
84. Mirah
85. Inara George (Bird and the Bee)
86-88. All Girl Summer Fun Band (Kathy Foster, Jen Sbragia, Kim Baxter)
Chan Marshall is waaaay hotter than Jenny Lewis.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Chan Marshall takes Jenny Lewis in a heartbeat. Also, Eleanor Friedberger should be higher up.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, you managed to find the worst picture of Jenny I have ever seen. However, if you are considering Tift Merritt as indie, she takes the cake. Unbelievably gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteNotable exception: Rachel Hearst from IWTDI.
You deserve an award for compiling this
ReplyDeleteAdam, your opinions don't count. You're right (for once) about Rachel Hearst, though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is pretty ridiculous. You've got the fat chicks from Pink Flag on here(above WAY hotter folks like Belinda Butcher, Shara Worden, Tegan and Sara?), and the mostly pleasant-looking, but butch ladies of Midtown Dickens, but not the hot girl from I Was Totally Destroying It(pretty sure it's Hirsh, not Hearst, fellas- but thanks for pointing out the huge omission)??? How'd you skip IWTDI- that girl is way hotter and definitely at least more well known than Pink Fat, if not Midtown Dickens, too. You're a genius.
ReplyDeleteYou're all wrong. This list is perfect!
ReplyDeleteGotta agree with a couple of the commenters above, the IWTDI girl is way hotter than anyone in Pink Flag(?)(and more talented!) and a number of the others on this list!
ReplyDelete"Hirsh." You are correct my good man. I do have a friend named Hearst, hence the confusion.
ReplyDeleteChris, I'm assuming you've never seen Pink Flag live. Nothing against Rachael Hersh, she's a great singer, but all three members of Pink Flag are extremely talented.
ReplyDeleteDave, in the context of a discussion of who's the hottest women of indie rock you've managed to come off as an exceptionally shallow douche, congratulations.
Adam, your opinion still doesn't matter
Whoo, our first bit of drama on the blog! Who woulda thunk that an article about hot rock chicks would cause so much spirited discussion?
ReplyDeleteOK, I can't resist jumping in, despite what seems to be an obvious troll:
+1 on Gray Matter's comments... Pink Flag deserve considerably more credit for their music than you give them. And IWTDI is one of my favorite bands to boot.
For the future, I'd recommend keeping your derogatory comments about physique to yourself; they ain't welcome here or in our music scene.
Gray Matter, I'm assuming you're not a musician or a songwriter. I have seen Pink Flag a couple of times, in fact. We can't argue weather they are a "good" band or not, because that is much more subjective and completely based on personal tastes- but to assert that a band like that is "extremely talented" is just weird to me- I don't even know if the band would say that themselves! Isn't that kinda their thing- being sloppy and punky and discordant? I love some sloppy punk bands. I like Pavement a lot too- but that band wasn't talented(except Malkmus)- they barely knew how to play their instruments in the beginning- they just wrote good songs. Musical talent isn't what a band like PF is all about. I've seen IWTDI live before too and they can certainly sound bad sometimes, but Racheal is clearly more musically "talented"(or adept, or however you want to put it).
ReplyDeleteAnd in defense of this Dave guy, who does sound like a douche possibly(I've got some extra poundage myself)- I still have to say- is it really fair to say it's unacceptable to point out that some people are overweight(if they are!), but it's OK to make lists talking about how HOT some women are, based on physical appearance? Just seems a bit hypocritical to me. We're all guilty of it here and there, but being derogatory about physique just seems like a strange thing to point out on this particular blog.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteSpeaking as a musician, songwriter, and as a person who has a fair bit of extra poundage himself, I've got to refute a few of your points.
First off, does talented necessarily equal musically adept, as you assume? I posit that your perception of talent is equally as subjective as your taste in music... after all, the consensus gamut of talent ranges from, say, Bob Dylan to Neil Peart.
The difference between Dave's inflammatory post and May's awesome post about hot girls is that May's was complimentary while Dave's was filled with cheap shots at local musicians. If May was writing ungrounded swipes about local musicians instead of complimenting them on their good looks (and she'd never do that, trust me), it'd be equally as unacceptable. Criticism is great and encouraged, but if you're a jerk, expect to get treated as such.
So, it seems we are at a consensus then to add Racheal Hirsh to the list. Lets drop her somewhere in the top 10 or 15 then?
ReplyDeleteThe amount of testosterone on this page is reaching new pinnacles. I say we drop Santogold down. She is a little high on the list for me.
Only admins (you) can edit published posts, Adam.
ReplyDeleteI think VVLL belong in the top 10 as well.
Chris, are you to deny that it takes talent to put on a great punk rock show. If it didn't every punk and post-punk band would put on as energetic and fun show as Pink Flag. As someone who has seen countless mediocre punk bands, I can tell you Pink Flag is a cut above.
Yikes! Yo y'all, it's John from IWTDI. This stuff is getting nuts, thought I should weigh in to clear the air a bit, hopefully. You know I love all of you, especially my music geek-out partner in crime, Mr Stevo!
ReplyDeleteOn a list of 88 female musicians, suggesting that they are "the hottest in indie rock" in the world(definitely a lot of women from places outside of the US on the list), a decent handful of them are from the Triangle. It just seems a little off that those women would be represented(over 10% of the list are NC women), but some pretty high-profile locals would be omitted. Rachel Hirsh seems pretty obvious to me(perhaps I'm a little biased?? She is my girlfriend after all!), but how 'bout Aimee Argote from Des Ark? That seems like a glaring omission to me. And Bibis Ellison too. Missy Thangs(Soft Company, The Love Language)? Man, I could go on- not just basing it on personal opinion, but what seems to be consensus that I hear when certain artists are referenced. These are pretty classically good looking women(and talented too, like May's introduction posits about her 88 featured above) who are very much in the local(and somewhat national) eye, and yet they are left off. It's fine because it's May's opinion, but it does seem to be in slightly strange taste to include a *few* of the beautiful, talented local rockers, but to leave off so many notable others. This might go over better if it were JUST artists in the national eye...
I'm not backing up ANY of the nonsense that's been said above by others, but I do *slightly* see where someone could be coming from in reading either side of these arguments as derogatory- it is a bit sexist after all, right(yeah, I realize the original post is by a woman- still, though)?
And whether you're commenting on how "hot" someone is, or how "overweight"- isn't that still just judging based on visible features? It might be lacking tact to walk up to someone and say "dude, you've got a beer-gut" or "dude, you've got a lot of gray hairs", but if they said either to me I could still only tell them "hell yeah I do!"
Ah jeez, I dunno, this is why I always avoid posting on things like this- I try not to get involved!
In closing, I do just think this blog works better as a great source for news and articles and music reviews- personal lists like this would be far better suited on personal LiveJournals or Myspace pages or something. Just my two cents. I still love reading the blog overall though, keep it up!
I honestly do not know what most of these women look like and do not particularly care to Google image them. The few that I do know, however, are making the order of this list very confusing to me. Most of the chicks I do recognize are not even hot. What I really want to know is why Anna Spence isn't number one.
ReplyDeleteThis list fails. Epic fail.
John, in response to your closing, I would have to agree.
ReplyDeleteHowever, upon the many hours I and our web team spent researching blog content, trends, patterns, etc, before launching the blog to the public, it became apparent that gender differences are inevitable in these situations, as in everything else. Content that appeases different demographics is important to the success of any blog/news outlet/media device, and we cannot forget that males and females read and absorb in very contrasting ways.
For instance, men are much more likely to enjoy and read articles based around news and real life stories, whilst women tend to read blogs based upon rumors, drama, and lists (such as this one). You can even see discrepancies in writing styles between males and females and the material they choose to write about. In order to reach all of our listeners/readers, we need to account for these variations and post content accordingly. You can go to any website and see this in action- MSN, CNN, etc. Some articles reach out to women, and some to men. Notice the differences in them and how you react to them, as well as which you choose to read. This is not to say this is true 100% of the time, but its definitely something to look for.
The research done on these cognitive disparities is truly eye opening and fascinating stuff for nerds such as myself. I won't bore you anymore with examples, but just realize that while some posts may not be of your particular taste, or mine, someone out there does enjoy them.
With that said, know that we do not try to tightly control what our DJs choose to blog about. Our staff has done a fantastic job so far to write stories that interest them, and possibly their readers while inserting their own personal opinions and taste (and not those of WKNC or NCSU). Most blogs will be about news, local events, and happenings at WKNC, but what they choose to blog about, while monitored, is free range and fair game. We feel that this is the best way to reach our listeners, gain an audience, and add that personal feel you just don't get from some commercial radio or even tv stations. Thats what makes WKNC so great.
Meghan: If only you knew how hard I fought to put Anna at #1... Truly, it is a crime.
I've got to say that I'm digging all of this discussion. Our blog has readers! They've got things to say! Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteSo, even as KNC's former local music director, I think that I'd have trouble putting together a list of the 'hottest women of the Triangle music scene,' as there are so many amazing women (and men too) who make music around here. Indie rock is usually such a bro party, but exile in Guyville our scene most certainly is not. That, I must say, rocks pretty hard.
Hey, look, my girlfriend worked really damn hard to compile this list and if you guys are just going to bitch about the list, then why comment at all? Come on.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you trying to shed light on the talented women in indie rock and in the local music scene through this post, but as local female performer, I have to take issue with the general idea behind this.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that the way a female musician looks is so integrated into how she is recognized? Why don't we have a list w/ the hottest boys in music? As much as I appreciate beautiful women, we are so underrepresented in the music scene (not necessarily in the triangle, but nation-wide), anytime the superficial is glorified as if it 'adds' to a woman's talent, I cringe.
I'm sure the reasons for putting together this list was to praise the hotness of these talented ladies, but can we at least acknowledge the disservice we're doing them by framing their talent in this way?
I nominate Sam from Future Islands as the hottest boy in rock & roll.
ReplyDeleteMegan, fear not. A mens list is already being compiled. Of course we cannot do one without the other.
ReplyDeleteAnd that will be followed by our special edition 'Hottest DJs of KNC' swimsuit calendar. Just wait until you see Gray Matter's speedo layout for March.
ReplyDeleteAaron, she published this blog for public consumption. That's an opening to criticism, regardless of the effort or time consumed. Suck it up - at least people are reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Matticus.
ReplyDeleteThe hottest woman in indie rock is Scarlett Johansson, duh! That is until Stacey Dash or Rosario Dawson make a record.
ReplyDeleteI chose the vertical striped speedo because it's slimming.
ReplyDeleteThe Scarlett Johansson record can't be considered indie rock until it's considered music. But if that ever happens, she's still not quite as hot as Anna.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Bjork/Pj Harvey?!
ReplyDeletethis list lacks grace potter.
ReplyDeleteI think Maura Davis from Denali (newly reformed) should get some mention here; I've been a fan since high school.
ReplyDeleteMarissa Paternoster is a twit and so far from hot I laughed when I saw how high she ranked on this ridiculous list.
ReplyDelete"Just wait until you see Gray Matter’s speedo layout for March."
ReplyDeleteI almost lost it in laughter in the middle of class when I read that.
the hell is Heather McEntire from Bellafea and Un Deux Trois? She's local and lesbian, which doubles her hotness in most cases.
ReplyDeleteGood question Dusty. We were just talking about this today...
ReplyDeleteJesus, guys.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan and John about the inappropriateness of this blog post and the comments that have followed. Judging musicians by their physical appearance is why crap like Britney Spears exists. Women (and men to a lesser degree) are judged on their appearance often enough as it is. Let's judge musicians on their ability as musicians, not how they look. Especially in indie rock.
And Dave, I wonder if you'd be as willing to comment on Pink Flag's weight or Midtown Dickens' "butchness" to their face? Or is that something you reserve for the safe anonymity of the internet? Here's the thing: while someone like Cat Power may not stumble across some blog post on a college radio station's website, chances are good that the musicians who live in the area and listen to/support that radio station will. Perhaps you should spend more time listening to WKNC's public service announcements. I believe there was one that talked about how harmful trash-talk on the internet can be. I thought the PSA was aimed at middle and elementary schoolers, but apparently the lesson bears repeating all the way up into college. Of course, if you do feel like saying it to their faces, both bands play around here often enough. I'm sure either one would have a fistful of responses for you.
-Shayne
ps - Pink Flag's drummer can play circles around half the drummers in the Triangle. Nothing sloppy about it.
I'm just gonna go ahead and save y'all the trouble and nominate Mike Jackson of Red Collar for that list too, but I'd put him near the top at least.
ReplyDeletei think you forgot alyse lamb from eula (CT).
ReplyDeletenot only is she hottt, but she rocks the vox in CT's best band! check out the pics...eulamusic.com
our city would like to say its a grave mistake to not have Jill Andrews in the top 5. Based on the criteria of talent and good looks we feel as though M.I.A. while hot is not that talented once you remove her producer and DJ. Jill on the other hand is gorgeous, talented, and yet to work with a producer. What you see and hear is her beauty and creative talent.
ReplyDeleteNo way Jill Andrews from The Everybodyfields isn't in the top 10 . . . I could be biased though, considering that I am a bearded man who wears plaid.
ReplyDeleteMary Pearson from High Places. Obviously.
ReplyDeletewhat's the piont of this list? At least include photos for each list.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty terrible list. Someone already mentioned the fatties from Pink Flag but what about the other 80 chicks that don't belong on this list? You should have just made it the 5 hottest women in indie rock because honestly, there AREN'T 88 hotties :\
ReplyDeleteGood god, Rolling Stone has turned into a total boys club in the last 10 years- women's music isn't mentioned unless there's an accompanying sexy photo. And now you too? Why can't you be genuinely respectful of their talent? Can women do nothing without being sexified? Women are still considered the "other" or the exception to the rule when it comes to music. I see articles written about hot new bands, and then, as if it's a completely different topic, women in music. This happens with women in comedy as well. Think about every mainstream comedy that has been produced by Hollywood in the past 10 years. Women are a sexy diversion to the protagonist, never a central character in their own right.
ReplyDeletei agree with 'hand banana' (lol @athf)
ReplyDeletemaura davis leaves many of these artists in her wake. plus she has one of the most beautiful voices i've ever heard. this should not be overlooked!
if ever someone deserved an image search, should be her. plus, would've been nice to have everyone's pic represented within the post!
cheers all,
m
excuse me where is Alison Mosshart?
ReplyDeleteShe should be number 1
this is one of the most ridiculous and sad post ever
ReplyDeletelisa lobsinger should be number one on this list
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Rebeca, where the hell is Alison. Also, Sierra and Bianca are not twins. Other musicians you missed.
ReplyDeleteSchool of seven bells.
the veronicas
kickball katy from vivian girls/la sera
all the gals from warpaint
the list goes on.
Where the fuck is Regina Spektor?
ReplyDeleteShe is a one women band... she writes records and mixes everything.
ReplyDeleteI like her because she is so different... Shes like PJ HARVEY.. WITH SOME ZACK DE LA ROCHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpoz90sWoF0
[...] years ago, we had our list of hot women, and the temperature is now ripe for the opposite sex. Here are our list of the 88 Hottest Men in [...]
ReplyDeletethis list cannot be complete without Hope sandoval
ReplyDeletehow in the hell is st. vincent ranked that low?
ReplyDeleteBat for lashes (natasha khan) and st. vincient (annie clark)need to be first or at least in the top ten!
ReplyDeletethey're both extremely talented, charming and beautiful (and i had a crush on natasha for the longest ^_^)
Check out fight by Eternal Spiritus. Really good female vocal.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Fabiola Gatti from Dreamtribes should be on this list.
ReplyDelete