Gen Z Women Take the Mic in Central Florida’s Music Scene

Central Florida’s music scene has never been quiet, and as Gen Z makes its mark, a new wave of young women, once unheard, are now the ones crowds pay to hear, as they assist in. They’re redefining the stigma around the heavy music scene and those listeners in it. Young girls have begun to vocalize their feelings towards the scene. While some older folks have viewed the community as rebellious or possibly disruptive, it is a state of growth and comfort for many.

“We [females in the scene], hope to continue demonstrating that girls can be outspoken, anything we want to be, and fucking proud of it,” Brie Shafer, lead vocalist and Synth for Stiletto tells Pulp City. “It definitely feels like there is a scene for us now. The recent-ish emergence of numerous female fronted or all female brands in the alternative music spaces, especially heavier stuff. It gives us hope that female and queer voices are starting to be amplified and celebrated the way they deserve to be.”

Generations before do more than just open the curtains for young performers, they’ve allowed girls to break out of their shell without fear of judgement. 

“I used to be nervous about what people may think of me, or what I look like, but with a supportive crowd I just forget about all the worries.” Indiana Walker, vocalist for local hardcore band S.M.O.P. said. “Venues like Stardust have built such a supportive and strong community, that if things go down, you know someone has your back.” 

Indiana has the benefit of a big helper in the scene. Her father is Will Walker, owner of Will’s Pub, Lil Indies, and Conduit.  “Generationally the youth seem to be supportive and super open to let their peers and friends be who they decide they are. It’s impressive. She took existing support for youthful and new bands and renewed my interest in giving a stage to up and coming artists.” Will is a big believer in this next generation of new artists, having hosted several of them at his clubs.

Venues across Central Florida allow for youth to let loose in a safe, threat free setting. Organizations like Orlando Girls Rock Camp (OGRC), has notably set the stage for young females and those alike to expand their horizons.

“ORGC has done so much to lift young female voices; in addition to the camp itself, they have provided femme focused shows, and overall been friendly faces throughout the scene,” Nina Friend, vocalist for local indie band CatNap said. “My social skills have developed as a result of being involved so heavily in local music, it allows me to be more outgoing and conversational, which I find to play a huge role in my development.”

The central Florida alternative scene has been around for decades, and as Gen Z continues to make a staple in the scene, the older generations are proud.