How do you like your Pop?

International Women's Week continues as we take a look at some pop icons!

Madonna - Queen of Pop

You can’t complete an influential woman in music list without talking about the Queen of Pop, Madonna. Born on August 16, 1958 in Bay City Michigan before moving to New York City in 1978. Madonna is renowned for her pushing boundaries when it came to her artistic expression, constantly pushing the table when it came to her music, fashion and dancing. She explored various styles and redefined her style with each album she released, seamlessly transitioning between pop, electronica, disco and dance. Madonna is known for songs such as “Like a Virgin”, “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue” and “Material Girl”. Her first album, Madonna, was released on July 27, 1983.

Madonna has never been afraid to express her sensuality or sexuality through her music or performances. Madonna has 7 Grammy’s including Best Pop Album, Best Electronic/Dance Album and Best Long Form Music Video. Madonna is a queer icon in her own right and in the eyes of those within the LGBTQ+ community as she has been an outspoken advocate for queer rights.

Allie X 

Canadian enigma Allie X is a masterclass of glossy electropop that occasionally borders on gritty surrealism. Her journey within the music industry took many different routes. Growing up, she studied classical piano and voice at Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy and graduated from Sheridan College’s Musical Theater Performance program. In 2012, she was selected as a member of the inaugural Slaight Family Music Centre residency at The Canadian Film Centre. Her mixture of bubblegum hooks with soaring vocals sharpened by past musical theatre training is most prevalent in debut EP CollXtion I, which contains earnest songs about bitterness stemming from unrequited love. Her debut live performance took place in April 2015 as part of a two-day residency at Montreal’s Phi Centre. With her spellbinding stage effects, unique artistic vision, and hyper focus on peculiarity, Allie X is definitely an act to keep your eye on.

Standout song: Sanctuary (either the studio or official live version)