Why Fem Representation Is So Important In Rock: Persephone Rises DIY Show 11/29/25

Flyer for the show.

As a woman who loves rock music and all its subgenres like emo, post-hardcore, etc, I always have a difficult time finding fem-fronted bands. They are usually overshadowed by men in the scene or, unfortunately, pushed out of these DIY spaces, even though they are the core of them. However, NYC-based organization Persephone Rises DIY is trying to combat this. 

By promoting and booking shows with ALL fem-fronted acts, they are actively creating a community around this idea that has started to become popular in the space: GIRLS DO IT BETTER! Their primary focus is highlighting fem artists and bands that may be overlooked in alternative scenes. They are all-inclusive shows; all ages, independently run and funded, usually at DIY spaces, and cheap, open to anyone, unless you’re a terf or nazi, of course. 

I first found out about the organization when I saw the flyer for their show at the Stone Circle Theater, a small venue run out of a church in Ridgewood, Queens. I saw it on the Instagram of one of my favorite upcoming woman-fronted Philly-based bands, Static Brian. Once I realized it was an all fem-fronted bill, I knew I had to be there. 

I got there late, unfortunately, but just in time to see most of Lake Lanier’s set, a NY-based hardcore band. It was so interesting to see not only a woman-fronted hardcore band, but one that wasn't COMPLETELY full of weird and creepy white men. The performance was so powerful that they got the entire room moshing and engaged; the floor was shaking, and everyone was singing along. As part of hardcore tradition, of course, people came up and took the mic, creating a super interactive experience. The lead singer, Cara-mia, constantly went into the crowd and interacted with the audience. Their angst and political messaging were loud and clear during this performance. It was a great way to start off the night, and I will definitely be going to another one of their shows, and you should definitely check them out, too. Follow their Instagram @lakelaniernyc to hear about upcoming shows!

Baby’s Breath - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Next was Baby’s Breath, a fresh Rhode Island screamo band. They also got the place bumping as well as having more intimate moments, where they asked the crowd to come in close to the stage for a more emotional song written by a friend of theirs. The lead singer, Coco, brought so much intensity and passion to her vocals, making you feel emotional even without knowing the lyrics. This is a fiery band that I cannot wait to see what they do next, and I am itching for them to come back and do another show in New York! You can keep up with them on Instagram @babysbreathri. 

COMPLY - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Afterwards, NYC-based band COMPLY entered the stage. This awesome metalcore four-piece was riveting. Such a fun band to see live. They brought an unmatched energy to the church. Their sound was very heavy and distorted, perfect for letting loose in the pit, which all the kids definitely did. They were definitely a crowd favorite. The breakdowns would cause the floor to start shaking once again. They also have an excellent EP they released this year, COMPLY, where lead singer Brooke’s vocals stand out, just like at their live shows. Keep up with them on Instagram @comply.band and make sure to catch them at their next shows at The Woodshop on December 30th and at Grindtime Skateshop in Rockaway, NY, on January 3rd!

Static Brian - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Static Brian, an emo band from Philly, was the one I knew before the show, and they exceeded all my expectations. Not only do their performances look and sound great online through their videos, but they are incredible when you’re there in person. Lead singer Jasmine's voice is so beautiful and shows so much pain and emotion, both when she’s doing her softer vocals and her more screamy ones. Although a more “softer” set of music compared to others, they still absorbed all of the attention from the audience. This was definitely one of my favorite sets from the night, and I cannot wait to see them again. If you’re in Philly you should check them out at their next shows at Presha Garden on December 20th and at the First Unitarian Church on January 24th! For any other shows and updates, keep up with them on Instagram @staticbr1an. 

IN JEST - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Next up was another Philly band, IN JEST, a metalcore band! Bringing deeper and raunchier vocals of lead singer Caroline, this band was hypnotizing. The lead singer had a captivating stage presence that commanded the crowd, who went hard for every one of their songs. The gritty guitars, tight drumming, and the overall roughness of the vocals combined to create the heaviest sound of the night. Their next two shows are in PA at Bonk’s Bar on January 6th and at If Corp on January 10th. Follow them @injest215 on Instagram!

Snowfall - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Although the set was short, the screamo band Snowfall from Massachusetts rocked. With two fem singers, Anya and Briana, they bounced around with both higher and lower-pitched vocals, doing a sort of fun call and response, which is popular in the genre. Both singers were very theatrical in their performances, showing the deep passion they brought to their songs. They also had great chemistry with each other and the rest of the band. This was definitely an unforgettable performance. Keep up with them on Instagram @snowfallscreamo.

Ursa - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Second to last, another band from Rhode Island was Ursa. Unfortunately, their set also got cut a bit early, but it was still very enjoyable. The songs they played were more melodic than those of the other metalcore bands that night, which gave the sound an interesting twist. It was a lovely short set, leaving me wanting more! They thankfully have an album they just put out, named God Loves Us All, Even You Sex Freaks, that I listened to after the show to get a better sense of their sound. Their upcoming shows are at Grindtime Skateshop in Rockaway, NY, on January 3rd playing with COMPLY and the Shutesbury Athletic Club in Massachusetts on January 10th. Keep up with them on Instagram at @ursa.pvd!

Last but certainly not least was screamo band from CT mybodywasfoundinahallowtree. I was so upset I couldn’t get photos of this band after my camera died because they were definitely another one of my favorite sets from the night, but I’m also glad I was able to focus on them and thoroughly enjoy their time on stage. There are also two fem lead singers in this band as well, Suzy and Gabby. Their overall sound was very reminiscent of MySpace emo, specifically a mix of metalcore and emoviolence. It was so enticing and definitely the best way to end the night. Their next two shows are in NJ on January 9th at Cinco de Mayo, in Rhode Island on January 10th at AS220, and back in NY on January 11th at Trans Pecos! Look for more shows on their Instagram @mybodywasfoundinahollowtree!

Crowd during IN JEST - Photo by Sofia Lisena

Overall, this show was definitely one of my favorites of the year. Each band brought their own interesting sound to the table, yet the show felt cohesive based on the fundamentals of metal, hardcore, and emo genres. It was wonderful to see a whole community willing to show up and support fem artists and for those artists to support each other. I met so many wonderful people there and discovered so many bands I wouldn’t have otherwise. As someone who loves these types of shows but is always intimidated by the level of testosterone in the room, it felt great to be seen and represented on stage. Thank you to Persephone Rises for putting on such a beautiful and impactful show. Please follow them on Instagram @persephone.rises.diy, and please support them by attending one of their shows!