In the introduction of her book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Critic, music critic Jessica Hopper writes: “The title of this book is for those whose dreams (and manuscripts) languished due to lack of formal precedence, support and permission. This title is not meant to erase our history but rather to help mark the path.” 

Growing up as a girl in love with progressive rock in conservative Venezuela, I never felt there was a space for me to voice my opinion and fandom. Using Hopper’s book title as a call for women to create and take up that space, I explore what it means to be a female music fan in a world that’s still dominated by male voices, both on and off stage. 

To learn more about Jessica Hopper and her work, visit her website.  

Her book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Critic is available here.