Feminism has always been a complex and controversial topic, as female rock musicians know especially well. When they’ve stayed true to their own vision, these artists have alternately been adored as role models or denounced as bad influences. Either way, they’re asked to cope with certain pressures that their male counterparts haven’t faced. With each successive feminism movement since the 1960s, women in rock have been prominent proponents of progress as they’ve increasingly taken control of their own music, message, and image. This, in its way, is just as revolutionary as any protest demonstration. In She’s a Badass , music journalist Katherine Yeske Taylor interviews twenty significant women in rock, devoting an entire chapter to each one, taking an in-depth look at the incredible talent, determination―and, often, humor―they needed to succeed in their careers (and life). Interviewees range from legendary artists through notable up-and-comers, including Ann Wilson (Heart), Gina Schock (The Go-Go’s), Suzanne Vega, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Orianthi, Amanda Palmer, and more. Their experiences reveal the varied and unique challenges these women have faced, how they overcame them, and what they think still needs to be done to continue making progress on the equality front. Their stories prove that promoting feminism―either through activism or by living example―is undeniably badass. The women interviewed for the 20 chapters are: Suzi Quatro, Ann Wilson (Heart), Exene Cervenka (X), Gina Schock (the Go-Go's), Lydia Lunch, Suzanne Vega, Cherie Currie (the Runaways), Joan Osborne, Donita Sparks (L7), Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses, the Breeders, Belly), Paula Cole, Tobi Vail (Bikini Kill), Laura Veirs, Catherine Popper, Amanda Palmer, Bonnie Bloomgarden (Death Valley Girls), Orianthi, Fefe Dobson, and Sade Sanchez (L.A. Witch). “This book’s fierce attitude and biographies that pitch towards the positive will have plenty of appeal for readers seeking some inspiration from women who’ve carved out a place in rock music.” ― Library Journal “Documents the gender-based challenges each woman has faced in their career, as well as their determination and perseverance. Their stories run the gamut from shocking to humorous to enlightening.” ― Billboard “I'm not any era. I broke barriers in the '60s and I still break barriers. She's a Badass celebrates women in rock and their influence on gender equality. It's a must-read. There is still a lot of work to be done.” ―Marianne Faithfull, musician and actress “I found myself fascinated by the stories and experiences shared in this book. Even the women I know surprised me.” ―Ani DiFranco, musician, poet, and activist “By capturing the spirit and soul of six decades' worth of female rockers, Katherine Yeske Taylor demonstrates that she's as much of a badass as any of her subjects. This is a book that needed to be written, and she rose to the occasion like few others could.” ―Tom Beaujour, co-author of New York Times bestseller Nothin' but a Good Time “These women's stories are thought-provoking and utterly fascinating - they are indeed badasses.” ―Legs McNeil, co-editor Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk “She’s a Badass is a book about badass women written by a fellow badass woman. It’s a riveting and inspiring read and I can’t put it down. In fact, I typed this with just one pinky so I wouldn’t lose my page.” ―Dave Hill, comedian, musician, and author “"The first time I ever worked with a woman in the music industry was in 1990 when I collaborated with Anne Dudley on Songs from the Victorious City. Until that point in my career I had never really considered how profound the struggle was for a woman in a patriarchal industry (having been in an all-male environment since the inception of Killing Joke). From the metaphorical airbrushing and stereotyping to the brutal chauvinism encountered by so many women artists, She’s a Badass documents the experiences of these influential and brave pioneers."―Dr. Jaz Coleman, vocals/songwriter: Killing Joke, composer and producer” ―Jaz Coleman, vocals/songwriter: Killing Joke, composer and producer “She’s a Badass recounts the sometimes harrowing tales of how icons such as Heart’s Ann Wilson, The Runaways’ Cherie Currie, and Indigo Girls’ Amy Ray navigated uncharted waters for women in the industry while they made their music their own way. Although the artists who share their deeply personal stories with Katherine Yeske Taylor range from purveyors of alternative rock to punk-pop, their tales of struggle, perseverance, and triumph are universal. Their collective voices demand a reckoning for how females have been treated, acknowledge the personal growth sparked by their difficult journeys, and offer the refreshing perspective that declaring men the enemy isn’t the solution to achieving equality.” ―Christa Titus, Billboard editor “She’s a Badass is a virtual handbook for women, especially those com