Scotland's Lost All-Female Bands
- Scotland's all-female bands made a significant impact in the music industry.
- Despite initial success, these bands struggled to sustain their popularity.
- A new film sheds light on the untold stories of these talented musicians.
Musician and filmmaker Carla Easton is on a mission to shed light on the often-ignored history of Scottish girl bands through her documentary, *Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands*. Growing up in Lanarkshire during the 1990s, Easton was inspired by the animated band Jem and the Holograms, yet she was unaware of pioneering Scottish groups like the McKinleys, the Ettes, and Strawberry Switchblade. These bands, despite their significant contributions to music, have largely faded from public consciousness, overshadowed by a London-centric music industry. Easton’s documentary aims to rectify this oversight, highlighting the struggles and achievements of these female musicians who were often dismissed or overlooked. She reflects on the lack of representation in the media, noting that even a 2018 exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland failed to acknowledge their stories. “God, I wish I’d seen them on TV when I was young,” she expresses, emphasizing the importance of visibility for aspiring artists. The film also celebrates the emergence of contemporary bands like Honeyblood and Sacred Paws, who continue to pave the way for future generations. Easton, who formed her own band, TeenCanteen, underscores the importance of female collaboration in the music scene. “We can do this in our own way, and support each other,” she asserts, encouraging young women to pursue their musical ambitions. As the documentary unfolds, it serves as a rallying cry for recognition and empowerment, reminding audiences that the legacy of Scottish girl bands is rich and deserving of celebration.