The Matriarchy: A Playlist by Samantha Margret

Today we’re all about female empowerment and Samantha Margret is here to help.

Showing a prowess for songwriting from an early age, the San Francisco-born indie pop artist is now using her powerful voice to confront a variety of issues that have been plaguing our society for centuries.

The latest addition to Samantha’s growing catalog is her new single “Feminist gf,” out today. An epic girl power anthem, the song was inspired by a frustrating encounter she had with a man over Zoom. The man claimed to be a “feminist,” but his words and actions during their call didn’t support that declaration, and instead of letting the experience deter her, she used it as a source of empowerment to create something beautiful.

"After the call, I was mad at him; I was mad at myself," she explains. "Sometimes it cuts deeper when that kind of patriarchal hurt comes from someone you think is on your team. I think of myself as really outspoken and try to be the first to speak up when another woman is in trouble, but I sometimes have trouble when the comments are directed at me.”

Today Samantha shares a mighty playlist of songs from her favorite female artists, in addition to her own new single, that will have us bopping right through the weekend. Look out for her appearance on Musical Notes Global’s IG account (@mngblog), where she’ll be taking over for the day on Tuesday, October 13.

“The Matriarchy: A Playlist by Samantha Margret”

“Look at Her Now”-Selena Gomez
This song is one of my favorites to play while I brush my teeth. It puts my energy in the right place to face the day. It also has some delightfully creative vocal production.

“Pink”-Julia Michaels

For me, humor is one of the signs of a great writer. If the song can be funny and clever without becoming a joke, I’m in. Plus, if it makes my partner blush, that’s always fun.

“The Man”-Taylor Swift

I love how Taylor Swift takes the things that other people use to criticize her or bring her down and turns them into badass songs. This song is a great reminder that other people can’t take our power if we don’t give it away.

“Just a Girl”-No Doubt

My mom used to blast No Doubt in the car. I can remember the first time that I understood the sarcasm in these lyrics. The song went from a great melody to one of my favorites instantly. Now, when I listen, I love that lead guitar and synth—so 90s.

“Feminist gf”-Samantha Margret
Sometimes you just have to vent a little rage, you know? Let it out.

“Elastic Heart”-Sia

Sia’s song ideas are so creative: a heart like a rubber band, yes please.

“Pynk”-Janelle Monáe (feat. Grimes)

Janelle Monáe owns every part of who she is. I really aspire to that level of self-confidence. The music video for this is stunning—an absolute must watch.

“you should see me in a crown”-Billie Eilish
When this song came out, my family had to put a limit on how many times I was allowed to listen in a row because I would listen on repeat while I worked. It’s so strong. It’s just power.

“Don’t Start Now”-Dua Lipa

I’m really excited by the trend of womxn in pop owning breakups in their music. Breakups are hard, but we make it through. I like how that’s more a part of the narrative now.

“Walk of Shame”-P!nk
I’ve been a fan of P!nk since before I was allowed to swear. This song is classic P!nk. She
creates unity and joy out of topics and feelings that we are told to feel shame about. She’s honest about being embarrassed on a “walk of shame,” but she’s not totally giving into that shame. She’s still in charge.

“Like a Girl”-Lizzo

Lizzo is so talented. I mean, have you seen that flute action, and she can rap, and she can sing, and she writes, come on. She’s definitely using that talent for good. Her music, her Instagram, everything about her is pure positivity.

“God is a Woman”-Ariana Grande
I’m not religious, but if I were, this song is how I’d practice. Ariana Grande challenges music industry sexism so beautifully. She gets belittled in interviews and she turns it back on the interviewer. She’s told women in pop can’t release songs like men in hip hop and then she releases “Thank You, Next.” She runs the show.

“Got It”-Marian Hill

I’m so inspired by Marian Hill’s production. My college a capella group did this song, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. This is a great one to sing in the shower.

“Back in My Body”-Maggie Rogers

Our bodies are one of the main places where being a woman meets being a part of culture. Bodies are freeing, capable, and beautiful. But, they can also feel confining, challenging, and painful. Something about this song always brings me back to taking care of mine.