Music holds deep meaning—it can be a form of self-expression, a momentary escape from the world, or a powerful outlet for emotions. It often becomes an essential part of our lives. From May to September of this year Glasgow Women’s Library is going to host the amazing Open the Door Festival, a free and welcome for all festival that will feature historic female writers that are also connected to music. With this in mind, I’ve put together a reading list featuring books from GWL’s incredible lending library, which is free and accessible to all. These memoirs might help you to groove into the topic of music beforehand!
This reading list highlights women who share their experiences in the music industry through their own memoirs. They write candidly about their journeys—the triumphs and challenges of being an artist in a predominantly male-led industry—while also revealing deeply personal aspects of their lives. Through these books, you’ll gain insight into diverse female perspectives across different eras, places, and life experiences. I’m sure one of these might interest you!
Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon
Girl in a Band is Kim Gordon’s raw and reflective memoir about her life in music, art, and the underground scene. As the co-founder, bassist, and vocalist of Sonic Youth, she offers an inside look at the band’s rise, the alternative rock explosion of the ’80s and ’90s, and what it was like to be a woman and role model in a male-dominated industry.
The book isn’t just about music—it’s also deeply personal. Gordon writes about her childhood in California, her artistic influences, and her long relationship with Thurston Moore, which ended in a painful breakup after nearly 30 years of marriage and ultimately led to the band’s dissolution. She doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak but also reflects on topics such as motherhood, being a role model, independence, and reinvention.
With a mix of honesty, melancholy, and sharp observations, Girl in a Band is more than just a rock memoir—it’s a portrait of an artist who constantly pushes boundaries, both in music and in life.
House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons by Kadiatu Kanneh-Masons
This memoir tells the story of the Kanneh-Mason family, described as “the most talented musical family in the world”. It is a personal account by the mother, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, of the upbringing of her seven musically gifted children and the captivating journey of her family. Kadiatu shares her own background, growing up between Sierra Leone and the UK, and the cultural influences that shaped her life. She gives an honest insight into challenges such as racism and class stereotypes in the classical music world and how her family’s immense dedication and talent led to outstanding achievements.
The work provides an insight into the Kanneh-Masons’ family life and describes the challenges and joys of nurturing exceptional musical talent.
It won the Non-Fiction prize in the 2022 Indie Book Awards noted as ‘a joyous celebration of the musical talents of the Kanneh-Mason family, which also serves as a window into issues of race and class in twenty-first century Britain.’
Hunger makes me a modern girl by Carrie Brownstein
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl is Carrie Brownstein’s honest and personal memoir about music, identity, and finding a voice. Best known as the guitarist and co-founder of Sleater-Kinney, she writes about growing up in the suburbs of Seattle, navigating a complicated family life, and discovering the punk scene as a way to find her own space in the world.
Brownstein takes readers through the rise of Sleater-Kinney, the intensity of the Riot Grrrl and indie rock scenes of the ’90s, and the highs and lows of being in a band. She’s brutally honest about the struggles—touring burnout, industry pressures, and a personal breakdown that forced her to step away from music for a time.
Her writing is sharp, self-aware but often funny, balancing her honest emotions with keen observations. Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl isn’t just about being in a band—it’s about what it means to dedicate yourself to something bigger, to struggle with ambition and identity, and to keep going even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Bedsit Disco Queen by Tracey Thorn
Another must- read memoir if you’re interested in looking behind the scenes of the music industry is Tracey Thorn’s “Bedsit Disco Queen”. This memoir offers a candid look at Thorn’s journey from her early days as a teenager in the indie band Marine Girls to her global success with Everything But The Girl.
Thorn’s writing is engaging and honest, filled with stories about her experiences in the music world. She shares insights into the highs and lows of fame, her long-term partnership with Ben Watt, and the unexpected success with hits of her band. What makes this book stand out is its down-to-earth perspective on fame and the music industry. Thorn doesn’t glamorize her experiences but instead, she offers a relatable and humorous account of her life as a musician.
The memoir is as much about growing up and finding your place in the world as it is about music. Thorn’s reflections on love, friendship, and motherhood add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories about real people navigating the ups and downs of life.
I hope I was able to catch your interest for one of these wonderful and heartening memoirs. If you have a passion for music or are simply looking for an inspiring read, feel welcome to stop by the library and pick up one of these inspiring memoirs. As mentioned before, this blog post also has the intention to make you curious for Open the Door Festival. Don’t miss out on this amazing event and get into the mood by delving into a nice book beforehand!
You can stay updated on the festival through this website: https://womenslibrary.org.uk/discover-our-projects/open-the-door/ – there are going to be more infos about this year’s festival soon!
