Lady Beetle 90.7 WXIN’s Loud and Livid: Women’s History Month Concert

Kayden Meza

Anchor Staff Writer

The Loud and Livid: Women’s History Concert presented by Rhode Island College’s 90.7 WXIN showcased three women-led bands, Lady Pill, Lady Beetle and Whiskey Ginger. The overarching genre of the three bands was Indie Pop/Rock with a bash of Riot Girl throughout. I interviewed each one to hear their thoughts on the political climate, the inspiration behind their music, upcoming projects and activism through their music. 

I spoke with Lady Beetle, a Boston-based band, featuring lead singer and guitarist Cameron Lane, guitarist Ashley Wolf, keyboardist Joseph Nearing, bassist Sam Anderson and drummer Brad Fiss. The setlist included “Abby,” “Hiding,” “Bitch,” “Tease,” “You,” “Sweat” and “Room.” Cameron Lane and I discussed her song “You” from the “Songs for Palestine” Bandcamp album and its inspiration. The song is about the desire to know your friends when they were younger because so much happens throughout life that shapes your character. “Seeing someone through all those phases can be so revealing.” 

Image from @ricradio on Instagram

As people grow up, they hide pieces of themselves. I believe anyone can relate to this feeling of loving your friends and that you wish you could have met them when they were younger, as to protect their inner child. The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship and self-discovery. The creator behind the “Songs for Palestine” Bandcamp album is the band Blood Estate, and all proceeds from the album go to the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to help refugees in Gaza. 

The primary motifs of Lady Beetle’s music are interpersonal relationships, the passage of time, childhood, Imposter Syndrome, embarrassment and social issues. Cameron Lane is the songwriter and draws from her feelings and experiences. She finds it therapeutic to write down her ‘bad’ emotions since she has a hard time expressing them. Lane struggles to make herself palatable to others, but in her music, she can be messy and express herself without judgment. She describes herself as being of “profoundly sensitive temperament” meaning her writing is emotional, sensitive and visceral. Part of that, she reveals, is because of how she was raised.

Discussing social issues in her music, Lane says, “It is a natural extension of doing what I love while making sure it is not separate from what I believe.” She goes on to talk about the music scene in Boston. “Coming together as a community to support social change is a thriving ecosystem that is so wonderful to be a part of.” To Lane, being a musician is closely tied to the political climate in America. She uses her platform to advocate for bodily autonomy, safe and accessible abortions, and gender-affirming care. Also by fighting for access to education, period products, and protection from discrimination and gender-based violence. 

Specifically, we discuss her song “Tease,”  which is about the frustrations and objectification she faces as a woman in male-dominated spaces and the music industry. She discusses that women and those perceived as feminine are categorized by their relation to the men in that same area. “You get in on the girlfriend pass, worthy because one person wants you in some sexual way, but the people in this space don’t have respect for you as a musician. Being someone who commands respect is this whole series of hoops to jump through. Sexy but sexless. So much performance to not be seen as an object, which is exhausting and unfortunate.” Lane's insights opened my eyes to issues I hadn’t fully considered as a trans man. Lady Beetle's and Lane’s stories are crucial for helping others confront prejudices they may not experience firsthand.

I inquired more about the influential women who have helped Lane throughout her life. Her mother, sister and grandmother were the main influences in her life. They are inspirations to Lane and comfort her in times of hardship. Another inspiration was her babysitter, Keith, who instilled Lane’s love of the outdoors and writing. Early musical influences were her grandmother, who plays piano, Taylor Swift, and Christina Perri. Now she takes inspiration from Samia and Soccer Mommy, which is evident in her music. New projects with Lane and her band are also in the works. Sam Anderson, the bassist, is working on an EP called “Prayhounds” which is about social change.

Lady Beetle’s next album is a collection of songs Lane wrote. Both Anderson’s EP and Lane’s album will be out on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Lady Beetle is a band to keep an eye out for. Check them out on Instagram and soon to be on other streaming services.