This hotly tipped Black feminist punk band describe themselves as ‘The Ronettes filtered through 80s DIY and 90s riot grrrl, with a sprinkling of dashikis’.
Formed in 2013, Big Joanie is a space where its members (Stephanie Phillips, Chardine Taylor-Stone and Estella Adeyeri) can be completely themselves as Black women, and within it discover their own power in creativity.
Based in London, the band established themselves in London’s thriving DIY punk scene, and have toured with acts such as Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney and Gossip.
While supporting seminal Dutch punk band The Ex in 2018, Big Joanie was discovered by Thurston Moore, Eva Prinz and Abby Banks.
The trio released the band’s debut album, Sistahs, in late 2018, launching new label imprint The Daydream Library Series in order to do so.
It’s a bold record about friendships, melancholy memories, and hope for the future, and drew wide acclaim from publications including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and The Quietus.
All three band members have strong community ties, from helping run the festival for punks of colour Decolonise Fest, coaching new talent at Girls Rock London, or launching the Stop Rainbow Racism campaign, which works to stop racist performances in LGBTQI+ venues.
Black feminism is at the heart of Big Joanie’s music and actions. They are currently working on their second album.
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