FEMME – HER ANTHEM

The 14th charity album by The Specialized Project Charity is a vibrant celebration of legendary female songwriters, reimagined through the energetic and rhythmic lens of Ska. Featuring exclusive tracks by Ska bands from around the globe, the album unites international talent to honour the groundbreaking contributions of iconic women in music history. With each band lending its unique style and interpretation, the album pays homage to diverse eras and genres, from folk and rock to soul and pop, highlighting the creative legacy of female artists who have shaped music over the years. Proceeds from this album support important charitable causes, making it not only a tribute but a meaningful contribution to social good.

Female musicians and songwriters have profoundly shaped the landscape of music, contributing innovation, depth, and new perspectives across genres and generations. From the early 20th century’s blues pioneers like Bessie Smith and jazz virtuosos such as Ella Fitzgerald, women have long been pushing creative boundaries, infusing their work with personal experiences, societal commentary, and musical virtuosity.
In the 1960s and 70s, iconic figures like Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King emerged, merging lyrical depth with distinctive musical styles. Franklin’s powerful voice and gospel roots infused soul music with anthems of empowerment, while Mitchell’s poetic storytelling in folk-rock opened doors for deeply personal, introspective songwriting. King’s songwriting prowess laid the groundwork for countless hits, many of which shaped the sound of contemporary pop and rock.
The influence of female songwriters continued to evolve with artists like Patti Smith and Debbie Harry in the punk and new wave scenes, who defied stereotypes and broadened what women’s voices could represent in popular music. Madonna and Janet Jackson redefined pop and R&B, blending bold visuals and confident lyrics to challenge conventions of female sexuality, image, and authority.
In more recent decades, songwriters like Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have taken the industry by storm, each using their unique styles to break records, address cultural issues, and inspire new generations. Missy Elliott revolutionised hip-hop with her genre-blending production, while Beyoncé has used her platform to celebrate Black womanhood and social justice. Swift’s introspective songwriting and genre shifts have kept her at the top of charts, showcasing the power of reinvention.
Women’s contributions to music have not only transformed genres but have also provided platforms for cultural change, allowing new voices and stories to shape how society hears and understands music.

Confirmed acts so far include THE SPAMMED who have recorded for our albums exclusively. Made up of Rat Scabies (The Damned) Horace Panter (The Specials) and actors Kevin Eldon & Micko Westmoreland.

This year The Spammed will record a version of Devil Gate Drive

Another house old name appear this year is Nigel Planer. Nigel Planer was a founding member of the London Comedy Store and The Comic Strip – pioneers of the alternative comedy movement in the United Kingdom. Most known for the seminal TV series The Young Ones and The Comic Strip Presents.

He continues to have a successful career as an actor and writer in tv, theatre, film, music and radio. He won a BRIT award in 1984 and been nominated for Olivier, TMA, What’s on Stage, and BAFTA.

Nigel will be recording a version of Femme Fatale (Nico & The Velvet Underground) with London band The Values

Other confirmed songs include

Beyoncé – Crazy in Love
Etta James – Something’s Got a Hold on Me
Helen Reddy – I am a Woman
Dolly Parton – Jolene
Patti Smith – Because the Night
Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams
Suzi Quatro – Devil Gate Drive
Nico & The Velvet Underground – Femme Fatale
Vrea Lynn – We’ll Meet Again
Alicia Bridges – I Love the Nightlife
Dusty Springfield – Son of a Preacher Man
Carole King – I Feel the Earth Move
Amy Winehouse – Back in Black
The Supremes – Stop in the Name of Love
Tracy Chapman – Talkin’ Bout a Revolution
Ani DiFranco – Little Plastic Castle
Carole King – You’ve Got a Friend
Nina Simone – My Baby Cares for Me
Martha Reeves – Nowhere to Run
Doris Troy/ Linda Ronstadt – Just One Look
Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly with His Song
ABBA – Dancing Queen
Kylie Minogue – Can’t Get You Out of My Head
Althea & Donna – Uptown Top Ranking
Aretha Franklin – Respect
Emmylou Harris – Crescent City
Taylor Swift – Shake it Off
Nancy Sintra – These Boots are Made For Walking
The Spice Girls – Stop
Destiny’s Child – Jumpin’ Jumpin’
The Cranberries – Zombie
Sinéad O’Connor – The Last Day of Our Acquaintance
Eurythmics – Would I lie to you
Cyndi Lauper – Time after Time
Laura Branigan – Self Control
The Bangles – Eternal flame
Portishead – Glory Box
Lilly Allen – Smile


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