Karen Elson is a British model, actress, and singer-songwriter who has made a name for herself in the music industry since the release of her debut album “The Ghost Who Walks” in 2010. However, she is now in the headlines for a different reason – her defense of Meg White, the drummer of the now-defunct rock duo The White Stripes.
The White Stripes, consisting of Jack White on lead vocals and guitar and Meg White on drums, were one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the 2000s. They rose to fame with their catchy, blues-influenced garage rock sound and their unique red-and-white color scheme. However, despite their success, the band was often criticized for Meg White’s drumming skills, or lack thereof.
In a recent interview, Karen Elson spoke out against the criticism of Meg White’s drumming and defended her as a musician. “I think the criticism that she got was just part and parcel of being a woman in rock n’ roll,” Elson said. “She was a great drummer, and people just didn’t want to acknowledge that.”
Elson’s defense of Meg White is long overdue. Despite being a successful and influential musician, White was often subjected to sexist criticism of her drumming skills. Critics would often dismiss her as a “bad” drummer and suggest that her lack of technical expertise was a liability to the band. Many dismissed her as nothing more than a pretty face, with no real talent.
However, those who actually listened to The White Stripes’ music would know that this was far from the truth. Meg White’s simple, minimalist drumming was an integral part of the band’s sound, providing the backbone for their bluesy, garage-rock style. Her use of a stripped-down drum kit – usually just a snare drum and a hi-hat – allowed the rest of the band’s instruments to shine, creating a unique and recognizable sound that was all their own.
But perhaps even more importantly, Meg White’s drumming was a deliberate choice. The White Stripes were known for their DIY approach to music, eschewing complex arrangements and polished production in favor of a more raw, rough-edged sound. Meg’s drumming reflected this ethos perfectly, providing a beat that was simple yet effective and leaving plenty of room for Jack’s guitar and vocals to take center stage.
It’s also important to note that Meg was far from a passive participant in the band’s music. While she may not have been a technically skilled drummer, she was an accomplished musician in her own right. She co-wrote many of the band’s songs with Jack, and her contributions to their sound were crucial.
Despite this, the criticism of Meg White persisted, and it’s not hard to see why. Women in rock music have always faced an uphill battle, having to fight against stereotypes and sexist assumptions about their abilities. The idea that women can’t rock, or that they’re not as talented as their male counterparts, is still prevalent in many parts of the industry. Meg White was just one of many female musicians who faced this kind of discrimination, and unfortunately, it’s still an issue that exists today.
Thankfully, more and more people are speaking out against this kind of sexism in the music industry. Karen Elson’s defense of Meg White is just one example of this, and it’s heartening to see other musicians and fans rallying around her. Hopefully, this kind of support will help to create a more inclusive and accepting music industry, where all musicians – regardless of gender – are judged on their talent and their ability to make great music.