Little Mix made history in the recent BRIT awards as the first girl band to win the British Band award. However, the former Oasis frontman, Noel Gallagher, has made controversial comments regarding Little Mix’s success.
Noel Gallagher (once again) made headlines when he made an ignorant comment about Little Mix regarding their recent BRIT award for the Best British Group category. Oasis have won and been nominated for the same award for many years. However, Noel has greatly underestimated the power and importance of winning such an award.
Little Mix are the first girl band to win this award, despite the vast amount of iconic British girl bands over the years. Their success demonstrates how the industry is making gradual changes to honour females within the industry. Additionally, Little Mix are multicultural, signifying that the award committee are honouring girls from ethnic minority groups. Little Mix broke many stigmas by winning that award. They shed light on the previous girl bands who were never awarded and proved to marginalised communities that their dreams are never too far out of reach. Their speech was word of mouth on Twitter and an undeniably proud moment for their fanbase, the ‘Mixers’.
On the night of the awards, the girls graciously pointed out the long-standing issues with award ceremonies in their speech:
This is an iconic moment in their career and a very important one – however, could it be that Noel’s comments aren’t exactly inaccurate?
The Oasis Effect
After the formation of Oasis in 1991, Liam and Noel Gallagher became undoubtedly iconic. The brothers are renowned for their curt and controversial comments but they remain chart topping musicians.
Their debut album Definitely Maybe was released in 1994 and was in 1st place in the UK Album charts [UMS1] with iconic songs such as Supersonic and Live Forever. Their second album What’s The Story (Morning Glory)? was well received with their most famous singles Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger being from this record. Oasis had the world in their grasp until their eventual break-up in 2009.
Ammon Beckstrom/Flickr
They were iconic and amazing. There’s no denying that Oasis were that band. They bought brit-pop back and they paved a way for current British bands. The Arctic Monkeys, Little Mix and One Direction should all credit Oasis for allowing them a space in the industry. Therefore, it would be completely ignorant to ignore their importance.
The Oasis Impact
We must be considerate of the fact that Oasis rose to fame over 20 years ago when the industry was completely different. We begin to question – did Oasis get their fame because of the misogynistic industry and not due to their talent? Many would argue that Oasis were rightly rewarded as their songwriting and arrangements come from them (Noel being the chief songwriter) and their producers. However, many would argue that Oasis shot to fame because they are men. If Oasis were in the industry now, would they be as famous as they were back then? Who knows?
Noel’s comments can be justified, as Oasis created a whole era and helped create a path for bands coming after them. They also produced excellent music. The band have cemented themselves into British culture, with many able to recite the lyrics of Wonderwall instantaneously. Therefore, it would not be right to completely shut off Noel’s comments (sorry Mixers).
However, Little Mix are very important in our current climate. They have credited and stood up for other females in the industry whilst pointing out how difficult it still is for them. They are advocating for change and have inspired many of their fans who wish to be in their position. Little Mix have proven to disadvantaged young women that if they believe in their dreams and remain resilient, they can succeed in a difficult industry.