The Marmozets are another rock alternative band that have a mainly male composition, in exception to their lead singer: Becca Macintyre. Listening to their song “Major System Error” the lyrics make it clear that this song is an empowerment song, and Becca as the singer takes a more masculine approach when it comes to the lyrics she sings.
First and foremost, Becca is not yielding in any matter as she sings “Major System Error”. She is calling out presumably an ex-significant other (although it could be a friend or a family member, there is no direct implication of a boyfriend or girlfriend) by declaring confidently “I can see a major system error in you. You think one plus seven, seven, seven, makes two.” The assertiveness and defensive stance these lyrics hold defy the typical feminine traits that the Bem Sex Role theory indicates. By being the lead vocalist, it can be assumed that Becca really is the one saying this to someone, and she is holding nothing back to get her point across.
“If your story ever ever ever came true, can you keep it together?” The forceful tone of these lyrics also indicate Becca taking a stance. Despite being surrounded by males in her band, The Marmozets, she is the one that steps up to the plate and declares their message. As the lead singer, she takes the face of the band and represents their strong personality; defining herself as dominant in not only their image, but as their function as a band.
It is interesting that throughout this song, the identity of the person that Becca classifies as the “major system error” remains a complete enigma. The person remains a “you” to the listener, begging the question does the “major system error” refer to multiple people, an old friend, an ex, a family member, etc.
As far as Becca’s image, I had to scroll a little further on the bands official Instagram to gather more about her as an individual. It seems the band has taken a break due to Covid, but furthermore because Becca and her partner, fellow band member Jack Bottomly, welcomed their first child in 2019. This speaks to Becca’s image according to the Bem Sex Role Theory- although in her music Becca seems to be the more dominant and assertive member by being the lead, she still has feminine trails by having a child and taking time away from her music career to raise her child.
After scrolling down to March of 2019 on The Marmozets Instagram, I found a picture of Becca standing alone in an outfit resembling an old-fashioned masculine music director, looking confidently into the camera with one hand raised to her head, brushing her hair aside in a way that covers half of her face. The caption of this photo reads “happy #internationalwomensday” This is a particularly insightful post that between the dress of Becca and the caption signify she is a feminist, and feels it is important for women to rise up and be recognized outside of being a fragile female. This seems to be a consistent form of her identity in the band, she is the only female, yet fits in with “the guys” by matching their more edgy and masculine attire and look. They tend to wear lots of blacks and greys, pants with button-ups and leather jackets. It was rare to come by a photo of Becca wearing a dress.
Shared by: Em von der Ruhr
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVBVS-HWL9/