For the third year in a row, the trade publication CE Pro is set to name its Women to Watch list.
This list recognizes the contributions of women to the evolution and growth of the smart home or more correctly—the technology integration market. Over the past few years, the list has recognized women such as KMB Communications’ founder and CEO Katye McGregor Bennet, Lisa Montgomery, account manager and copy writer for KMB Communications, Maryellen Oswald, CI & partnerships, channel manager for Somfy, and Caitlin Stewart, sales director, residential, Leon Speakers.
Celebrating the achievements of these women has been long overdue as the electronics industry continues reshape itself, and a similar movement is happening in music.
Sure, most of the bands and artists in rock-and-roll are male, but there are a growing number of women that are making a significant impact in the genre. Most notably, Anika Nilles has won classic rock fans over with the iconic Canadian band Rush taking over for the late Neil Peart on drums.
Beyond Nilles, there are classic artists such as Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Tal Wilkenfeld, the bass player that wowed music fans back in the 2000s with Jeff Beck, and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Further underscoring the changes happening within rock music, there’s a new generation of women driving a new era of rock-and-roll.
Rock-and-Roll is Back
Before getting into some of today’s bands that are shaping modern rock-and-roll, musicians including Kiki Wongo of the Smashing Pumpkins, Sophie Lloyd of Machine Gun Kelly’s band, Nita Strauss of Alice Cooper, and Anna Cara of Alice Cooper are at the forefront of today’s guitar playing. Some of the new drummers impacting the world of drums include Brooke Colucci and Lucy Ritter who has played with Chappell Roan.
Not forgetting today’s generation of women bass players there is the Fender signature artist Blu DeTiger and Victoria De Angelis of the Italian alt-rock band Maneskin that have forged strong identities within the bass community.
Getting back to the CE Pro Women to Watch list for a moment, Katye McGregor Bennett will be moderating a panel discussion on this year’s list. The panel takes place at CEDIA Expo in Denver on Thursday Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. local time at the show’s Smart Stage. The panel includes Wendy Griffiths, SVP membership & global development, CEDIA, Sarah Atkinson, senior manager, professional partnerships, Sonos, and Maryellen Oswald.
Now, here is a look at some of the women that are shaping today’s era of rock-and-roll:
- Die Spitz: Formed around 2022, this all-girl band from Austin released their debut album on Third Man Records back in September 2025. All four members are the same age (22) and they draw from bands such as Black Sabbath, the Pixies and Nirvana.
Check out Die Spitz live here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBuwjdY9GRI
- The Warning: These three sisters from Mexico have been in the spotlight for over a decade, since their cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” went viral. Today, the sisters have several albums under their belt, and tours with bands that include the Muse, Foo Fighters and Youngblood. The Warning cite influences such as Metallica, Muse, Queen, and My Chemical Romance.
Here is a live video of The Warning in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jecA7XzA1wo&t=2s
- Castle Rat: The brainchild of the “Rat Queen” Riley Pinkerton, Castle Rat is best described as a doom metal band or possibly the result of if someone combined Dungeons and Dragons with Black Sabbath. The band has released the record “Into the Realm” in 2024 and “The Bestiary” in 2025.
Resembling possibly an episode of “Game of Thrones,” here is Castle Rat live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQixE9aPd0w
- Plush: Despite their age—all the members of Plush are in their early- to mid-20s—Plush have been around for several years and there have been several iterations of the band. Currently, Plush performs as a trio with Moriah Formica serving as Plush’s guitar player and lead vocalist, along with Ashley Suppa on bass, and Faith Powell on drums.
Over the years, Plush has toured regularly with opening slots on tours for bands such as Disturbed and Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.
More from Plush: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FigiORdHWPk
- The Last Dinner Party: This U.K.-based alternative band burst onto the music scene about five years ago. The band combines a theatrical visual element with strong melodies to deliver fun live shows. The Last Dinner Party has released two records to date: “Prelude to Ecstasy” and “From the Pyre.”
Here is a look at The Last Dinner Party live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrbb1z46Lms
- Wet Leg: Another British alternative band that formed around the same time is Wet Leg. Back in 2019 Rhin Teasdale and Hester Chambers formed the band on the Isle of Wight, and since then Wet Leg has gone on to win a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
Currently, Wet Leg has released two albums, including 2026’s “Moisturizer.” Check out this live video of the band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEZdq_25bs
- Amyl and the Sniffers: The next rock-and-roll band in this short list is categorized by many as a punk band. Formed in Australia, the band is led by vocalist Amy Taylor, and the band also includes guitar player Declan Mehrtens, drummer Bryce Wilson and bass player Gus Romer.
Since the formation of the band back in 2016, Amyl and the Sniffers have released three records: A self-titled record back in 2019, “Comfort to Me” back in 2021, and “Cartoon Darkness” in 2024.
Check out Amyl and the Sniffers live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEZdq_25bs
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