Five Essentials

Madison Cunningham on the "Five Essential Albums" that were lifelines during the recording of her new album, Revealer.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians. Massachusetts-born Ella Williams, who records as Squirrel Flower, cites other storytellers who revel in what it means to write with absolute authenticity, poetry, and freedom.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians, such as London's Nilüfer Yanya whose "Five Essential Albums" include records by Cleo Sol and Big Thief.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians who are making their own history. Los Angeles punk rockers The Linda Lindas might be very young, but they are likely the most exciting American rock band releasing a debut album this year — and they all picked "Five Essential Albums" together, including one big band pick: The Go-Go's.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians who are making their own history. Toronto-based Tamara Lindeman, who records as The Weather Station, chose albums by Talk Talk, The Books and others that reflect her admiration for songwriting that speaks to nature and empathy.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians via "Five Essential Albums." SASAMI, the multi-instrumentalist Sasami Ashworth, chose records that reflect the heavy-metal-and-Fleetwood-Mac adventure she embarked on for her second album, Squeeze.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians who are making their own history — like Norwegian alt-pop musician Aurora, whose "Five Essential Albums" include picks from Chemical Brothers and Björk.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians who are making their own history with outstanding new music. Mia Berrin, who leads Brooklyn rockers Pom Pom Squad, chose favorites that span multiple genres, from the savage grunge of Hole to pioneering singer-songwriter Connie Converse.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians via "Five Essential Albums" — including Icelandic-Chinese multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Laufey who cites albums by Norah Jones and Carole King as inspirations.

As WFUV honors Women's History Month, we're also heralding a handful of "Ascending Women" musicians who are making their own history with outstanding new music. We've asked these artists to write about the "Five Essential Albums" that shaped their own path. This week, it's Lady Wray who takes an autobiographical turn.