Women That Rock is a movement, a celebration, and a powerful showcase of the incredible talent that’s shaping the future of music. This collective, dedicated to amplifying up-and-coming women in music through curation, discovery, and media, also really knows how to throw a party. The groovement was lucky enough to attend this year’s showcase at Brooklyn Bowl, and it was an absolute vibe – a perfect way to keep the energy high throughout International Women’s Month. Despite the rainy Brooklyn evening, the night was anything but dull, thanks to three incredibly diverse and talented musical acts who took the stage and completely captivated the crowd.
First up was Rose Stoller, whose tender set was an absolute treat. With a delicate blend of whimsical melodies and soft whispery vocals, Rose created an intimate atmosphere that felt like a warm hug on the cold rainy night. Her backing band elevated the sound, adding depth to her already beautiful performance. Expect to hear more from her as she continues to build her presence in Bushwick and beyond – her music is destined for bigger stages.
Then came the incomparable duendita, who completely shifted the energy in the room. From the moment she stepped on stage, she was a force of nature. With her fusion of neo-soul and hip hop, duendita not only showcased her impeccable vocal range, but also brought a level of energy that was impossible to ignore. Despite the heavy topics her music addressed – womanhood, pain, and growth – the Queens-based performer turned Brooklyn Bowl into a high-energy dance party, with infectious drums and bold samples that kept the crowd vibing all night long. Every beat hit with the intensity of someone truly in their element, and duendita showed us all just how powerful, passionate, and unstoppable she is.
And of course, no night of femme-led energy would be complete without the one and only Madame Gandhi! She brought the house down in the most glamorous and fierce way possible. A percussionist turned powerhouse performer, Madame Gandhi doesn’t just put on a show – she creates an experience. With her effortlessly cool blend of drums, brass, and killer vocals, she had the crowd groovin' from start to finish. The live set was pure magic, effortlessly blending funk with socially conscious lyricism, leaving everyone in awe of her unique ability to curate both rhythm and message. It was the kind of performance that makes you want to dance, think, and dance some more.
All in all, the night wasn’t just about amazing music – it was about honoring and amplifying the incredible women who are shaping the future of the industry. These artists represent the heart and soul of NYC’s local music scene, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for each of them. If you haven’t already, be sure to catch them at their next shows around the city – trust us, you won’t want to miss out!
Connect with Women That Rock on Instagram and their website.
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Jonathan Sherman
Jonathan is a multi-talented creative who bridges the worlds of music and technology. As the CEO and founder of Return Records, he is building a modern record label with a retro-inspired sound. As a Change Manager and Digital Experience Specialist at an international organization, he focuses on reimagining user experiences. From his early inspirations listening to Bob Dylan and Motown, to his work today as a musician, DJ, and label founder, Jonathan embodies a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to artistry, proving that music and tech can find their perfect groove.
During golden hour on the rooftop of Return Records (the setting of many music videos and most recently, a songwriting camp), we caught up Jonathan, where he answered a few questions for the groovement:
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I ever attended was Bob Dylan in the early 2000s at the Portland Civic Center. At the time, guitar and songwriting were my whole world, so seeing Dylan live left a major impression. I was struck not only by his place as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but also by his longevity and the way he constantly reinvented his music. It showed me that artistry can be timeless, dynamic, and always evolving.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Kennebunkport, Maine, though I also grew up in Newton, Massachusetts just outside of Boston. I spent about ten years in Newton and another ten years in Maine before moving to Washington, DC. There, I studied international affairs and economics at American University and later earned a master’s in information technology from Georgetown University. I went on to spend around 12 years working in the government tech sector and entertainment. About two and a half years ago, I relocated to New York City, which has become home and the center of my work in both music and technology.
What do you do?
That’s the proverbial question in New York — and for me, it’s a two-part answer. By night, I’m in the music industry as the CEO and founder of Return Records, a distributed label with The Orchard and Sony Music. We focus on analog and retro-inspired sounds across house, pop, and rock, with the goal of becoming the Motown of the digital era. The label supports artists through live performance opportunities, publishing administration, music distribution, community building, and production.
By day, I’m a Change Manager and Digital Experience Specialist at an international organization. My work there is about reimagining user experiences for their digital products and helping drive adoption of AI tools among staff and contractors. It’s a balance of innovation and artistry — and both sides feed each other in surprising ways.
Who or what do you draw inspiration from?
I’ve always been a multidisciplinary artist, so my inspiration comes from many places.
In music, I’m influenced by Motown, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Daft Punk, The Strokes, The Black Keys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, Wham!, Hall & Oates, and the Philadelphia Sound.
In art, my mother — a visual artist — introduced me to Van Gogh, Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and the Impressionists.
In fashion, I’ve been drawn to American designers like Tom Ford and Thom Browne, as well as Italian masters like Giorgio Armani.
At the heart of it, I’m inspired by the spirit of 1920s French soirees — where music, art, fashion, and lifestyle merged to create transformative experiences.
What does live music mean to you?
For me, live music has always been about connection. When I was growing up, live performance meant seeing the artist in full — not just hearing their songs, but experiencing their presence and how they connected with people.
Today, I think live music has become something even more multi-dimensional. In a world shaped by digital platforms, social media, and post-COVID virtual experiences, live entertainment is about creating a multi-sensory, emotional connection. A great live show should engage all the senses — sight, sound, even atmosphere — and bridge the digital with the physical. To me, the best performances are immersive, holistic experiences that leave audiences feeling transformed.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play several. I play acoustic and electric guitar, piano and keyboard, and I’m also a DJ, spinning mostly disco house and funky house. I’ve always been both a performer and an instrumentalist. While I don’t claim to be the best among my friends, I’ve always had enough rhythm and grounding in music fundamentals to write songs and shape ideas. From there, I often let performers and producers elevate the work. That’s been my process as a singer-songwriter and it continues in my role as a label founder.
Connect with Jonathan on Instagram, via email (info@returnrecords.com) or by phone (301-335-2794).
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