All Women
All Original Music
Early 80s
They didn’t fit in with cultural expectations for women in music. There was no way they were going to “dress sexy” or even act “feminine.” They couldn’t bring themselves to write music that sounded like what was on the radio.
They didn’t fit. And they didn’t care about any of that.
But they did care deeply about musical excellence. They did care about proving that women could make serious rock music. They did care about writing music that encouraged women to cultivate autonomy and agency during a time when that was not the norm.
All Women
All Original Music
Early 80s
They didn’t fit in with cultural expectations for women in music. There was no way they were going to “dress sexy” or even act “feminine.” They couldn’t bring themselves to write music that sounded like what was on the radio.
They didn’t fit. And they didn’t care about any of that.
But they did care deeply about musical excellence. They did care about proving that women could make serious rock music. They did care about writing music that encouraged women to cultivate autonomy and agency during a time when that was not the norm.
In 1983, Marg Herder, Dianne Steinmetz, and Kara Barnard, three lesbian musicians in their early twenties, decided to submit an audition packet for the National Women’s Music Festival. The NWMF was a lesbian feminist cultural festival held in Bloomington, Indiana.
They recorded a few original songs at an Indianapolis recording studio, picked a name for the band, and sent in the recording. They wouldn’t be selected for the festival until the next year, but that audition demo was the start of Software’s time recording and gigging in Central Indiana.
In 1983, Marg Herder, Dianne Steinmetz, and Kara Barnard, three lesbian musicians in their early twenties, decided to submit an audition packet for the National Women’s Music Festival. The NWMF was a lesbian feminist cultural festival held in Bloomington, Indiana.
They recorded a few original songs at an Indianapolis recording studio, picked a name for the band, and sent in the recording. They wouldn’t be selected for the festival until the next year, but that audition demo was the start of Software’s time recording and gigging in Central Indiana.
Press information
Looking for press information? You’ll find high-res photos, printable bio information, previously published articles, reviews, and music samples on the Software press information page.
Press Information
Looking for press information? You’ll find high-res photos, printable bio information, previously published articles, reviews, and music samples on the Software press information page.
The 2026 EP
Haven’t You Had Enough
In 2026 the band released a limited edition vinyl EP, Haven’t You Had Enough. US residents can purchase the release from this website. International orders are handled through an Indiana music store. Contact us for more information.
This new release, a 12″ 45 rpm record, includes 6 tracks illustrating the evolution of the band’s sound and a 12-page booklet with photos, lyrics, and essays providing background on not only the band but also the musical and cultural landscape in the early 80s by Indiana music historian Kyle Long, host of PBS’s Cultural Manifesto podcast; Jamie Anderson, women’s music touring artist and author of An Army of Lovers: Women’s Music of the 70s and 80s; and one of Software’s founding members, Marg Herder (now known as Lē Isaac Weaver).
The lyrics are just as relevant today as they were when the songs were originally written.
Nearly sold out, order today!
Side I tracks:
Trust In Me (1983), Plastic World (1983), and Where Is The Fire (1985)
Side II tracks:
Haven’t You Had Enough (1985), Future Is Now (1985), and Someone Is Waiting (1985)
The 2026 EP
Haven’t You Had Enough
Limited Edition!
In 2026 the band released a limited edition vinyl EP, Haven’t You Had Enough. US residents can purchase the release from this website. International orders are handled through an Indiana music store. Contact us for more information.
This new release, a 12″ 45 rpm record, includes 6 tracks illustrating the evolution of the band’s sound and a 12-page booklet with photos, lyrics, and essays providing background on not only the band but also the musical and cultural landscape in the early 80s by Indiana music historian Kyle Long, host of PBS’s Cultural Manifesto podcast; Jamie Anderson, women’s music touring artist and author of An Army of Lovers: Women’s Music of the 70s and 80s; and one of Software’s founding members, Marg Herder (now known as Lē Isaac Weaver).
The lyrics are just as relevant today as they were when the songs were originally written.
Side I tracks:
Trust In Me (1983), Plastic World (1983), and Where Is The Fire (1985)
Side II tracks:
Haven’t You Had Enough (1985), Future Is Now (1985), and Someone Is Waiting (1985)
Buy or Stream Online
“Haven’t You Had Enough” is available online. Buy or stream on the following platforms.
Software Band Members
Software Band Members
Marg Herder
Guitar, Synth, Vocals, Songwriting: 1983-1987
Dianne Steinmetz
drums, vocals, songwriting: 1983-1987
Kara Barnard
lead guitar, vocals, songwriting: 1983-1984
Julie Huffaker
bass: 1983-1984Photos above by Angie Jones
