Texas country-punk band Vandoliers is set to make a significant stop at Salt Lake City’s Urban Lounge on June 25, just days before the release of their new album, “Life Behind Bars.” This tour marks not only the promotion of their album but also symbolizes the band’s journey of self-discovery in a challenging political atmosphere.
Led by frontwoman Jenni Rose, the band consists of Cory Graves on keys and trumpet, Mark Moncrieff on bass, Trey Alfaro on drums, Travis Curry on fiddle, and Dustin Fleming on electric guitar.
Rose’s personal journey plays a pivotal role in the tour, which serves as her first since coming out as a trans woman. The catalyst for her transformation came in 2023 when Vandoliers protested Tennessee’s drag ban by performing in dresses, an act that quickly went viral.
Reflecting on this moment, Rose stated, “I had never worn a dress before in public. Once seemingly the entire internet saw it, I wrote down in my journal, ‘Fuck, I think I’m trans.’”
Now, as she embarks on her first tour as her true self, Rose describes the experience as uniquely different from any previous tours.
“This is my first tour out as a trans woman. I’m experiencing this completely different than any tour I’ve ever experienced,” she shared.
Salt Lake City, known for its supportive queer community, is also a place that faces significant challenges, with some of the most restrictive anti-trans legislation in the country. Rose acknowledges the complexities of performing in such a climate.
“I know I’m nervous because of what the political climate feels like — what you read and hear on the news and stuff. I don’t live in Salt Lake. I don’t know how much difference I can make, but I’m gonna show up. I’m gonna sing, and I’m gonna try to, you know, entertain — and we’ll see what happens,” she said.
The album “Life Behind Bars” is deeply personal and intertwines themes of addiction, early sobriety, and gender dysphoria, making it both vulnerable and relatable. However, it retains the band’s signature ‘cowpunk’ sound with added emotional depth.
Rose stated, “We’ve been playing some of these songs live for a little bit now, and people have been singing along to a bunch of songs that aren’t out.” Songs such as “Your Picture” and “You Can’t Party With the Lights On” have already begun to resonate with audiences, even before the album’s official release.
“With ‘Your Picture’ people listen intently and are emotionally invested by the end of the song. And then with ‘You Can’t Party With the Lights On,’ people are singing the chorus and the song’s not even out,” she explained.
Vandoliers’ activist spirit remains intact throughout their new music. Reflecting on their protest against the drag ban, Rose expressed, “It’s a stupid fucking law. It’s like, come get me, you know. If you’re gonna do it to the least of us, do it to us too.”
For Rose, June 25 represents more than a concert; it symbolizes a potential for connection and community amidst adversity. “Maybe by being there, that’s more of like what my use can be. Maybe I can be like a positive counterpoint to a lot of the stuff,” she said.
Initially uncertain about the response to the tour after coming out, she mentioned, “I was really interested to see what shows would cancel — and you know what? They didn’t.”
Navigating this new chapter, Rose carries a blend of anxiety regarding the political climate and hope for acceptance. “So far I’ve been met with nothing but acceptance and love, so I’m nervously optimistic. Things are dire, yes, but humanity is still worth it,” she commented.
The highly anticipated album “Life Behind Bars” will be released on June 27 via Break Maiden Records and Thirty Tigers, and fans can catch Vandoliers live on June 25 at the Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City. For additional details, tickets, and tour dates, visit vandoliers.com.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
