Shawna Virago’s forthcoming album, Blood in Her Dreams, is not just a musical release; it’s a manifesto of resilience, a narrative of defiance, and a testament to the power of authenticity. As one of America’s first openly transgender women to carve a space for herself on the national touring scene, Virago has been a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for countless individuals within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Her career, spanning decades, is a storied journey of breaking barriers, challenging norms, and creating a unique blend of punk and country music that resonates deeply with listeners from all walks of life.
Recorded over two years at Different Fur Studios in San Francisco, Blood in Her Dreams is a culmination of Virago’s experiences, reflections, and artistic evolution. The studio, renowned for its vintage gear and amps, provided the perfect backdrop for Virago’s creative process, allowing her to imbue each track with a distinct sonic quality that is both raw and refined. The songs, written in the intimate setting of her San Francisco flat, alongside her partner and cat, are a reflection of the personal and the political, the individual and the universal.
Virago’s latest work is characterized by its thematic depth and musical diversity. The album weaves through the lives of characters who, despite their vulnerabilities, exhibit incredible strength and resilience. These are individuals on a quest for belonging, navigating a world rife with tensions that are not always resolved. From the contemplative “Climb To The Bottom” to the poignant “This Girl Felt Hounded,” Virago explores the complexities of identity, the passage of time, and the relentless struggle for acceptance.
Musically, the album is a testament to Virago’s versatility as an artist and her commitment to storytelling. Drawing influence from punk icons like Exene Cervenka of the band X, Virago has crafted an album where punk and alt-Americana meld seamlessly. The acoustic guitar, a central element of the record, carries the troubadour tradition forward, while electric guitar flourishes, and a full band sound, featuring drums by Bay Area drummer Lien Do, enriches the album’s texture.
For Virago, this album marks a significant milestone in her journey as a musician and a storyteller. It represents a departure from her previous, more acoustic-focused work, embracing a richer, more layered sound. Yet, at its core, Blood in Her Dreams remains true to the essence of Shawna Virago – an artist who refuses to be confined by labels or expectations and who continues to push the boundaries of genre and gender.
Virago’s narrative is one of courage and creativity, of facing a world often hostile to trans identities with unwavering strength and an unyielding commitment to her craft. Her music, while deeply personal, speaks to broader themes of resistance, empowerment, and the ongoing fight for visibility and rights within the trans community.
As Blood in Her Dreams prepares to make its mark on the world, Virago stands as a figure of profound significance in the music industry and beyond. Her work, a blend of lyrical brilliance and musical innovation, calls on listeners to engage deeply, to recognize the humanity in each other, and to appreciate the beauty of living authentically. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to witness the world through the eyes of a trailblazer, a rebel poet, and a true pioneer.
In a time when the voices of trans and queer artists are more crucial than ever, Virago’s new music emerges as a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a reminder of the transformative power of music. Through her art, Shawna Virago not only tells her own story but also illuminates the paths of those who walk in her footsteps, offering a soundtrack to the struggles and triumphs of countless individuals fighting for their place in the world.
PREVIOUS PRESS
“The fairy godmother of trans country artists, Virago writes and performs a potent mix of folk, alt-country, and punk that grew out of the crucible of eighties LA. Her music is easily on par with the great country lyricists – Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt, and Lucinda Williams.” – RAINBOW RODEO
“In these turbulent times, you may often wonder, ‘Where’s our Bob Dylan? Where’s the bard of the 2010s translating the dicey political and social climate into musical stanzas?’ … Enter Shawna Virago.” – POP DOSE
“First and foremost [Virago] is a superb lyricist, a balladeer who can please and accuse.” – HERE COMES THE FLOOD
“A trailblazer…an artist who cuts the path she walks on” – THE RUMPUS
“When you think of traditional ‘folk singers,’ transgender singer/songwriter Shawna Virago may not come to mind, but she should. She’s the definition of ‘folk music,’ which is not just an expressive body of work, it’s a cultural movement, it’s not just lyrics, it’s a beautiful poetic story authored over a melodic soundtrack.” – NO DEPRESSION
“A voice that exudes a sonic aura of lethal expertise … her lyrics portray an intellect in full control of itself” – HUFFINGTON POST
“Shawna Virago is more punk than the punks” – SF WEEKLY
“This San Francisco native is a singer-songwriter pioneering music space not only for her visionary talent but also for her ability to be a voice for the transgender community” – Eat Sleep Music
“Since the ‘90s, Shawna Virago has been blending folk and punk elements into delicious, visceral songs narrating queer love, surviving another day in this crazy world, and sticking up for the underdog. Unafraid and unapologetic, she was one of the first openly transgender women to perform and tour across the U.S.” – Guitar Girl Magazine