Vandoliers tour Europe extensively this summer

Life Behind Bars is Vandoliers’ most personal album to date, marking several major milestones for the Texas country-punk band: their first release with Break Maiden Records and Thirty Tigers, their first collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Ted Hutt, and their first recording at Sonic Ranch in West Texas. More importantly, the album reflects frontwoman Jenni Rose’s deeply personal journey through addiction, sobriety, and gender dysphoria, ultimately leading to her coming out as a trans woman while navigating the traditionally macho worlds of country and punk music. Rose describes the record as heavier and more melancholic than the band’s earlier work because it was created during a period of self-acceptance and recovery.

Known for their energetic live shows and upbeat country-punk sound, Vandoliers have built a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and songs that balance emotion with exuberance. During the writing process, producer Ted Hutt challenged Rose to dig deeper emotionally, pushing beyond what he called “superficial” songwriting. A turning point came in 2023 when the band wore dresses onstage in protest of Tennessee’s controversial “drag ban.” The moment unexpectedly went viral and forced Rose to confront feelings she had long hidden, leading her to realize and later acknowledge her identity as a trans woman.

At Sonic Ranch, the recording sessions became a space of complete vulnerability. Songs like “Dead Canary,” “Evergreen,” and the title track reveal themes of dysphoria, identity, isolation, and transformation, while still carrying the singalong spirit and energy Vandoliers are known for. Tracks such as “Bible Belt” and “Thoughts and Prayers” also address broader social and political issues, including alienation and gun violence. Despite the album’s emotional weight, the band remains committed to creating joyful, boundary-pushing music that resonates with listeners, with Rose ultimately hoping the record helps others — especially trans listeners — feel seen and understood.

10/06: Oslo, NO - John Dee
11/06: Bergen, NO - Bergenfest
13/06: Copenhagen, DK - Mojo
14/06: Braunschweig, DE - Schabreu
15/06: Groningen, NL - De Oosterpoort
16/06: Nijmegen, NL - Merleyn
17/06: Alkmaar, NL - Victorie
19/06: Andorra La Vella, AD - Jambo Street Music
20/06: Vitoria-Gasteiz, ESP - Azkena Rock Festival
24/06: Lucerne, CH -  Club Sedel
25/06: Pellegrino Parmense, IT - Musica In Castello
28/06: Varese, IT - Giardini Estensi
01/07: Hamburg, DE - Hafenklang
02/07: Rudolstadt, DE - Rudolstadt Festival
03/07: Rotterdam, NL - Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival
04/07: Easton, UK - Maverick Festival
05/07: Bristol, UK - Louisiana
06/07: Manchester, UK - Deaf Institute
07/07: Nottingham, UK - Bodega
08/07: London, UK - Grace
10/07: Gierle, BE - Sjock Festival
11/07: Oberhausen, DE - Static Roots Festival