Photos by Lizzy Rollins

 
 

August 21, 2024

TBS: You perform as She Returns From War. Who are you IRL?

SRFW: “Well, obviously, my name is Hunter [Park]. But who am I? I want to be seen as a transgender woman who is very proud of that fact, and also very aware of the struggles that come with it. I fully believe that women in country music are ‘it’ and they’ve made the table. As She Returns From War, I’m constantly trying to redefine the genre and undo the patriarchal tone, because I believe country music is a beautiful place, sonically, for all of us to exist.”

TBS: Is there a lyric you've written over the years that feels very 2024?

SRFW: “Well, that would have to be the title track of my last record, Ruthless. It’s really an anthem, and my hope is that people listening might recognize themselves. I mean, these times … from groceries that cost a million dollars to lack of access to true and real information … we need to be ruthless about overcoming, and we need to welcome all, because the one thing we all share is that we’re all just trying to be human.” 

The seasons don’t define my dear, the dreadful parts that do appear…   

I want to be ruthless, I want to be the very last thing they see … not something that’s useless, as the man that you say that you wanted to be, now the whole thing’s on fire, and the phantoms are filling up the floor, and I feel so inspired … to be the one thing you can’t ignore.

I want to be cunning ... I want to be woman … I want to be ruthless …

TBS: Gulp.  (Dear readers, please listen to this song.)

 
 
 
 
 
 

TBS: OK, on another note, we heard that you recently bought some beef jerky and that maybe ... it wasn't beef jerky?

SRFW: (laughs) “Weeellll … I will say that the touring-musician-nourish-ment situation is real, and sometimes you are blinded by a good deal and sometimes that good deal is a scorpion in the tall grass, and you’re driving down the highway and realize that for the past three days you’ve been eating dog food. True story. Also, it was delicious.”

TBS: Do you have a mantra? Last we spoke, you mentioned that kindness was at the top of the agenda.

SRFW: “I do not have a daily saying, but yeah, kindness is what we’re aiming for. We’re all in this constant state of being hurt by the world, and if you can make someone feel better — ask them how they are doing — it’s just a good thing. Being kind is the best exercise for your heart and your brain. I also try to practice forgiveness every day so I will hopefully receive it back. Especially for people who don’t like or understand me because of the way they were raised. When you treat someone with kindness, you elevate the situation.”

TBS: Hunter, how can we support you?

SRFW: “Believe that every single person who wants to be a country musician can do that, because this is truly American music. I know I broaden the horizon of what it looks like or sounds like, but to support me is to support everyone who strives to realize their dreams. 

“Oh, and tune in. Come to a show.”

TBS: We’re there.