Bonnie Whitmore doesn't shy away from a difficult conversation. Instead, the gutsy singer, songwriter and bassist spins her perspective into a gorgeous aural web that pushes boundaries and promotes dialogue. The sometimes-Americana, sometimes-pop musician turns feminist frustration into rock this go-round with the release of her ambitious third album, Fuck With Sad Girls.
Recorded at Austin's Ramble Creek by the masterful Britton Beisenherz, the daring 2016 fall release contains 10 powerful tracks that collectively tell a story and, in one way or another, boldly address the stigma placed on "imperfect" women. "Who wants to fuck the sad girl?" Whitmore's own experiences with catcalling, abuse and depression color the album's narrative, though she keeps the details close to her vest.

"We get to choose what we want to be, and be comfortable with that," Whitmore says of this new, anthemic album's overarching takeaway. "You exist in this world."

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]