The band is called The Vandoliers, and they have steadily gained traction in the alternative music world for several years. Their sound is gaining momentum, and just because they embody the spirit of country music, it’s not the boot-scootin’ cadence you’re used to on mainstream playlists, although it should be.
But the music is only a piece of what this band is about. Lead singer and songwriter of The Vandoliers, Jenni Rose, pens lyrics that go beyond the intone and twangy tropes associated with musical southern storytelling. Songs are heartfelt and sometimes personal laments. To the uninformed ear, they are still worthy Western rock bangers that will get your hands in the air and feet jumping. But dig deeper, and you will find a layer of vulnerability.
Phoenix New Times talked to Rose ahead of the band’s Phoenix tour stop. We learned a lot about this musician, how the Vandoliers aren’t just a band—they are a tribe, and how their newly released fifth album, “Life Behind Bars,” is their most important one to date, especially for Rose.
Phoenix New Times: How did The Vandoliers form?
Jenni Rose: We formed in 2015 after I wrote a batch of songs that would become our first two records, “Amerikinda” (2016) and “The Native” (2017). That creative spark brought the band together.
Where did the name Vandoliers come from?
We needed a name that sounded like the music — something that felt a little punk and a little country. Vandoliers just had the right tone to it.
It appears the band is an amalgam of talent from all walks of life. Almost like the Avengers of rock/country. Was this collaboration done on purpose?
We were all playing in different bands in the same local scene. Once I had the songs, I started showing them to my friends — Cory, Trey, Travis, Mark and Dustin. They believed in the music and came on board to help bring it to life.
I love the song “Your Picture.” It has this sad groove, but it’s almost uplifting. What was the inspiration for this song?
It started with a photo of my daughter that I carry with me on the road. The song began as a description—first of the picture itself, then the feeling it gives me, and the environment I was in. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever written.
The Vandoliers are coming to the Rebel Lounge on Friday, July 11.
Vincent Monsaint
We proudly call ourselves a cowpunk band. We’re part of a genre with real history and influence. It’s an honor to stand alongside legacy artists like Social Distortion, X and Jason & the Scorchers. I think it fits us perfectly.
Your videos are always entertaining. You went from presenting as male in songs like “Every Saturday Night” to more gender fluid in “You Can’t Party With the Lights On.” Can you talk about that journey? I could see where “Life Behind Bars” could be a part of that.
On April 18, 2025, I came out as a trans woman in Rolling Stone. “Life Behind Bars” is the first album I’ve released on the other side of my transition. The video for “You Can’t Party With the Lights On” really felt like my coming-out party — with all my friends around me, having fun, being loud, and being free.
The force behind the band is pure audible storytelling; the music is energized and perfectly in sync with each musician’s instrument. That can be hard to do. I heard Mexican influence there, as well as country, rock, pop, and even folk. How do you compose all of those elements into one spectacular sound?
We all come together to serve the song. Every member brings their own background and talent to the table. Growing up in Texas means being surrounded by a melting pot of sound — and that comes through in our music, naturally.
The Vandoliers are not exactly underground and not exactly mainstream. What does success mean to you? Could the band survive that kind of exposure?
The band has survived for ten years — we’ve weathered failure, so I think we can handle success. For me, success is about making music that connects, and I think it’s starting to.
Why is this fifth album so special?
It took three years to write, during which I was touring, getting sober, and beginning to understand myself in a deeper way. In the process, I discovered I’d been suppressing gender dysphoria. This album was written while my life was changing, and through that, I found my truth. “Life Behind Bars” also marks our first release on Break Maiden/Thirty Tigers, which feels like a major step forward.
Have you played Phoenix before, and if so, what was that like?
Our first show in Phoenix was at Rebel Lounge in 2016. Since then, we’ve returned many times — from being crammed onstage at the Dirty Drummer to opening for bands like Flogging Molly, Lucero and local legends Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Phoenix has always shown up for us.
What’s next for The Vandoliers? Has Hollywood come knocking yet?
We’re touring all summer in the U.S. to support “Life Behind Bars,” then heading to the UK and Europe with Skinny Lister in November and December. Things are moving quickly—who knows what might happen next?
The Vandoliers with Hill Country Devil is at 8 p.m. June 11 at Rebel Lounge. Tickets are $23.37.
