She Returns From War is the brainchild of Hunter Park, a transgender woman who was born and bred in the swamps / country surrounding Charleston, SC her whole life. She channels her experiences through her music and songwriting, and is a true songbird, poet, cosmic Americana queen, swamp witch, and so much more. She’s gained traction in the south east in recent years and has opened up for Band of Horses, Shovels & Rope, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, The Revivalists, SUSTO, and more.
Tasseled dresses, wide-brimmed hats and silvery locks all contribute to the Swamp Witch’s mystique. Though much of her influence growing up came from the likes of Emmylou Harris and Skeeter Davis, Park’s strongest influences now are her friends in the Holy City music scene, a burgeoning enterprise that’s pegged Charleston as the next Austin, Texas.
As her following grows, Park continues to captivate and charm more listeners with her witty neo-Southern belle sass and potently heartfelt performances. “I’m bringing as much of myself as possible,” she says. “And I’m always trying to explore and include as many emotions as I can.”
With a growing number of listeners cast under her spell, the future bodes well for the Swamp Witch. “Snakeskin Boots” is the lead single off her upcoming album. With its mournful steel guitar, She Returns From War channels pain and triumph through a cosmic Americana confection.
What is your vision for a more just music industry?
A more just industry starts with musicians, managers, booking agents, venue owners, media and award shows, all looking at what has stayed stagnant since the initial boom of business. There is a lot of ideology that still works to reinforce the glass ceilings over communities that don’t fit standards established far to long ago to support an safer open minded future.
If you feel comfortable answering this, what do you want to see from allies among your coworkers, team, and audience?
In reference to those glass ceilings, it gets exhausting to constantly fight for a more just industry. If it’s an “everybody grab a hammer approach” and you have the ability… say you’ll grab two.
Where are some places you’ve found joy within the country/Americana world?
Americana and Country music is a world of rich innovation. There is glamour that comes with the frustration, and pain. A good example is the emphasis on fashion, tied to hard working industry folks to create something really special to wear on stage. I can personally reference my friends @rangerstitch for always making me unique chain stitched stage wear.)
Or an extremely curated music festival that seems like the Disney World of music. I recently returns from playing Halloween at Codfish Hollow in Iowa and I’m still reeling from the magic.
Joy comes from enriching moments, hard work, and inspiring audiences is the payoff.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
Being one hundred percent honest with myself is the only way I’m going to connect on the deepest levels with my music, that is where I believe the healing begins. I also want to represent the sense of community, in hopes of leading to bigger, better, and safer shows for completely open people regardless of who they are or how they identify.
How do you feel your coming out journey plays into your music?
I came out early, but when I started playing music I saw this divine support from people in the community supporting me for living my truth. So many songwriters and bands in my community of Charleston helping to support each other grow, celebrating each others differences rather than acknowledging that sometimes the industry doesn’t “like that” so many queer artists making others feel seen and appreciated. The art contained within your vessel is all you, there are people out there to make sure it has a safe place to be appreciated.
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