As a Canadian-born artist, Brandy Zdan never thought she’d be writing songs about reproductive rights in 2025. That changed when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
“Quite simply, I want to live in a world where my daughter has the right to choose who she wants to love, whether she wants to become a mother or not and whatever god she wants to,” says Zdan.
Aside from its pro-choice message, “Save Me (Rock N Roll)” is a fitting introduction to So What!, available November 7 via Warner’s Revolution Distribution/War Buddha Records. The Nashville-based artist’s fourth album is a renewed declaration of strength and self-worth after two decades of struggling to find her way, both as a guitarist-for-hire and an uncompromising frontwoman in the Suzi Quatro/Joan Jett mold. In recognition of this milestone, Zdan rounded up some of her favorite players to hash out the new material—a list that includes bassist Kevin Black (Sturgill Simpson), drummer (and husband) Aaron Haynes, pedal-steel player Joshua Grange (Beck, Sheryl Crow) and indie-rock square pegs Aaron Lee Tasjan and Molly Martin.
So What! was funded via Kickstarter, its very existence a massive middle finger to a male-dominated music industry that left Zdan feeling marginalized. As the title of her latest single suggests, it’s a no-frills rock album that leans hard into its message of empowerment at a critical time in history.
“Basic human rights and body autonomy are at risk, and we need to be yelling and screaming from the rooftops,” says Zdan. “I feel compelled to use my voice and my guitar for all of my sisters and brothers whose rights are at risk.”
We’re proud to premiere ZDAN’s “Save Me (Rock N Roll).”
—Hobart Rowland
