Women of Rock: Vera Bloom Touches on Female Artists Important to Her Evolution

Joining us today is Vera Bloom, who describes for us some very special moments in her life related to female artists she has admired.

Bloom is an emerging artist in her own right, having recently released her sophomore EP, It’s Me. Featuring six songs and independently released, Bloom looks at the album as an end and a beginning. She views it as closing a chapter in her life and starting a new one. These songs really helped her heal through gloomier times. The EP is loosely based on the classic theme of the Phoenix, with each song serving its purpose. They are each meant to hold a distinct meaning for each listener. During the time It’s Me was composed, Bloom learned a lot about herself. Writing this record enabled her to embrace herself for who she was and is. It’s the follow-up to her 2021 debut EP Vera, which introduced us to the Nashville-based artist’s unique rock approach.

Read on as Bloom outlines some women who gave her permission to be “ME.”

Women who gave me permission to become ME:

“The first concert that ever gave me permission to dream of being her someday was Sheryl Crow. It was her show in Seattle, Washington, at The Paramount Theatre. That must have been in 2005.

It was in my 20s watching Joan Jett’s documentary, Bad Reputation, that gave me permission to commit fully to my music and not worry about societal norms and demands like getting married and starting a family.

Then it was last year, 2022, opening for my grunge idols, L7 for two nights on their 30th anniversary of “Bricks Are Heavy Tour” in Nashville and Atlanta that gave me permission to realize that my hard work can pay off and my dreams can come true.

It is today, living in Nashville alongside badass and inspiring women in rock music like Bully, Be Your Own Pet, and Lzzy Hale that gives me permission to be myself and proud to be part of the rock scene in Nashville, Tennessee.

So many women have paved the way in rock music and continue to do so to this day. The women I’ve mentioned here all write and perform music that I love and am heavily inspired by. Adding to this list is Shirley Manson of Garbage, Sleater Kenney, Stevie Nicks, Peaches, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Heart, Madonna, and so many more. These women break the rules and follow their hearts, and every day inspire me to follow mine and do what I want and love.”

Vera Bloom ‘It’s Me’ album artwork