Jenni Rose Announces Tomgirls Project But Says Vandoliers Are Here to Stay

Jenni Rose, the Texas-based singer-songwriter known for leading the cowpunk band Vandoliers, is embarking on a new musical journey with the formation of Tomgirls, a pop-punk trio reflecting her personal transition as a trans woman. This side project emerges after Rose publicly came out in April 2025, marking a pivotal moment in her artistic and personal evolution.

Since founding Vandoliers in 2015, Rose has cultivated a distinctive voice within the country-rock scene. However, the realization of her gender identity during the recording of Vandoliers’ 2025 album Life Behind Bars prompted her to channel her emotions through a different sound and narrative. Tomgirls serves as an outlet for Rose to articulate the complexities of her transgender experience, diverging stylistically from Vandoliers to embrace the raw energy of 1990s pop punk.

Tomgirls’ debut album, titled Sissy, is scheduled for release in February 2026 via Rose’s independent Skull and Bow Records label. The 10-track collection was primarily written, produced, and engineered by Rose herself, marking her first time taking comprehensive control over a recording project. The album’s sonic palette remains rooted in punk but is imbued with Rose’s unmistakable Texas inflection, lending a unique regional texture to the material.

The lyrical content of Sissy delves deeply into themes of identity, vulnerability, and resilience. Tracks like the title song confront feelings of unrequited love and insecurity, while others, such as Red Flags, address broader social anxieties and the desire for safety in a hostile environment. These narratives reflect Rose’s internal dialogue as she navigated the uncertainties of coming out publicly and affirming her identity.

The formation of Tomgirls began as an intimate process, with Rose sharing early demos selectively among close friends and family. Encouragement came notably from her Vandoliers bandmates Trey Alfaro and Patrick Smith, who joined Rose in the new project on drums and bass, respectively. Their support played a crucial role in Rose’s decision to record and formally release the album.

Connections within the music community further bolstered Tomgirls’ development. After Rose shared her work with Doni Blair, bassist for the Toadies, and subsequently with his brother Zach Blair of Rise Against, she found a network of musicians who offered both encouragement and practical advice. These relationships helped expand her support system beyond her immediate circle, fostering opportunities to perform live in key Texas cities such as Austin, Denton, and Dallas.

While Tomgirls currently commands Rose’s creative focus, Vandoliers remains an active entity. The band has several high-profile engagements lined up for 2026, including the Salty Dog Cruise with Flogging Molly and a notable show at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa alongside Silverada. Rose has made clear that Vandoliers is not disbanding; instead, the Tomgirls project represents a parallel exploration of her artistry and identity.

The journey to this point has involved significant personal challenges for Rose. Prior to her coming out, she confronted and overcame struggles with substance abuse, finding sobriety during the pandemic. Her transition brought its own uncertainties, including fears about acceptance and the possibility of relapse. Through perseverance and a growing support network, Rose has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to authenticity both on and off the stage.

With Sissy poised for release, Rose anticipates returning to Vandoliers to continue crafting new material. For now, Tomgirls encapsulates a vital chapter of self-expression and healing, offering listeners a candid glimpse into the evolving life of an artist embracing change. As Rose navigates this new terrain, her work stands as a testament to the power of music as a means of personal affirmation and connection.