Skip to content
Riot Fest
Tickets
Search
  • RIOT FEST
    • Tickets
      SEPT. 16–18, 2022
    • Lineup
    • News
    • Photos
    • Lockers
    • Street Team
  • Magazine
  • Upcoming Shows
  • Merch
  • FAQ
  • Newsletter
  • Search
10 Questions with War on Women

10 Questions with War on Women

September 14, 2016 (June 6, 2017) // Riot Fest

War On Women

War on Women is a socially and politically-woke hardcore punk band from Baltimore, Maryland. Comprised of vocalist Shawna Potter, guitarists Brooks Harlan and Nancy Hornburg, bassist Suzanne Werner, and drummer Evan Tanner, the band has been kicking ass and taking names since it formed in 2011.

Following its 2012 debut EP “Improvised Weapons,” War on Women signed to Bridge Nine records where it released its J. Robbin-produced self-titled LP in 2015. The record has been praised by both critics and punk fans for its infectious blend of thrashing riffs, melodic hooks, and smart, confrontational (and sometimes funny) lyrics that take on gender inequality, transphobia, sexual assault, and the general idea that women should be silent about their life experiences, especially in their anti-silence rallying cries, “Say It” and “Roe vs. World.”

Potter’s loves of social justice, 80s pop, and her sense of humor, shine through in her answers to our 10 Questions. Catch War on Women at Riot Fest on Sunday, September, 18.

What is the first album you ever purchased?

Does asking your mom to take your money and buy a cd on her way back home from work count? Because then it was Sonic Youth, Goo.

Name one band that changed your life. How?

Dammit, it was Hole. I would have never picked up a guitar and starting writing music or started a band without seeing one of their videos on MTV.

What was the first concert you ever attended?

Linda Ronstadt, because my mom couldn’t get a babysitter. First by choice was Janet Jackson and it fucking ruled.

What was the last concert you attended (that was not your own)?

The Sword, at Ottobar (Baltimore). Brooks just finished a custom amp build for Kyle, so we did the handoff and held our breath til the first song finished.

What is your favorite tour snack?

I try not to snack too much, but I never feel bad about a banana or even vegan sausage or jerky.

What is one book we should read?

We Were Feminists Once, by Andi Zeisler. I just finished it on our run with Flag and it is SO GOOD!

Tell us your best festival survival tip.

Use the bathroom whenever you see one so you’re not stuck. Also, get a “free-style” so you don’t have to sit down, and keep hand sanitizer on you. Don’t forget to drink water in between beers! That’s not specific to festivals though.

If you were running for president during this election, what would be the top item on your platform?

Oof, tough. Everything can be seen through a feminist lens, so every issue matters. It’s not sexy, but Campaign Finance Reform would help to make sure our representatives actually look like us and know issues that matter to all Americans, not just rich white men.

Imagine the world is ending at midnight. What are your plans for the rest of the day?

Have a lot of sex.

What is the best song ever written?

Probably some classical song or Gregorian chant I’ve never heard. But maybe also anything on [Michael Jackson’s] Off the Wall.

Bonus: If aliens were ever to abduct you, what would they want?

Uh, I don’t know, but we’d need to establish a safe word immediately.

The Related Rabbit Hole

Green Day’s ‘Kerplunk’ Celebrates 30 Years (And Laurie L. Is Out of Prison) Remembering Ronnie Spector: An Illustrated History
About The Author
Riot Fest

Punk Rock (& more) Music Fest | I'm sorry we didn't book the exact bands you wanted, in the exact order you wanted, in the exact location you wanted, for free.

Posted in 10 Questions, Archive, Chicago, Denver, Music, NewsTagged Baltimore, Bridge Nine Records, hardcore, Janet Jackson, Linda Ronstadt, Riot fest & Carnival, riot fest chicago, Shawna Potter, Social Justice, the sword, thrash, War on Women

Post navigation

  Previous PostNext Post 
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Mail
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
Riot Fest Tickets
Riot Fest Presents Shows
July 7, 2022
Cobra Lounge
Like Pacific + Action / Adventure

Like Pacific + Action / Adventure

Grumpster

Four Stars

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Like Pacific + Action / Adventure
July 10, 2022
X-Ray Arcade
Frank Turner

Frank Turner

SOLD OUT
Frank Turner
July 10, 2022
Concord Music Hall
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

The Bronx

Pet Needs

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
July 11, 2022
X-Ray Arcade
The Bronx

The Bronx

Poison Hand

Avenues

Tickets(Opens in new window).
The Bronx
August 4, 2022
Cobra Lounge
The Velveteers

The Velveteers

Tickets(Opens in new window).
The Velveteers
August 6, 2022
SeatGeek Stadium
Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria

Alkaline Trio

Mothica

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Coheed and Cambria

MORE SHOWS

Greatest Hits

  • Foundation
  • History
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebook

Copyright © 2022 Riot Fest Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Search for:

Send me emails so I don’t have to go to your website to look for shows.

Name
Email me about
Music I like
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Riot Fest "It's Shit" Merch Dump with Shirts, Hoodies, Stickers and More
Riot Brand
This is default text for notification bar
Learn more