Independent musician and activist Wren Astra brings a rare fusion of both artistic creativity and academic depth, as both an indies blue musician and esteemed professor at USC.
Her latest single, “Concussed,” delves into the pressing societal issue of intimate partner violence and explores enduring a concussion at the hands of her abuser.
Wren draws from a diverse array of musical influences including blues, trip-hop, spaghetti western/noir, as well as folk and tribal sounds.
With an intimate, discreet, and dark sound, the expressive magic of “Concussed” lies in its piano performance, which creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and solemn. Wren’s vocals are commanding and the lyrics highlight the profound consequences of violence.
Wren shares:
“Concussed is a visceral song that takes the listener into the moment of experiencing a concussion at the hands of an abuser — the confusing thoughts, feelings, and physical dissociation that occur in real-time of an abuse event.
The song features Wren Astra reading the legal restraining order for her abuser as whispers, hauntingly melancholy vocals by Zero Surico of For3st Hills, and the moody strings of guest celloist Christopher McCarthy.“
Wren actively collaborates with artists from marginalized communities, enriching the artistic landscape while fostering representation and belonging for those whose voices have long been marginalized. Intimate partner violence transcends class and identity, and there is a real need for more collective awareness and action in the community. “Concussed” serves as a haunting exploration of this harsh reality.
With Wren Astra’s background in social justice, medicine and medical writing, this infuses her music with insights from her academic pursuits and increases the impact of her advocacy.
“Concussed” features vocals by guest artist Zero Surico of For3st Hills as well as guest cellist Christopher McCarthy.
About Wren Astra
Wren Astra is a an independent musician and activist, advocating for survivors of political oppression, intimate partner violence, as well as narcissistic abuse.
When not making music, she is a bioethics professor and is currently completing a master’s degree in trauma-informed somatic therapy.
At the core of her impactful efforts lies the Freedom Day Project, an ambitious endeavor spanning three albums together with captivating music videos, and a comprehensive trauma healing toolkit.
With a collaborative spirit, Wren Astra joins forces with talented artists from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently-abled, and neurodiverse communities, as well as individuals who have triumphed over adversity. Together, they utilize the power of art to raise awareness and promote healing.
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