Edweena Banger Continues Solo Endeavor with ‘Diamond Rocks’

Edweena Banger has had a long, eventful journey. She first got into the music scene as a wild punk rocker with Manchester bands Ed Banger & the Nosebleeds and Slaughter & the Dogs, not to mention part-time hustles as a stand-up comedienne, cabaret entertainer, TV extra, and now a trans revolutionary.

Banger recently transitioned, and she’s now working as a solo artist, having just released two solo albums this year, Diamonds on Tenth Avenue and Diamond Rocks, full of glam-rock-inspired anthems and following the story of Diamond, a trans escort who rises to cult status on the rock circuit after leaving behind her old profession to join a glam rock band.

We caught up with the rocker as she releases Diamond Rocks to chat more about the album and emerging as a solo artist.

Hi Edweena! First, it’s record release week. How does it feel to have Diamond Rocks out in the open?
Always exciting to complete a project and have it out for public consumption.

What were some of your musical inspirations and aims in creating this album?
I wanted to recreate the feel of 70s glam rock Bowie/Bolan and New York trash rock, New York Dolls/Johnny Thunders/Heartbreakers, etc.

This is also your second solo album from this year. How was it creating this one, compared to your last, Diamonds on Tenth Avenue?
Only difference was having a guest drummer, Phil Rowland, on a couple of tracks. I sent him a backing track, and he recorded the drums to it in his LA studio and sent me the file to be mixed. Otherwise, the process was the same as the first, with me recording all the parts.

In your experience, how does creating solo work compare to working in a full band?
Well, it’s more work having to create and play all the parts, but easier in the sense of having all creative control, but not as much fun as there’s no one to interact with.

Can you tell me more about Diamond and embracing the story of a trans escort in these albums? Do you think you will continue her story in future releases?
I drew inspiration from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album as a concept with that being an alien band escaping a dying planet by coming to Earth. The Diamond story was based on a trans escort who was wanting to escape her ever-increasing, difficult working life, and gets picked up by a record executive to front a new glam band and is reborn as a glam star leaving her old life behind … I have a third Diamonds album lined up for release in February telling the story of her party life on the road with rock ‘n’ roll.

Do you find that your artistry and performance have changed or shifted since you transitioned?
Absolutely … I’m definitely more flamboyant and confident and creative with more of a missionary zeal preaching the gospel of trans rock ‘n’ roll.

Is there anything in the future you’re looking forward to or would like to mention or tease in regard to this story, your record, your work?
Really looking forward to taking the Diamond albums out live with a band, adding a taste of burlesque dancing girls to the show, and creating fun videos.

Plus—performing next year at Rebellion the biggest punk festival in the world with Slaughter Bite Back and hopefully an Edweena Banger, solo band Diamond show.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Coming out as trans has really transformed my life for the better. I’m not saying it’s been a free and easy ride, perhaps a little bumpy at times, but we only get one shot at life! So come on, no time for hanging back—Although, it did take me 40 years to grab the handbag and dance, but better late than never.

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Check out Edweena Banger’s video for “Let’s Do It” here:

For more from Edweena, check out her official website.

Photo courtesy of Tina K Photography