Kristen Ford - Whiplash (single)

Kristen Ford returns with the bubbly and bittersweet indie rock cut “Whiplash”. Delivered as a swift followup to the defiant trans-rights anthem “Wild Heart” (released June 9th), “Whiplash” similarly showcases Ford’s penchant for serving up accessible allegories that speak to deeper, and darker, realities. 

On the face of it, “Whiplash” is a frustrated tale of negotiating love bombs and emotional landmines in doomed romantic relationships. In Ford’s hands though, “Whiplash” is also an expression of the conditionality and broken promises that underpin the American dream that was proffered in her youth. She explains, “How about being told if you play nice, go to college and get a degree, you get a career, a life, and a home only to be saddled with debt? Have those debts promised to be forgiven and then, whiplash, forget it. How about losing our rights to decide what we do with our own bodies? What’s next, our marriages? Our ability to travel? The American dream of my 20s is leaving me with whiplash in my 30s.”

Also released today is a fun and feisty visual that plays out the highs and lows of domestic bliss among the chaparral of the L.A. mountains. Ford tapped fellow Angeleno J.P. Reilly, who has previously honed his skills on videos for names including OK Go and Barenaked Ladies, to direct this outing. Exceptionally eagle-eyed Swifties may recognize the actual picket fences from Taylor’s “You Need To Calm Down”, as well as some props that nod to that particular video.

“Whiplash” is the latest indication of what is in store on Ford’s upcoming album, Pinto (out August 22nd via Righteous Babe Records). As a cohesive statement alongside “Wild Heart”, the self-affirming “Here’s To You Kid (feat. Ani DiFranco)”, and the patriarchy-busting “White Man’s Dream”, these four singles showcase both Ford’s topical breadth as well as the trusted conspirators that have helped to bring this upcoming album to life. Whether it’s the songwriting and production chops lent by DiFranco and John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band, or the mastering touch of Randy Merrill (Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo), 'Pinto' is an album that celebrates the artistic power of joined forces.

At its heart, 'Pinto' is an album that embodies Ford’s belief that “the rulebook has been thrown out by the current administration, we can turn this disorder back on them and boldly create the world we want.” Or, as she puts it in her less guarded moments, “it’s time to be louder, be bigger, be brasher motherf*cker!”

Fans can now pre-order limited special album packages exclusively via Kickstarter. These perks include signed vinyl and limited edition prints. For more info, visit kickstarter.com/projects/kristenford/pinto-full-length-album-from-kristen-ford.

Ford is on tour across the US this summer. Info and tickets available here.