Sunny War Teams with Valerie June for New Single “Cry Baby” from Her Forthcoming Album ‘Armageddon in a Summer Dress’

Sunny War announced her new album Armageddon in a Summer Dress last November with the lead single “Walking Contradiction.” The song featured Steve Ignorant of Crass. Today (January 15), War shared “Cry Baby” as the album’s second single. “Cry Baby” features Valerie June. Listen to the new track below.

Videos by American Songwriter

Much like her collaboration with Ignorant, “Cry Baby” represents a full-circle moment for War. “I’ve opened for Valerie June quite a bit and years ago I asked her if I could try and write a song for her,” she shared in a statement. “Somewhere in Portland, Oregon, I wrote ‘Cry Baby’ with Valerie in mind. I always listen to her when I want to be calmed down or hugged. I’m stoked that she was down to sing on this song inspired by her,” she added.

[RELATED: Sunny War Announces Her New Album ‘Armageddon in a Summer Dress’ With Timely New Single “Walking Contradiction” Featuring Steve Ignorant of Crass]

Sunny War Captures a New Sound with Armageddon in a Summer Dress

Those who listened to Anarchist Gospel before diving into the singles from the new album will hear a difference in Sunny War’s sound. She found the inspiration for her new sonic landscape while on the road.

“Touring behind Anarchist Gospel made me want to make a bigger-sounding record and have a whole band rather than just playing solo acoustic or with a three-piece,” War shared last year. “I wanted to try stuff out of my comfort zone and try and have more fun playing. I definitely wanted to make this album for a badass five-piece band,” she added.

While her sound has changed, the blend of roots music and punk rock spirit hasn’t. “To me, it’s the same kind of music,” she said of roots music and punk rock. “If you’re into punk for the lyrics and the message, there’s definitely a lot of old-time music that has that spirit. Folk used to be very anti-establishment. Pete Seeger, union songs, Woody Guthrie—that’s punk rock sh*t. It’s all about being an outsider,” she explained.

Armageddon in a Summer Dress Tracklist and Info

Sunny War will release Armageddon in a Summer Dress on February 21 via New West Records. The album will be available across digital streaming platforms as well as in a variety of physical media. Fans can pick it up on CD or standard black vinyl. Additionally, several color vinyl pressings will be available. Limited-edition signed CDs and a “Cry Baby Blue” vinyl pressing can be pre-ordered from New West Records.

1. “One Way Train”
2. “Bad Times”
3. “Rise”
4. “Ghosts”
5. “Walking Contradiction” featuring Steve Ignorant
6. “Cry Baby” featuring Valerie June
7. “Scornful Heart” featuring Tré Burt
8. “Gone Again” featuring John Doe
9. “Lay Your Body”
10. “Debbie Downer”

Featured Image by Joshua Black Wilkins