Amy Munoz & the Strange Vacation’s New Album Blends Goth Country with Rock ‘n’ Roll

After a grueling tour of the United Kingdom with punk icons The Control Freaks — which saw 40 hours spent in airports and sleeping on Edinburgh’s concourse floor — Amy Munoz, the frontwoman of Amy Munoz & the Strange Vacation, returns home. Her return coincides with the release of the country-rock band’s sophomore album, “Nashville, California,” set to be celebrated with a performance at Che’s Lounge on Friday night.

Amy Munoz, an individual of diverse roles including professor, executive, and musician, hails from Bakersfield, California. “I grew up in Bakersfield, Calif., where life was simple and playing outside until the street lights came on was a cherished part of childhood,” Munoz reminisces. The city, known as the biggest oil producer in California and significant agricultural hub, has been instrumental in shaping her artistry. She remarks, “Bakersfield’s cultural tapestry continues to influence my perspective and creativity.” The city’s vibrant music scene, marked by the Bakersfield Sound popularized by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, has left an indelible mark on her.

Music was an early outlet for Munoz. She fondly recalls, “I wasn’t the most outgoing or sociable person. I discovered early on the power of music to connect and communicate.” Influences also came from her grandmother’s musical talents. During her teenage years, she rebelled against the local country music scene, gravitating towards rock, metal, and punk. “Over time, though, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the music I once dismissed,” she reveals.

Munoz’s passion for music was cemented during moments with her father in his Datsun 280Z. “Watching him drum along on the steering wheel, I realized I wanted to evoke that same emotion through music,” she recalls. She began playing guitar at 17, learning by ear, and embraced her distinctive, deeper voice, inspired by artists like Chrissie Hynde and Fiona Apple.

Her first performance took place at the Supreme Being, a local coffeeshop, and she has since been part of numerous projects including Loveland, Sugar Stains, and more. Recently, Munoz joined The Control Freaks. Despite her varied commitments, creating original music remains her core focus. “I’ve had to excuse myself from a few projects that were creatively stationary,” she notes.

Meeting the members of Strange Vacation was serendipitous. Munoz and guitarist Damon Barnaby began collaborating over a decade ago. Later, they joined guitarist Doug Floyd and drummer Chris Martin, the latter brought on after a project with vocalist Brad Brooks. With this ensemble, they’ve developed a unique dark country sound. “A little goth country, a little rock ‘n’ roll,” Munoz describes.

The album “Nashville, California” took shape over several years and was finally recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. Munoz describes the process as effortless and smooth despite limited rehearsal time. “The album was self-produced and recorded digitally,” she notes. The album features significant guitar work and was recorded with contributions and experimentation from all band members.

The album’s title pays homage to Munoz’s hometown. “Bakersfield was dubbed ‘Nashville West’ at one point,” she says. This reference underscores the city’s genuine contribution to country music. “The journey of creating this album at Sonic Ranch stands out as a highlight of my musical career,” Munoz concludes.