The Power of Feminine Rage

Photographs By Jade Miles

Northern California Alternative Rock band Bloodsugar opens up about the highs and lows on being on tour, bonding over fernet, and the importance of expressing anger in their latest EP, ‘Gut Feeling’.

Northern California, USA

What is the origin story of Bloodsugar?

It was a dark and stormy night. Four strangers walked into Duffy’s Tavern. Christian “The Crandall” Crandall, Joe “Stache” Stone, Jordan “The Hair” Wiley, and Lys Lourdes. Unbeknownst to them, fate was working her magic. Joe ordered a shot of Fernet Branca— the world’s worst liquor. Whether by strange coincidence or pure luck, the others were ordering the same. They all knew immediately that they were kindred spirits, but before any of them could acknowledge it, the bartender lifted the bottle up to her eyeline to inspect it, and four unfortunate words escaped the her lips: “Only one shot left.” Each of our four heroes shot looks like daggers at each other. It was on. A brawl broke out. This type of thing was not uncommon for the tavern, and, frankly, all of the fighters were quite scrawny and fought rather awkwardly, so nobody batted an eye. The bartender threw the bottle into the mix, spilling the bitter, dark liquid onto the sticky bar floor. With nothing left to fight for, all they could do was shake hands. Before they parted ways, Joe noticed Lys’ shirt that read in jagged letters: My Chemical Romance. “Wait, you know about music?” “Yeah, I know about music. Do you wanna start a band?” And they all lived happily ever after.

What has the band learned since then?

We can down a LOT of fernet. And even more hot dogs. Also, don’t scare the hoes (Rainbow City Park) by making them slap the twisted tea bag too many times on tour.

You just released your EP, 'Gut Feeling', on February 20th, 2026. What is the story of this EP? What kind of journey are you taking us on?

This EP is a collection of songs that I wrote at a time in my life when I was accepting and processing a lot of painful things that had happened to me. I had let a lot of things slide. I had forgiven people for things that I still felt hurt by, and time had passed. But then, It felt like it was all catching up to me at once and I realized that I was allowed to be angry about it, even despite letting it go previously. I wanted to give those events their moment, and acknowledge their gravity and their effects on me. I’m continuing to do that even now. I’m learning not to “forgive and forget”. I’m learning not to be a doormat.

Why did you decide to explore the emotion of anger? Why is this feeling important?

It’s extremely important to let yourself feel anger fully, especially as a young woman. Girls are taught not to be loud or to cause a scene, which can get you into extremely dark and even dangerous situations. We all know it well. Expressing anger is a privilege that men have always had. Feminine rage is an even more powerful because it’s not always expected by people. It makes people uncomfortable. That’s the only way to enact change— discomfort. It also just feels really fucking good. I’m not saying break shit, but calling someone out, screaming, singing your heart out on stage, rolling around on the floor? Yes to all of that.

What is each band member's favorite song to play live?

Lys - trebuchet

Christian - holden caulfield (civil war)

Joe - debbie

Jordan - let me be your man

You just completed the first leg of your Gut Feeling Tour. Where did you go? What were some of your favorite cities to play in?

We played in San Luis Obispo, Isla Vista, Long Beach, Fresno, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Chico, Redding, and Sacramento. I’m writing this in the car on the way to Oregon where we’re playing Bend, Corvallis, and Portland next. Even more to come! My favorite cities so far have been SLO and Redding. The crowds in both of those places just brought so much energy and enthusiasm. Love you guys!!!

What have been some highs and lows while on the road?

HIGHS

Returning to San Luis Obispo and getting to reconnect with our audience out there. They seriously ride for cool bands out there!!

An all-girl pit formed in Isla Vista

Every time we got Weinerschnitzel

Bomb hot dogs at the venue in Long Beach

LOWS

Christian absolutely ate shit on stage in Fresno. Lys didn’t see (disappointing)

Being hungover on the way to Fresno

Van died on the way to Santa Cruz

What's next for Bloodsugar?

We’re currently on tour, and playing as many shows as we can for the rest of the year. We’re working on batch 2 of songs, so keep your ears peeled, or whatever they say. No slowing down!