Texas-based up-and-comers Bonnie Whitmore & Her Band are premiering their latest track “Fighter” exclusively for readers of The Boot.

“Fighter” is the first single from Whitmore’s forthcoming album, F--k With Sad Girls, a 10-song story that examines the expectations that society places on women, especially those who don’t play along with its rules. The song was influenced by Whitmore’s own realization that her dreams of musical stardom may not have panned out exactly as she’d planned.

"I had come to the realization that my dreams of 'making it' may not be an option anymore, and my career / life was not [going] according to plan. Although this was heartbreaking, the realization we were having was that maybe 'making it' wasn't the point,” Whitmore tells The Boot. “It wasn't going to change the fact that we still wanted to play music ... accolades or recognition or fame wasn't the goal. What was important was to pursue the art and not worry about the notoriety.

"The other thing I realized," she adds, "is that I am a masochist, because I still choose to play music, no matter how hard and painful it can be.”

"Fighter" may have a bit of a somber tone, but Whitmore insists that it’s ultimately about accepting one’s own freedom.

"When dealing with your expectations and dreams, it can be very painful to let go of the hope it gives you. If you can face your reality and be brave despite the obstacles or expectation that are upon you, then I believe it can give you the freedom to be you,” she says. “"Fighter" is a want to not give up, but give into what was most important and what is most fulfilling.

"For me, I am enough," she continues. "I am flawed. I am imperfect. I am not just expectations. I am only me."

Whitmore's third album, F--k With Sad Girls is the follow-up project to 2013’s There I Go Again. A Denton, Texas, native, Whitmore first began playing bass in Dallas-Fort Worth-area bands at the age of 15; from there, she worked with acts such as Justin Townes Earle, Hayes Carll, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Sunny Sweeney. Now, Bonnie Whitmore & Her Band are based in Austin.

F--k With Sad Girls is set for release on Oct. 28 and is available for pre-order via PledgeMusic.

Listen to Bonnie Whitmore & Her Band, "Fighter":

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