Arts·Q with Tom Power

Why Bria Salmena wrote Rags — a raw song about rage and shame — for her 15-year-old self

In an interview with guest host Talia Schlanger, the Canadian musician discusses her debut solo album, Big Dog.

In a Q interview, the Canadian musician discusses her debut solo album, Big Dog

Headshot of Bria Salmena.
Bria Salmena's new album, Big Dog, is out now. (Matthew Tammaro)

Bria Salmena is a Canadian musician who originally rose to prominence as the frontwoman of the post-punk band Frigs before joining Orville Peck's touring band. Now, she's released her debut solo album, Big Dog. One of its most powerful tracks, Rags, is a raw anthem about rage, shame and shedding the need to accommodate others. Salmena joins guest host Talia Schlanger to talk about the track and how it helped her reclaim her voice after moving to Los Angeles — a city that made her feel like she was in high school again.

The full interview with Bria Salmena is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Bria Salmena produced by Niza Lyapa Nondo.