Sydney’s Peni Parker have been building their own sound, which they describe as “boss battle rock.” Their music blends metal and pop with a strong feminine edge, resulting in high-energy alt-rock songs that feel like they belong in a fight scene. After sharing stages with acts like Scene Queen and Enter Shikari, the band has now released their heavy and deeply personal single “god save the nurse.”

I spoke with the band about turning grief into music, how fans have responded to the song, the artists who have influenced them, and what they have planned for their upcoming releases.

Reuel

Hello Peni Paker! It’s a pleasure to chat with you! How are you doing?

Peni Paker

Hellooo you too, thank you for having us Reuel!

Reuel

Your latest “god save the nurse” comes from a deeply personal place for you. How hard was it to channel your personal grief into a high-energy, heavy rock song?

Peni Paker

Mmm I think it’s the only way I know how to channel those feelings to be honest. I really enjoy writing lyrics that are personal to me and then zooming out and seeing how similar events are impacting the world too. I know songs don’t always have to say something big, but using your voice, speaking up through life and art is so crucial, especially now.

Reuel

How are you feeling about the reaction this song had from your fans?

Peni Paker

It’s been very wholesome! We’re a tiny band so we get to see every reaction, every comment and message. Also had a few nurses reach out too who have really felt the song, even a Nurse Joy cosplay which made my week!

Reuel

How would you describe Peni Parker’s sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Peni Paker

We say “boss battle rock”. If you can imagine a fight scene to it or an AMV, that’s what we’re aiming for sonically. It’s a little metal, a little pop and always nerdy. Brooklyn Wilson is now in the project full time on guitar/writing too, so she’s bringing the riffs to inspire your next ragey walk, crash out or hype up track

Reuel

Amazing! This might be a silly question, but Peni Parker isn’t your real name, right? Is it connected to the comic book character created by Gerard Way, and if so, what traits from that superhero made you choose it as your stage name?

Peni Paker

Ah I wish it was my real name, I respond to it now more than my other one though! You’re right it is, I’ve always been into comics, anime and just character lore in general so the name stuck quickly. She’s brave and so intelligent, traits that I think anyone aspires to have, her bubbly/pop culture side hides a lot of her grief and that escapism is something I can relate too.

Reuel

Which musicians have had the biggest influence on you personally and on your career?

Peni Paker

A few across very different genres! I think that’s what makes our sound so varied. Brooklyn is into Poppy, and BMTH which you can hear in the recent single, more punchh than previous tracks for sure! I love MCR (shocker), One Ok Rock, Ado, Babymetal, Xdinary Heroes to name a few. Also getting to play live with acts like Against the Current, Pale Dusk, Waax and Tonight Alive has really given us a kick into gear the last year as-well, to hone our sound and step up our live act too.

Reuel

Brilliant! What are some themes or concepts that you’d like to explore in your music in the future?

Peni Paker

Ooh, honestly, EP and comic 2 is so overdue, I really enjoy world building and collaborating with different fem artists to explore that visual side more!

Reuel

What does the future hold for Peni Parker release-wise? Are you focusing on more standalone singles, or is a larger project like an EP or full album in the works?

Peni Paker

Playing the singles game at the moment, we can smash out the next EP when funds are available but being independent we are just taking it as it comes! Always ready when an opportunity arises though, we love being in the studio.

Reuel

Thank you for your time, Parker! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Peni Paker

No thank you! I really back what you’re doing, uplifting fem/nb heavy artists from around the world is so badass and I’ve added a few of your recommendations to my playlists already!