Alynda Segarra, founder of Hurray for the Riff Raff, is a Bronx-born artist of Puerto Rican heritage whose music blends folk, punk, and activism. Raised by their aunt and uncle, Segarra was shaped by anti-war protests, punk shows, and queer spaces before leaving home at 17 to travel the country by hopping trains. Settling in New Orleans, they formed a band, using music to share their journey and advocate for marginalized voices. Their 2022 album, Life on Earth, marked a shift into electronic sounds, while The Past Is Still Alive (2024) reflects on personal loss, resilience, and radical love. With influences ranging from Woody Guthrie to Eileen Myles, Segarra expands American storytelling, embracing the struggles and strength of outsiders. Their music is a testament to survival, solidarity, and the search for belonging, offering both a critique of injustice and a vision of hope for the future.
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