Interview by Kris Peters
Since forming in High School in Scranton back in 2005, Pennsylvania rock outfit Tigers Jaw have ridden a steady trajectory through the ranks, culminating in the success of their most recent album, 2021s I Won't Care How You Remember Me.
Brought up and fed on a diet of local DIY punk outfits, Tigers Jaw have gone through a number of line-up changes, with Ben Walsh being the only surviving original member, having played every instrument from drums to bass to guitar to singing with the band.
Now, with a settled line-up and growing reputation, Tigers Jaw are set to land in Australia in the coming weeks for a supporting slot to Sly Withers on his upcoming Australian tour.
Walsh sat down with HEAVY to discuss the details.
"There's lots to do to get ready for an international tour," he began. "I feel like mentally I'm almost there, and I'm just figuring out what to bring, because here right now it's very hot. We get there in Winter for this tour so I have to figure out what to pack (laughs)."
Touring and playing is one thing, but a trip so far away from home is also a mentally draining commitment, so we press Walsh on how he prepares for that side of things.
"Early on in touring we were 18,19,20 years old and it was a lot easier to just pick up and leave and not really worry about it too much," he smiled. "As we get into our 30s there's more stability at home and it's a little bit tougher to make sure everything's in order. The mental preparation is a little more intense as we get older. There's just as much excitement, but there's just more responsibilities to get in order before we take off."
In the full interview, Ben tells us what to expect from Tigers Jaw's shows, the two acoustic performances and how they will approach them, the history of Tigers Jaw and what the early days were like, when the band decided to get serious, how the DIY punk scene helped shape their future, how his vision for Tiger's Jaw has changed over the years, new material and more.