From Emo Anthems to Antique Shops: A Quick Chat with Tigers Jaw’s Ben Walsh

By Arlo McCarthy

Between sets at this year’s Outbreak Festival, I caught up with Ben Walsh, guitarist and vocalist of the Midwest emo and indie-rock band Tigers Jaw. We spoke about the acts he was excited to see, the cities he loves to play in, the story behind their iconic pizza album cover, and what fans can expect from their long-awaited new record.

After finally locating my interview spot, I sat down with Ben Walsh, guitarist and vocalist of the midwest emo and indie-rock band Tigers Jaw, for a quick chat. We began by talking about the other acts at the festival and who he thought was worth keeping an eye on:

Momma, who played earlier is definitely one to watch for me, their new record is great”

Tigers Jaw don’t tour in the UK very often, so I asked Ben which cities have the best crowds. He said London is always a good place to play, with some of the best audience energy, and Bristol is up there too. He also talked about how much they enjoy Brighton when they’re on tour — especially the antique malls and vintage shops — and said it’s worth a visit if you get the chance.

He also shared that the band plans to start working on their long-awaited new record just days after the festival. Brianna, who handles vocals and keyboards, will once again design the album artwork and merchandise. She draws inspiration directly from the mood and themes of the record — previously creating mixed-media pieces for their covers — and the band is excited to see what she comes up with this time. ​

I also had to ask about the band’s self-titled album cover — the now-iconic pizza photo — and where it came from. Ben explained that the pizza is from Buona Pizza in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a favourite spot where the band used to hang out after practice. 

We’d always hang out there after band practice, and Brianna took her camera one day and that’s where it came from!

​It was a pleasure to speak to Ben ahead of the band’s set later that night, so I couldn’t resist asking which songs he was most excited to play. He said he always looks forward to performing anything from the self-titled album, but especially enjoys the build-up in 'I Won’t Care How You Remember Me'.