Tender Claws

Aug 20, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Laurie Clapson

Alt-grunge solo artist Tender Claws releases the anticipated debut EP, Tear Him To Pieces.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to my family as a toddler.

When did you begin songwriting?

In late 2020 (peak pandemic times) and I think I completed my first song in 2021 which was ‘Anglerfish’ (my first single).

You have your new debut EP ‘Tear Him To Pieces’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

To be honest there was no grand plan or vision for the EP going into it. I had just written this collection of songs that ended up on the EP over a period of a year and a half or so in different contexts that were inspired by a diverse range of subjects. But then I liked how together they could represent the different facets of Tender Claws in one body of work. I think every song is a different sub genre which I like.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

We recorded it at The Motor Museum in Liverpool. Ben Harper (The Mysterines/The Kairos/AKA/Keyside) produced and mixed it.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

It’s always funny or interesting hearing how people describe my music while in that setting, some quotes:

“It sounds like fairies on MDMA”

“I love working on your music because one minute it’s giving Marilyn Manson and the next it’s giving Brat summer”

“It sounds a bit f***ing s*** but in a cool way”

When everyone is on form we have a laugh and things get a bit weird working long days in a dark windowless studio but I love it. I do remember literally collapsing on the floor one time from laughing so hard at a story Kurt (drummer) was telling me one time which I think back on very fondly.

I also remember Ben nearly breaking my voice (joking. Kind of.) when he kept asking me to go higher and higher with the harmonies in the chorus of ‘Ersatz Life’ as we wanted to layer lots of harmonies for that one. I don’t think we even used the highest ones in the end, but that was quite funny.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

The majority of the guitar on the EP is my trusty humbucker telecaster as it just does the job everytime. It’s pretty much the only guitar I use in general. I know Ben (my producer) wants one himself! Quite a lot of the synth is stuff we just kept from my demos which came from synth sounds on Logic. It was my first time playing a little slide guitar (on ‘A Promised Kiss’) too which was fun.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest: A lot of my music isn’t very happy haha, but I’d say ‘A Promised Kiss’ is a little fun and flirty. Almost feel good.

Angriest: Well in terms of a topic that makes me angry I’d go for Spring Time Cull which is basically about humankind’s mistreatment and abuse of nature and wildlife. But in terms of feeling the anger of the character(s) who I’m embodying within a track, I’d go for Tear Him to Pieces. Deceit and betrayal that leads to a violent demise!

Most reflective: Ersatz Life is definitely a reflective track where I’ve looked at how I’m living my life in the modern world and how I’d like to improve things (it’s a continual work in progress).

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Kurt Murphy played drums, Sydney Lau played bass, Connor Murphy and I both played guitar (and Ben played little bits here and there). Synth and keys were by myself and Ben.

Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

I originally got the term ‘Tear Him to Pieces’ from a Greek myth that I’d read that then inspired the title track. But I was also processing a lot of emotions in my personal life at the time I wrote it that I recognised within that story. I have also since found a way to relate that phrase to all the tracks on the EP in more or less obvious ways, but I’d rather other people found their own meanings.

Was it a difficult EP to write?

Yes and no. Like I said I didn’t know from the outset of writing these songs that they would make up my debut EP. I never find writing necessarily ‘easy’ but some tracks came quicker than others, and I like experiencing catharsis from processing or exploring a topic, thought or emotion that I’m interested in or dealing with. ‘Ersatz Life’ took the longest time to find its final form. There were a few earlier versions of it that I thought just weren’t quite right.

Who designed the EP artwork?

My friend Femi aka FemTek who I met through my job outside of Tender Claws.

One of the tracks is the single of the same name. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I’ve touched on this a bit already but it’s basically the retelling of a Greek myth which touches on themes of unrequited love, deceit, transformation, corrupted innocence. I love a romantic, whimsical tragedy. By coincidence, I was dealing with a sort of breakup at the time I wrote it so I could relate to various characters within the story, so it had additional pertinence and was a form of escapism for me. I love that sort of serendipity.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

This isn’t a straightforward answer for me as I consider my home, and Tender Claws’ home, to be in a few different places, but let’s go with Liverpool: friendly, creative, charming, supportive, cobbled (bad for platform shoes 🙁 )

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026/2027?

● 25/08: Grand Central, Manchester (free entry!)

● 16/09: Headline show to celebrate the EP at The Kazimier in Liverpool (support from Versaints)

● 06/11: supporting Venus Grrrls at the O2 Academy in Liverpool

Follow me on socials to stay up to date 😉

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

All of the band coming off stage proud of our effort, and hopefully at least one new genuine fan!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I’m not the most technically minded, but I like some decent reverb on my vocals which helps me lean into the power of my voice more. And my Line 6 Helix pedalboard keeps things ‘simple’ for someone who isn’t a pedal nerd (don’t hate me, I wish I was!).

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The gothic novel, ‘The Monk’ by Matthew Gregory Lewis- one of my songs (Disappear) was partly inspired by it so I’m already part way there!

How do you look after your voice?

I’ve had some issues in the past while I’ve tried to improve my vocal skills and learnt the hard way how not to do things. I now always warm up before a rehearsal or gig. I’ve never smoked and I’m not a big drinker so that probably helps. I’m actually looking to get a vocal coach soon though to get some one-on-one teaching and advice for vocal longevity.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Just like I consider each track to be a different sub genre, they each have their separate influences, but my overarching influences are people like QOTSA, PJ Harvey and Nine Inch Nails. In terms of artists who are inspiring me at the moment I’d say Jehnny Beth, Patriarchy, Daniel Avery. I’d recommend all their latest albums.

What makes Tender Claws happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy: Feeling like I have good friends around me; writing fire music that I can’t wait to release and perform; having a dance!

Unhappy: Animal cruelty, the fossil fuel industry, writing bad music, imposter syndrome