T.W. Walsh

by Matt Fink
Drawing comparisons to Will Oldham and Songs: Ohia, both for his high Neil Young-ish singing voice and his occasionally stark narratives, T.W. Walsh tossed his hat into the swirling ring of morose, modern singer/songwriters in the late '90s. Originally the drummer for various short-lived indie rock bands in his native Massachusetts, Walsh eventually went the solo route with his own brand of introspective songwriting, though he has been known to bristle at being included with the ever-marginalizing numbers of underground singer/songwriters. Discovered by the Made in Mexico label after submitting the homemade demo of his recordings that would become his debut, Walsh soon found himself out on tour, playing bass for then-labelmates Pedro the Lion; with that band's driving force, Dave Bazan, returning the favor by drumming during Walsh's live sets. Moving to Chicago's Truckstop label for 2001's Blue Laws, Walsh was joined by collaborator and co-producer Frank Padellaro in creating a vastly more detailed and personalized sound. Pollensongs, a largely solo five-song EP split between newer and older compositions, was released in 2002. When not busy recording or touring, Walsh also spends time as a musical engineer.