There is sure to be the odd reader out there who has imagined themselves as a rock star. While some may only live the dream within their imagination, others set out to make things a reality. We had the great pleasure to sit down with Jesse Thorson, a guy who certainly falls into the latter category.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to talk to Forte Magazine. First off, can you introduce yourselves to Forte readers?
I’m Jesse Thorson, singer, songwriter, bass player, guitar player – whatever is needed for The Slow Death. Joining me on this tour will be my main man Jonny C on guitar and Dr Logan Stang on drums.
Can you take us back to the start for The Slow Death. Where are you from and how did the band come together?
We are from Minneapolis, MN, USA. We started back in 2009. My old band was falling apart and I needed to make music so I got a new group together, got a new vision, and bought a new t-shirt. It’s all important.
Can you explain to us the transition from Pretty Boy Thorson to The Slow Death. Was there a particular reason behind the name change?
The guitar player and drummer of Pretty Boy both moved to opposite coasts of the US for girls. We had to power on, plus the name Pretty Boy Thorson was one of those jokes that got duller each time I said it.
The LP No Heaven is out now. How has it been received? What is the record like for those who are comparing it to earlier efforts like Born Ugly, Got Worse?
It has been received really well. We tried to do something different and a lot of people were picking up what we were laying down, smelling what we were stepping in. Of course there will be comparisons to what we did before, but why would we make the same record twice? We could just make a new cover, right?
You are touring all over ATM, Europe among other places. How is life on the road for you generally?
I love being on the road, especially in other countries. People are always so cool and I just feel lucky that I get to go to these places and party with folks I would have never met otherwise.
Australia is on the cards. You told Twitter you planned to fight a Kangaroo. Are you also afraid of being attacked by drop bears while in Australia?
Not sure what a drop bear is but it sounds adorable. Nah, I’m not scared.
As a band, who is your favourite band at the moment? What are you guys currently listening to on tour?
Man, I gotta say Criminal Damage is probably my favourite band going right now, but honestly on tour we listen to a lot of comedy and podcasts. Having a break from music helps to appreciate it even more.
What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done on tour? You guys got any crazy stories, or is it all healthy eating and early night for you?
Wow! I am pretty dumb, so there is an awful lot to choose from. What comes to mind right now is last year at a fest in Gainesville. I decided I would drink 30 shots of whiskey before Pretty Boy Thorson played. I am proud to say I achieved that goal, although I don’t remember the set at all.
I was drinking with the guys from Dillinger Four and good ol’ Jonny found me and told me I was to go on in like five minutes. I ran all the way to the show and barely made it in time to sing. I immediately blacked out and apparently spent a lot of time rolling around on the floor. No one seemed to mind, and from what I hear we were pretty good.
You are coming to Geelong. Have you been to Geelong before?
No, never been to Australia before. So stoked to hang out.
You are set to take the stage at the iconic Barwon Club. What can the punters expect once you take the stage?
You can expect us to give everything we’ve got to destroy ourselves for a good time. Everyone will leave sweaty and shaking and whole.
Anything you would like to add?
Thanks so much for having us. Thanks for talking to us. Where’s the bar? And where do these drop bears hang out?
When&Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – April 24. With Laura Palmer.