My America Is Watching Tigers Die
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Newark, Delaware, United States |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Newark , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
My America Is Watching Tigers Die was a noise rock group originating from Newark, Delaware, established in 2002. The ensemble consisted of lead singer David Rushman, guitarist Matthew Turner, bassist Brian Miller, and drummer Andrew Rapp. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Deadguy, Knut, The Jesus Lizard, Botch, and Coalesce, they shared stages with artists including Coliseum, Sannhet, Keelhaul, KEN Mode, Rosetta, Engineer, North, Bezoar, Thera Roya, All Time Low, and Pharaoh.
Initially operating under the name An April Setting Sun until May 2004, they secured a contract with Emerald Moon Records to release their first album Narratives in 2006. Later on, they signed with Pluto Records and unveiled their sophomore album Stone Age in 2008. Following the exit of frontman David Rushman that same year, the band abbreviated their name to My America.
After parting ways with Pluto Records, they independently launched Hurry Up & Chill in 2010. This release caught the attention of The Ghost Is Clear Records, resulting in a new signing. Their concluding album Misses appeared in 2016 before the band disbanded later that year.
2002–2004: Formation and initial period
The group was formed in Milford, Delaware in 2002 under the name An April Setting Sun as a quartet featuring vocalist David Rushman, guitarist/vocalist Matthew Turner, bassist Brian Miller, and drummer Mike MacMillan. In March 2003, they issued a four-track demo titled 7 Stones Sessions. Following MacMillan’s departure that month, Blair Allen briefly filled the drummer role until Andrew Rapp assumed it in July 2003. Will DiMondi joined as an additional guitarist in August 2003 but left by May 2004 to focus on other endeavors.
During this era, they released multiple EPs including a self-titled EP in August 2003 and He Saved Himself For The Harlot in September 2004. The band adopted the name My America Is Watching Tigers Die in May 2004.
2005–2007: Release of Narratives and 30,000 Lbs.
In January 2005, the band contributed to Ours And Of Course, Your First Compilation Tape and also released a self-titled EP that year. On February 16, 2006, they signed with indie label Emerald Moon Records—known for acts like All Time Low and The Jonbenét—and launched their debut studio album Narratives on July 20, 2006. The record received favorable critiques from sources such as Lambgoat and Hanging Like a Hex for its heavy mosh influence and experimental approach. They followed up with the EP 30,000 Lbs. in August 2007.
2008–2009: Stone Age release and vocalist change
The band inked a deal with Pluto Records (whose roster includes As I Lay Dying and Horse the Band) on March 20, 2008. Working alongside producer Chris Owens (associated with Breather Resist and Coliseum), they released their second full-length album Stone Age on July 8, 2008. Prior to the album’s debut, they promoted tracks on Myspace and planned tours. The album was reviewed by Mammoth Press, Subba-Cultcha, V13, and Lambgoat.
On September 24, 2008, David Rushman exited the group due to monetary challenges. The band continued as a trio with Matthew Turner taking over vocal responsibilities. Reflecting this transition, they shortened their name to My America on January 28, 2009.
2010–2016: Hurry Up & Chill, Misses, and dissolution
On May 28, 2010, My America shared the stage at Union Pool alongside Ken Mode and Engineer, followed by a performance at the Acheron with Keelhaul on August 6, 2010. After parting ways with Pluto Records, the band self-released their third studio effort, Hurry Up & Chill, which debuted on December 2, 2010. Their live appearances continued at venues such as Brooklyn’s Acheron in 2013 with Coliseum and Sannhet, and later at the Knitting Factory in 2014.
After a short break, the group signed with The Ghost is Clear Records. In an interview from March 2015, Matthew Turner reflected on the band's formation and diverse musical inspirations. April 2015 saw the release of Bad Host, a B-side track from the Misses recording sessions, which garnered attention through Vice News.
To build anticipation for their forthcoming album Misses, the band utilized platforms like New Noise Magazine and Scene Point Blank for promotion. Turner characterized this album as an authentic expression of their sound after more than ten years of collaboration. Production was handled by Kevin Bernsten, with Brad Boatright overseeing mastering at Audiosiege. Returning to their original moniker, My America Is Watching Tigers Die unveiled Misses on September 30, 2016. Their concluding live performance took place at Fat Baby in LES NYC before officially disbanding later that year.
Musical styles and influences
My America Is Watching Tigers Die is distinguished by its fusion of noise rock, grunge, thrash metal, post-hardcore, and hardcore punk. The band’s sound was shaped by influences including Deadguy, Knut, The Jesus Lizard, Botch, and Coalesce.
Band Members
- Matthew Turner – Guitar and vocals (2002–2016)
- Brian Miller – Bass and vocals (2002–2016)
- Andrew Rapp – Drums (2003–2016)
- David Rushman – Vocals (2002–2008)
- Will DiMondi – Guitar (2003–2004)
- Mike MacMillan – Drums (2002–2003)
- Blair Allen – Drums (2003)
Studio albums
Extended plays
- 7 Stones Session Demos (2003)
- A Cure for the Common Broken Heart (2003)
- An April Setting Sun (2003)
- He Saved Himself for the Harlot (2004)
- My America Is Watching Tigers Die (2005)
- 30,000 Lbs. (2007)