Selby Tigers
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Bio
It is often said that you always remember a Selby Tigers show; perhaps because the mind-controlling mesmerization of the Selby Tigers' charisma and charm begins the moment they begin to set up. Arzu D2 is always seen wearing an oversized, oddly colored beehive wig and shimmery vintage dress; Nathan's silver studded mod-suit-meets-Vegas outfit is always dazzling and unique; Davey G's Polyester jumpsuit (though it may be a cooler option at hot shows, cotton suits rip during scissor kicks) is complimented simply with a choice scarf and his signature pencil thin moustache; and Dave is anxiously perched in a t-shirt and jeans ready to sweat and give his clear blue transparent Vistalite drums (complete with a mini light show) yet another beating. They look and play truly like no other band before them, and put their hearts, as well their personas, on stage for the crowd.
All the Tigers hail, in one-way or another, from Selby Avenue in (what could be called the unpopular geeky brother to Minneapolis) St. Paul, MN. The name 'Selby Tigers' spawns equally from a high school mascot and the moniker of a revolutionary army. Mirroring this philosophy is a fundamentally important, unspoken part of the Selby Tigers: having fun onstage, playing and laughing their hearts out while giving their all to the crowd and directly communicating the frustrations of life (politically and otherwise) through their songs.
When asked how to describe Selby Tigers' music Nathan responds "Bands like Devo and bands before that, a lot of late '70s punk rock bands, both American and British, had a big influence on us. Musically, when I write a song, I still draw on a lot of those bands subconsciously, I'm sure (Ink 19)." Their sound is beyond the simple convention of retro late 70's punk rock. Influences of danceable new wave and pronounced 60's mod along with garage pop creep into several songs on their new cd/lp 'the Curse of the Selby Tigers.' Dave, Arzu D2, and Nathan all take turns fronting songs and singing back up for each other, while Sammy delivers stand-up comedy between ditties. Their three distinct styles of vocal delivery and songwriting play a huge role in their identity, total uniqueness and are often used to explain their mass appeal.
The Tigers never stop playing shows, they work hard at what they do and tour their little butts off when the chance arises. Whether playing to huge, sold out shows in their hometown and in the US or rocking to a new audience in Japan, they push themselves to the razor's edge to entertain and enliven their crowds while sharing the stage with bands like The Donnas, Bratmobile, Scared of Chaka, Rocket from the Crypt, Murder City Devils, Dillinger Four and the Anniversary. They were featured on the national Plea for Peace / Take Action Tour 2001 along with names like Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, Cave In and Strike Anywhere and played over 30 shows to benefit several suicide prevention organizations.
