Behind the music - Tender Claws

Emerging from Belfast's vibrant music scene, alt-grunge solo artist Tender Claws, the stage persona of Tess Corr, has recently unveiled her latest single, "Twinge." This release sets the stage for her highly anticipated debut EP, "Tear Him To Pieces," scheduled to drop in August. Now based in the North West of England, Corr navigates the musical terrain with a blend of raw emotionality and sonic grit.

"Twinge" stands out as an upbeat, assertive track that channels the complexities of a relationship's sudden conclusion. Corr frames the song as a means to both confront and lighten the emotional toll of a connection that ended abruptly yet left her with a paradoxical sense of liberation. This duality between heartache and empowerment is underscored in her decision to forgo guitar during live performances of the track, allowing her to engage more freely with the stage and embody the song’s spirited defiance.

Corr’s musical identity as Tender Claws reflects a carefully crafted aesthetic, balancing softness with distortion. The moniker itself derives from her initials and encapsulates the range of her sound—from intimate passages to moments of harsh intensity. Her background includes classical training in flute and guitar, though her transition to songwriting and performing came after completing a university degree in Maths and Physics, highlighting a deliberate pivot from an academic path to creative expression.

Musically, Tender Claws traverses alternative rock landscapes that incorporate elements of grunge, industrial, indie, shoegaze, and goth. This eclectic mix results in a sound described as simultaneously gritty and groovy, dark yet shimmering, and both escapist and introspective. The diversity of her upcoming EP is expected to accentuate these contrasts, showcasing varied textures and moods. Influences cited range from iconic acts like Queens of the Stone Age, PJ Harvey, Nine Inch Nails, and Pixies to contemporary artists such as Adult DVD and Coach Party, signaling a blend of 90s rock sensibilities with modern alternative trends.

Early influences in Corr’s life include memorable live experiences, such as attending an Adam Ant concert as a teenager, and formative listening habits shaped by 1980s pop and electronic music. Her musical tastes reveal a deep engagement with a broad spectrum of styles, from the nostalgic to the avant-garde, which inform her creative output.

Beyond her artistry, Corr maintains a commitment to environmental and ethical causes, reflected in her eight-year practice of veganism. She articulates this lifestyle choice as a personal contribution toward reducing individual carbon footprints, while acknowledging the broader systemic issues surrounding climate change.

Listeners can access Tender Claws’ music across major streaming platforms, with Corr actively engaging audiences through social media channels and live performances. Updates on her work and shows are available through her website and dedicated platforms like Bandsintown.

While details about the full tracklist and production specifics of "Tear Him To Pieces" remain limited at this juncture, the release marks a significant entry for Corr into the alternative rock arena. Her fusion of emotional candor and genre-spanning influences positions Tender Claws as an artist to watch in the evolving alt-grunge landscape.