Divorce
Divorce’s story began during the pandemic, a time when the world was grappling with uncertainty. The four-piece band emerged from the creative crucible of lockdown, their music fueled by a shared passion for alt-country and grunge. The lineup includes Tiger Choen-Towell (vocals and bass), Felix Mackenzie-Barrow (vocals and guitar), Kaspar Sandstrøm (drums), and Adam Smith (guitar and keys).
Tiger and Felix, the core songwriting duo, have a history that predates Divorce. They first crossed paths as teenagers at Nottingham’s Television Workshop drama group. Both were aspiring actors, but they soon realised that their true fulfilment lay in music. The limitations of the acting world—where creativity often felt out of their control—led them to explore music as an outlet for their artistic expression.
Before Divorce, Tiger and Felix collaborated under the moniker “Megatrain.” Their early days were marked by DIY spirit and a desire to create something greater than the sum of their parts. However, technical hurdles often left them stressed. They’d show up at gigs with cobbled-together equipment, including a crucial Bag for Life filled with essential leads. On one unfortunate occasion, they lost all their leads right before a support show—an experience that tested their resilience.
As the pandemic forced everyone into isolation, Tiger found themselves in Nottingham, while Felix resided 200 miles away in Somerset. Both were out of work, but this unexpected downtime became a blessing in disguise. Tiger honed their songwriting skills, writing prolifically and refining their craft. The sheer amount of time spent on songwriting helped them evolve creatively.
In February 2022, Divorce burst onto the scene with their debut single, “Services.” This edgy country-punk anthem caught the attention of listeners and critics alike. Hand in Hive, their label, recognized their potential, and soon they were playlisted on BBC Radio 6 Music. The band’s unique blend of influences—from The Beatles to The Velvet Underground—set them apart.
Divorce’s journey is still unfolding. With their debut EP, “Get Mean,” released in December, they’ve captured the essence of a band developing in real time. Their music resonates with audiences across the UK, and their story continues to evolve. Keep an eye on Divorce—they’re a band on the rise, fueled by passion, resilience, and a love for making music that defies expectations.