Being a full time student can make being a rock star tough. We spoke with Jaclyn Walsh of DUMP HIM—Boston’s rising DIY queercore pop punk act—about rocking hard while simultaneously staying on top of coursework in school. Walsh resides in Northampton, took classes at Smith College, and plays in a new full band arrangement of DUMP HIM that features Larz Brogan of dæphne and Zoë Wyner of Halfsour. It’s a careful balance, but they prove it’s possible, and in doing so gives hope for other non-Berklee students looking to make music as big a part of their career as the major they’re studying in the classroom.
DIG: What is your favorite tour you’ve ever been on?
WALSH: I honestly loved touring with all different buds during the many different incarnations of DUMP HIM, but my favorite was definitely our most recent tour, with the now-solidified full band lineup. I felt super good about every show we played this time around. The bills were stacked with friends and favorite bands, Zoë and Larz’s playing complemented the songs in a really new and special way, and touring with those two solidified for me how much I love the current lineup of the project (and, to be honest, how much they rule as musicians and people, too).
DIG: What about your favorite band you’ve met on tour?
WALSH: Human People from Brooklyn are probably our soulmates. Hayley from that band has like, the same exact birth chart as me. Also, Control Top from Philly are the best and sweetest band! I guess they’d already been Zoë’s friends for a minute, but me and Larz met them for the first time on tour, so I’m still gonna count them. And Lucia’s been a pal for a while, but the first time I played with or saw Anna Altman from NY was truly a moment to remember.
DIG: What is the worst assignment you’ve handed in after a show?
WALSH: This is such a hard thing to remember, which is probably bad sign. I’m a true slack motherfucker, so I’m sure there have been a few. I was in a stats class last semester for my major and I’m horrible at math, so after the October tour I’m sure I handed in something ridiculous. RIP me and RIP math.
DIG: Favorite non-venue spot to stop on tour?
WALSH: Any cool record store. We’re probably touring up to Columbus soon, so hit us up with some suggestions.
DIG: Do you ever have to work on assignments for class while on the road?
WALSH: I always tell myself I will, but I usually don’t ever get around to doing them. I’m a last-minute schoolwork kinda dude and get distracted way too easily.
DIG: What sort of advice would you offer about balancing school with being a touring musician?
WALSH: Make yourself a wacky schedule so you can live your life when you wanna, and go on tour whenever you can. Then, listen to the 2013 Steve Albini remixes of Nirvana’s In Utero when you’re sick of it all.
GRAVEL, SUN YOUNG, DUMP HIM, BABY!, CULT FICTION. MON 2.20. O’BRIEN’S PUB, 3 HARVARD AVE., ALLSTON. 8PM/18+/$7. OBRIENSPUBBOSTON.COM
