The Rough & Tumble with The Honey Badgers

The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana for over a decade. The Pennsylvania-born Graham and Central California's Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, in 2023, the band is set to release Only This Far, a 12-song collection drawing from the highs and lows of their lived experiences over all those years.

With a smorgasbord of eclectic instruments and a stunning blend of harmonious vocals, the band has crafted a work of profound emotional depth with this new album. The songs are a symphony of raw, unbridled emotion, weaving together tales of love, loss, and longing with a deft touch that could only be crafted by these two songwriters who have quite literally lived on the road for the better part of a decade. It’s a true testament to the band's unwavering dedication to their craft.

Standout track "Ain't That The Way" is a shining anthem of perseverance; a rousing call to action for those who have been told their best isn't good enough. With its powerful gang vocals and uplifting message, this song is a triumph of the human spirit, a celebration of the resilience and determination that lies within us all. On the other side of the coin, "God of War" — a semi-autobiographical sketch by Graham — delves adeptly into heavier subject matter. It’s a searing exploration in the complexities of identity, a stark and unflinching look at the dark underbelly of modern American culture. With its haunting lyrics and evocative soundscape, this song paints a vivid portrait of a nation at war with itself, grappling with the legacy of its past and the weight of its responsibilities. The band’s ability to seamlessly navigate the contrasts between bold, unflinching balladry and sunny-day sing-alongs makes Only This Far quite the enriching listen.

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“Weaving their voices together over driving guitar, wistful violin, and punchy harmonica, The Honey Badgers spin stories and songs about finding yourself, finding each other, and finding your way in the world.” When Michael Natrin asked Erin Magnin to dust off her rarely played fiddle and join him for a couple songs at a local showcase, the two never imagined they were creating a musical partnership that would continue far into the future. Playfully calling themselves The Honey Badgers more to make themselves chuckle than to make a statement, the two discovered a chemistry between their voices that demanded to be heard, and thus the duo emerged.The Honey Badgers’ folk/Americana sound has been likened to that of The Civil Wars and The Swell Season. They are known for their intense, unique harmonies, their sincere lyrics and melodies, and their undeniable onstage chemistry. Weaving their voices together over driving guitar, wistful violin, and punchy harmonica, The Honey Badgers create a sound that is all at once heartfelt, reflective, eager, and full of laid-back fun.The Honey Badgers have been creating music together since the summer of 2011. In their first several years working together they released their debut EP, “Booth Bay”, a thoughtfully crafted second EP, “Soul”, as well as a collection of live recordings entitled “Mad Season”.  In the years following the duo’s conception, they played all over their home state of Delaware and the surrounding area, from the Delmarva Folk Festival in Hartly to the World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington. They opened for nationally touring act The Lone Bellow, as well as local Delaware favorite New Sweden.In 2019 they committed to diving further into their music in many ways. Their first full length album, “Meet Me” was released in March 2019. “Meet Me” is a colorful story that has been unfolding since Michael and Erin met. The songs are new, but the feelings within them are familiar - from the blooming of new love to the comfort of seasoned love, losing yourself and finding yourself, from feeling alone in a fast moving world to finding connection in a room full of strangers. “Meet Me” was mostly conceived in an old self-converted Sprinter van on a 2017 road trip around the USA. In the spring of 2019, The Honey Badgers quit their stable jobs and hit the road again, traveling up and down the East Coast singing songs, telling stories and building community on the road.As full time musicians and travelers, Michael and Erin look forward now to creating music that has roots growing through every place they go. They are currently working on a second full length album set to be released in early 2024, centered around grief, healing, and growth in a pandemic-changed world.