Interview: Tim Nelson of Cub Sport

It’s been a huge year and a half for Tim Nelson. He got married, released Cub Sport’s third album to critical acclaim, and is now in the midst of a jam-packed tour. We were quite lucky to find the time to catch up with him before Cub Sport plays Dublin. Reflecting on his emotional state he started off saying, ‘I feel really good. We’re on a tour of Europe before we hit the U.K. and thus far it’s been a really good vibe and we’re enjoying ourselves.’

Reminiscing on Dublin, Tim recalled ‘We were actually there in February, and it just so happened to be on Valentine's Day. The energy was good it and it was pretty lit. There were a lot of people feeling it that day. Lots of cuddling and kissing going on in the crowd.’ Which makes sense, Cub Sport’s music is definitely romantic and a bit moody. ‘We were only in Dublin for the afternoon and it was lovely. This time around we have two nights so we’ll actually be able to get to see a bit more of the city which will be nice. Last time we were here we visited one of the really beautiful colleges. There were some things we wanted to have a better look at within that area so this should be our chance.’

Cub Sport’s third album, released earlier this year, is self-titled. The choice to title it as such surely carries some weight and significance. Tim explained that ‘I feel like, with regards to where we were at on our personal journeys, this really felt like the right time to make the self-titled record. The second album we released, BATS, I wrote while I was coming out and coming to terms with a lot of things about my sexuality. This third album was the first body of work that I’ve written on the other side of coming out. It felt like the first time I approached the writing process with confidence, a sense of self-assurance, and a better idea of who I am. So, given all that it definitely felt like the right record to be self-titled.’

For those unfamiliar, after Tim came out he subsequently got married to his bandmate Sam Netterfield. Describing how it came together, Tim recounted that, ‘I’ve mainly approached writing by myself. I feel like I open up more through writing songs and music than I ever would talking with someone in conversation. I oftentimes have used songwriting as a way to touch on topics I wouldn't talk about. I basically used music to tell him that I’m in love with him.’ Take a look at a song like, 'Chasin,' to see exactly what Tim means. Music helps us articulate the things we find hardest to say in conversation.

The band’s story has gone on to inspire many folks within the LGBTQ+ community. ‘It feels really amazing to touch a group of people like that. I grew up in quite a religious environment. I went to a Christian school and grew up going to church. So, I didn't have really many queer role models and I wasn’t seeing myself represented. I believe that made my whole journey more confusing than it needed to be. It's great just to be ourselves and be present for other queer people to be themselves. It’s just incredible that we can make that journey of self-love easier for people.’ It certainly is inspiring to see a success story like Tim and Sam’s.

Finally, he also took a moment to impart some advice to any LGBTQ+ folks still in the shadows. ‘For anyone who’s in the closet and thinking about coming out, I’d say don't rush it. Make sure you’re ready and you feel safe. It should be something that you do for yourself. Then, no matter how the coming-out process goes know that it always gets better.’

We were delighted to talk to Tim and can’t wait for Cub Sport to play Dublin. Make sure you catch them at Whelan’s this Saturday. In the meantime listen to their acclaimed third album.