Mike McTernan (DAMNATION AD, WHEN TIGERS FIGHT)

Mike McTernan of Damnation AD and When Tigers Fight discusses his path through hardcore music and personal growth. He reflects on feeling like an outsider growing up and finding identity in the DC hardcore scene, shaped by early exposure to bands like 7 Seconds and Gorilla Biscuits and experiences at venues like the 9:30 Club and Safari Club. McTernan also covers the formation and evolution of Damnation AD, its releases, and working with labels such as Jade Tree, Revelation, and Victory. He touches on mental health, therapy, gaming, and parenting, and emphasizes empathy and shared struggle, closing with talk of new music from in progress.