Creating Music and a Domestic Disturbance

“Often imitated, but never duplicated”, Domestic Disturbance took home the trophy for “Best Rock Band” at the 40^th annual 2026 Review Music Awards.

In what is probably a familiar origin story, the band had its roots within the embrace of the twin events of the COVID pandemic along with the break-up of the members’ previous acts.

It was during this period that guitarist Jimmy Thunders began hosting open mic events at the Corunna Road Bar in Flint.  Over time the other members that would eventually make up the group began to frequent these gatherings. 

Noticing that a particular lineup was beginning to show some real chemistry, the eventual members of the combo floated the idea of forming a new band that would focus on alternative and classic rock.

It was at this point that singer Tina Wallace suggested that they set up at a pool party she had planned at her home and play a few tunes.

In classic “good news / bad news” fashion, the jam had a couple of outcomes. 

The “good news” was that the jam went well and solidified that they had something when they played together.  The “bad news” was that a couple of people in attendance at the party got into a small kerfuffle that resulted in the police being called to quell the situation.

As Thunders tells it, Wallace was certain this put an end to their plans.  That was until the other members contacted her the next day and indicated the whole thing was actually pretty awesome in their view.  This series of events not only gave birth to the band but gave it the perfect name based upon the police call.  With that, Domestic Disturbance was born.

Since this fateful beginning, the group settled into a full-time lineup consisting of Thunders on rhythm guitar, Wallace on vocals, Brian Kirby on bass, Aaron Carpenter on lead guitar, Josh Bryant on keyboards andGreg Cleaver on drums.

It was truly a situation where synergy took over, due to the diverse tastes and backgrounds of the members.  Thunders is a self-described “punk”.  Wallace brings in newer pop and rock influences.  Bryant and Cleaver added edgy alternative rock vibes.  Kirby was a classic rocker.  And Carpenter was the type of featured soloist who tied it all together.

Thunders explained that this has led to the band having a huge catalog to choose from on a nightly basis. He stated, “You have to know your audience. If we are playing a free show in a park, we may lean into newer songs.  If it’s a VFW, we will pull out the classic rock tunes.”

The band also likes to include songs that are not typical of the bar band repertoire. 

“Songs by the band Highly Suspect are probably our most popular.  No one really plays those songs out.  We found that many in the audience appreciate this and they yell out songs for us to play.”

He continued, “Tina will also suggest songs that none of the rest of us have ever heard and she is usually right about how these will go over.”

“The patrons at the clubs we play are forcing us to learn and adapt.”

Thunders and the band also still host the open mic nights, during which they often pick up new material that is brought in by the musicians who sit in.

He explained, “We really had to adapt to how things changed after COVID.  We’ve changed our setlists to make sure we are playing the things the crowds want.  One thing for sure is the younger crowds seem to like it when we lean into heavier material.”

The band has stayed busy, playing over 120 shows in 2025 across mid-Michigan.  While they knew their following was growing, they were quite surprised when they took home the Best Rock Band award.

According to Thunders, “Having seen them, we honestly figured Kush Robinson was going to sweep all the categories where they were nominated.  We consider ourselves outsiders. It’s an honor to get recognized in this way.”

“We’d really like to give a shout out to Alyshha at Whites Bar for giving us a chance to break into Saginaw County.  Without her support we probably wouldn’t be here right now.”

The plan for the foreseeable future is “more of the same.”  New venues, new material, new merch.  And hopefully more new friends and fans along the way.

You can check out Domestic Disturbance during one of their monthly appearances at Whites and other classic watering holes across the State.

You’ll be promised a memorable event, even if the police don’t come.