By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Interview: Gray Motsinger of Tension Splash – September 2, 2025
Rock At Night discovered Ann Arbor’s Tension Splash through their EP Blur, a record that channels the raw, fuzzy grunge of the early 1990s. Remarkably, the songs were written 40 years ago. Formed in the early ’90s, the band went on hiatus in 1996, only to reunite nearly two decades later. Their 1993 debut album, Tension Splash, was remastered and re-released in 2019 alongside the EP Soak. The 2020 passing of their cherished bassist, Mike Bertsch, inspired the band to revive their early music, resulting in the creation of Blur.
Rock At Night had the privilege of seeing Tension Splash perform at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan, on August 9th, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Bertsch’s passing. Lead singer/guitarist Gray Motsinger placed a photo of Bertsch on stage, which was a touching tribute to his presence. On stage that evening were original members Nick Field (guitar) and Sean Field (drums). Motsinger’s son Grayson, who was close to Bertsch, performed on bass.
In this interview, Motsinger reflects on Tension Splash’s journey and the vibrant Ann Arbor and Detroit music scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s, where grunge emerged organically from rock and punk influences, distinct from the Seattle scene.
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I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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