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The Dirty Heads are a Reggae rock band from Southern California with a melodic style that includes hip hop, punk and ska genres. Their debut album, Any Port In A Storm, was released on September 23, 2008, by Executive Music Group (Fontana/Universal).
The band was founded in 1996 by Jared “Dirty J” Watson and vocalist/guitarist Dustin “Duddy B” Bushnell in Orange County, CA. The two first met at a party during their freshman year of high school. Upon hearing one of Bushnell’s rap demo tapes, Watson became inspired to collaborate with him on a new project. At the time Bushnell was already in a punk rock band, while Watson had no previous music experience. In Bushnell’s garage, the two began writing hip-hop songs with reggae and punk influences. The band’s name comes from an occasion where the two were stealing a 12-pack of beer, and someone shouted at them “Come here you little dirty heads!”
Later, percussionist Jon Olazabal, drummer Matt Ochoa, and bassist David Foral were added to the lineup, further defining the band’s sound. With a full band the members started taking their craft seriously and began recording. Renowned record producer Rob Cavallo originally signed the band to Warner Bros., but artistic differences led them to leave the label. The band managed to keep hold of their master recordings through the separation, which comprise the bulk of Any Port in a Storm . The band then connected with producers Steve Fox and Stan Frazier to complete their debut album. The album features appearances from legendary Beatles collaborator Billy Preston, as well as Josh Freese (drummer for The Vandals and session drummer for Nine Inch Nails and Korn), percussionist Alex Acuna, Jamaican dancehall legend Tippa Ire, and Indie 103.1 reggae host Native Wayne (on "Stand Tall" and "Neighborhood"). The song "Check the Level," also includes guitarist Slash, as well as heavy metal vocalist M. Shadows. The album was mixed by Beastie Boys producer Mario C.
The group is perhaps one of the most prominent groups in a sub-genre of reggae which is heavily influenced by the original incarnation of Sublime. The group first came into prominence with in the rock/reggae scene when their song "Ring the Alarm" was chosen as the first song on the very first Pier Sampler, an offering of free songs that is available for a limited time four times yearly. The band started out touring heavily in California, Arizona, and some parts of Mexico before it became a national touring act. The band maintains close ties with related groups such as Sublime with Rome.
The Dirty Heads have toured the U.S. multiple times with bands such as O.A.R., 311, Pepper, Kottonmouth Kings, Unwritten Law, Matisyahu and Sublime with Rome. The band has also been part of marketing campaigns for Etnies Jeans, Rag Dynasty Shirts and Vestal Watches. The Dirty Heads were among the first bands featured on YouTube's "RAWsession". The set included a cover of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida."
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Homepage Forever The Sickest Kids Mayday Parade Poison
Elton John 3OH!3 Blood On The Dance Floor