The Dirty Heads
Encyclopedia
The Dirty Heads are a Reggae rock
band from Southern California
with a melodic style that includes hip hop and punk genres. Their debut album, Any Port in a Storm
, was released on September 23, 2008, by Executive Music Group (Fontana/Universal).
. 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
,British grammy nominated MC reggae sing-jay legendary dance-hall rapper Tippa Irie,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, and Lewis Richards of 17th Street Recording (see Lay Me Down
).
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."
The music video for one of their latest singles, "Lay Me Down
" featured vocalist/guitarist Rome Ramirez
of Sublime With Rome
. It was directed by Thomas Mignone
and premiered on MTV on June 24, 2010.
"Believe" featured on E!news on October 12th 2011
Reggae rock
"Reggae rock" is a subgenre of Reggae fusion that primarily uses the genres reggae, rock, ska, and hip hop. The term "reggae rock" has been used to categorize bands like Sublime, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, The Dirty Heads, Sublime With Rome, and 311. Reggae rock found its rise in popularity...
band from Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
with a melodic style that includes hip hop and punk genres. Their debut album, Any Port in a Storm
Any Port in a Storm
Any Port in a Storm is the first album released by the Reggae band The Dirty Heads."Lay Me Down" was released as a single from this album. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Song chart for 2010.-Track listing:...
, was released on September 23, 2008, by Executive Music Group (Fontana/Universal).
History
The band was founded in 1996 by Jared “Dirty J” Watson and vocalist/guitarist Dustin “Duddy B” Bushnell in Orange County, CAOrange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
. 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
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s 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
Rob Cavallo
Rob Cavallo is a record producer and A&R, most famous for signing and producing Green Day. He is currently Chairman of Warner Bros. Records.- History :...
originally signed the band to Warner Bros.
Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
, 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
Stan Frazier (musician)
Stan Frazier is the drummer of rock band Sugar Ray.He was born and raised in Orange County, California.He is married to Jennifer Casinelli-Frazier. They have one daughter: Anabelle Frazier....
to complete their debut album. The album features appearances from legendary Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
collaborator Billy Preston
Billy Preston
William Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
, as well as Josh Freese
Josh Freese
Josh Freese is an American session drummer and songwriter. He is a permanent member of A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, and Devo, having formerly played drums for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 until late 2008, and for Guns N' Roses from mid-1998 to 2001. Freese has appeared on close to 300 records....
(drummer for The Vandals
The Vandals
The Vandals are an American rock band established in 1980 in Huntington Beach, California. They have released ten full-length studio albums and two live albums and have toured the world extensively, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour...
and session drummer for Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
and Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
), percussionist Alex Acuna
Alex Acuña
Alejandro Neciosup Acuña aka Alex Acuña is a Peruvian drummer and percussionist, in the Afro-Cuban jazz style.Born in Pativilca, Peru, Acuña played in local bands from the age of ten, and moved to Lima as a teenager. At the age of eighteen he joined the band of Perez Prado, and in 1967 he moved...
,British grammy nominated MC reggae sing-jay legendary dance-hall rapper Tippa Irie,and Indie 103.1 reggae host Native Wayne (on "Stand Tall" and "Neighborhood").
The song "Check the Level," also includes guitarist Slash
Slash (musician)
Saul Hudson , known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N'...
, as well as heavy metal vocalist M. Shadows
M. Shadows
Matthew Charles Sanders , better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is the lead vocalist, songwriter, and founding member for the American metal band Avenged Sevenfold.-Early life and musical beginnings:...
.
The album was mixed by Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
producer Mario C, and Lewis Richards of 17th Street Recording (see Lay Me Down
Lay Me Down
"Lay Me Down" is a 2010 single by reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads featuring Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song appears on the band's album Any Port in a Storm , and has peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart....
).
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
Sublime (band)
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...
. 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
Sublime with Rome
Sublime with Rome is a musical collaboration between Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, formerly of the band Sublime, and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez. The group chiefly performed songs by Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his death in 1996...
.
The Dirty Heads have toured the U.S. multiple times with bands such as O.A.R.
O.A.R.
O.A.R. is an American rock band composed of Marc Roberge , Chris Culos , Richard On , Benj Gershman , and Jerry DePizzo...
, 311
311 (band)
311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson , bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills and drummer Chad Sexton...
, Pepper
Pepper (band)
Pepper is a rock band originally from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The band's music is often classified as a combination of reggae, dub and rock. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams...
, Kottonmouth Kings
Kottonmouth Kings
Kottonmouth Kings is an American rap rock group from Placentia, Orange County, California. Kottonmouth Kings officially formed in 1994, and describe themselves as "psychedelic hip-hop punk rock"...
, Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law is an American rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California and currently recording for Suburban Noize Records. They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour...
, Matisyahu
Matisyahu
Matthew Paul Miller , better known by his Hebrew name and stage name Matisyahu, is an American Hasidic Jewish reggae and alternative rock musician....
and Sublime with Rome
Sublime with Rome
Sublime with Rome is a musical collaboration between Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, formerly of the band Sublime, and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez. The group chiefly performed songs by Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his death in 1996...
. 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
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
's "RAWsession". The set included a cover of Coldplay
Coldplay
Coldplay are a British alternative rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London. After they formed Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as a bassist and they changed their name to Starfish. Will Champion joined as a...
's "Viva La Vida."
The music video for one of their latest singles, "Lay Me Down
Lay Me Down
"Lay Me Down" is a 2010 single by reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads featuring Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song appears on the band's album Any Port in a Storm , and has peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart....
" featured vocalist/guitarist Rome Ramirez
Rome Ramirez
Roman René Ramírez , better known as Rome Ramirez or simply Rome, is an American singer and guitarist currently playing with Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson from Sublime in a new venture...
of Sublime With Rome
Sublime with Rome
Sublime with Rome is a musical collaboration between Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, formerly of the band Sublime, and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez. The group chiefly performed songs by Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his death in 1996...
. It was directed by Thomas Mignone
Thomas Mignone
Thomas Mignone is an American feature film and music video director. Mignone is best known for directing music videos for hard rock and heavy metal artists such as Slipknot, Mudvayne, System Of A Down, Suicide Silence, Avenged Sevenfold, Sepultura, Danzig, Cradle of Filth, Type O Negative,...
and premiered on MTV on June 24, 2010.
In popular culture
- Their First single "Stand Tall" was featured in the Sony Pictures film Surf's UpSurf's Up (film)Surf's Up is a 2007 American computer-animated mockumentary family comedy film directed by Ash Brannon and Chris Buck. It stars the voices of Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder among others....
. It was also in The Sims 3The Sims 3The Sims 3 is a 2009 strategic life simulation computer game developed by The Sims Studio and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims 2. It was first released on June 2, 2009 simultaneously for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows...
. - "Easy" featured on CBSCBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
show SharkShark (TV series)Shark is an American legal drama created by Ian Biederman that originally aired on CBS from September 21, 2006 to May 20, 2008. The series stars James Woods.-Synopsis:... - "Morning Light" featured on Tony HawkTony HawkAnthony Frank "Tony" Hawk , nicknamed "The Birdman" is an American retired professional skateboarder and actor. Hawk gained significant fame for completing the first 900 as well as his licensed video game titles distributed by Activision...
's video game, "Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam" - "Hip Hop Misfits" included in the Matthew McConaugheyMatthew McConaugheyMatthew David McConaughey is an American actor.After a series of minor roles in the early 1990s, McConaughey gained notice for his breakout role in Dazed and Confused . He then appeared in films such as A Time to Kill, Contact, U-571, Tiptoes, Sahara, and We Are Marshall...
film, Surfer, Dude - "Lay Me DownLay Me Down"Lay Me Down" is a 2010 single by reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads featuring Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song appears on the band's album Any Port in a Storm , and has peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart....
" featured on MTVMTVMTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy FactoryRob Dyrdek's Fantasy FactoryRob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory is an American reality television series starring Rob Dyrdek. The first season premiered on February 8, 2009 on MTV.-Summary:...
"Believe" featured on E!news on October 12th 2011
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Alt |
US Heat Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
US Indie Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
US Rock |
||
| Any Port in a Storm Any Port in a Storm Any Port in a Storm is the first album released by the Reggae band The Dirty Heads."Lay Me Down" was released as a single from this album. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Song chart for 2010.-Track listing:... |
|
55 | 7 | 34 | 10 | 16 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
US Adult |
US Alt |
US Rock Rock Songs Rock Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks the airplay of songs on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio stations. The first chart was published in the issue dated June 20, 2009. "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day was the first number-one song. The Rock Songs... |
CAN Canadian Hot 100 The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007... |
|||||
| 2008 | "Stand Tall" | — | — | 23 | 41 | — | Any Port in a Storm (and Special Edition) |
||
| 2010 | "Lay Me Down Lay Me Down "Lay Me Down" is a 2010 single by reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads featuring Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song appears on the band's album Any Port in a Storm , and has peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.... " (featuring Rome Ramirez Rome Ramirez Roman René Ramírez , better known as Rome Ramirez or simply Rome, is an American singer and guitarist currently playing with Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson from Sublime in a new venture... ) |
93 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 76 | |||
| "Check the Level" (featuring Slash Slash (musician) Saul Hudson , known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N'... and M. Shadows M. Shadows Matthew Charles Sanders , better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is the lead vocalist, songwriter, and founding member for the American metal band Avenged Sevenfold.-Early life and musical beginnings:... ) |
— | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||||||