Say Psych: Interview: The Dirt

The Dirt are a name that seems to be ever more on everyone’s lips at the moment, with a new album imminent we tracked them down and had a chat to see what makes them tick.

Hey guys, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. Lets start easy, tell us a bit about yourselves.

We are The Dirt – Uk- japan marital psych punk noise makers. Based northerly in the Pennines! Bringing big bags of heavy guitar “loops” – distortion – fuzz and punchy percussion with a splattering of fast firing lyrics… Lovechild of Suicide and Spaceman3. With some influential surfed up cousins masquerading as Dead Kennedys/ The Fall/Killing Joke.

Love it, what a melting pot! So where does the name come from?

All great bands have “The” (Cure- Jam – The- Stranglers – Clash – Kinks- Yardbirds – Doors – Who .. there’s more! ) Our vox is aka “Leon the pig farmer” too so Dirt was first word after The we conjured!.. And we want to sit at the gritty, grungy grimy end of the musical genre spectrum.. Its defo more a nod to Alice in chains than Motley crew !

And who or what are your biggest influences?

We go in a room trying to clash and entwine the energies of old garage psych with post punk… We get some suicide and spaceman3 references which is nice… Sachiko is influenced by guitarist like Robert Fripp – Jimmy Page – Andy Bell. Jack more so by folk such as Jello Biafra – Jaz Coleman – Henry Rollins – Joe Strummer.. But none lead the direction or outcome!!

You have a new album coming out later in the year, tell us more about Monkeypunch

The name idea originated from the pen name of an early Japanese manga artist. But, it has more dark current parallel references. Due to the album lyrics dealing with global and national issues. It also nods to Post apocalyptic – planet of apes – race to survive!… The album though – This is our big step forward. Expanding the sound. Bolstering the lyrics.. creating something bigger all round than Agitator. Its about gripping the underground dwellers and the alternative scene and saying we are here. Now lets go above ground and cause anarcho sonic psych punk havoc in gig spaces and protest paths!. Lets tell it how it is.. Its a call to arms in this imbalanced world.. Taking the psych from dreamscapes to repetitive juggernauts that narrate broken landscapes.. Time to mend.. heal.. and shout proud!!.. Then fight back!

The material? All lyrics are poems by jack.. written as warnings a while back. Now lyrics and only a short time later they seem to be commentary on the current global and societal issues..

We also worked with Jason Shaw at Fuzzface to maximise the sonic noise of Sachiko guitar play to battle the abrasive lyrics of jack. Set our stall out with big intentions for the big sound by the two of us! And we are chuffed that Sister 9 recording like it and want to spread the noise with us!.. This album is an intro touch paper and an explosive box of eight sonic incendiaries.

We can’t wait to hear it! (Check back for a full review). Which song from the new album should we be looking out for?

We cant choose a fave child!!… but CHAOS check it out. It closes the album.. but was the first single released.. It encompasses all of what’s wrong in the world!!.. but delivered on a roller-coaster of explosive guitar play!

You are now working with independent label Sister9 Recordings, how did that come about?

We chatted initially a while back.. as we know and are friends with folk whose music they release or have done. We then met at gigs in Sheffield and have supported S9 artists.. So once we got the mixes back sent them on… and here we are!

You are a very busy touring band, do you prefer playing live?

Yeh.. we didn’t intend that to happen or on been so busy when we started. But we connected with lots of people and the material seems to be well received.. We also want to share the product and fruits of our creativity. Gigging is fun. So become a hobby as a couple. The gigs and travel are also part of our marital journey and mutual experiences.. Meeting new folk enjoying the travels and gigs.. But as a marital duo the creative process is also enjoyable as is the recording process which we do live too!!..

So then tell us what stuff you have coming up

We have about 27 UK dates once the album is released. Planned over every weekend Aug – Early Nov. A diverse mix too.. Festivals – support slots to foreign touring bands – our own gigs and day events.. its nice to mix it up. And as we said incorporate some travel and leisure into the gig trips too. We are also plotting a few Japan gigs for December.. its time Sachiko got to share her new project and music with friends and family..

Oh and our second The Conjuring Festival which we have plotted curated and planned with a pal from liverpool psychedelic society for 15-18 Aug in North Yorks. Its a gathering of the alternative in a historic stone barn complex..

Something for everyone! And finally, sum up the new album in three words?

Insurgent – Sonic – Psych