The Dirty Heads highly anticipated first full-length album Any Port in the Storm was released September 23rd, 2008 on EMG through Fontana, a division of Universal Music Group Distribution.
This debut features 14 tracks that are reminiscent of the upbeat, sun-soaked Southern California party energy consisting of a blend of hip-hop and classic reggae. The first single is the optimistic anthem “Stand Tall.”
Dirty Heads members Dustin Bushnell, Jared Watson, Jon Olazabel, and Matt Ochoa connected with sought-after producers Steve Fox and Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray / Ashlee Simpson) to polish their material and further develop their style. The band also recruited mixing engineer Mario Caldato Jr., best known for his work with the Beastie Boys, to add the finishing touches and create just the right blend.
Any Port in the Storm also features one of the final recordings of the late music icon Billy Preston. Frequently referred to as “The Fifth Beatle,” Preston played on three tracks, including “Stand Tall,” “Driftin’” and “Chelsea.” Other special guests on the album include drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Sting, The Vandals), and veteran session percussionist Alex Acuna, whose A-list musician resume includes Peter Gabriel, Johnny Clegg, and Jackson Browne.
Recently, the band’s music has been attracting attention throughout the world of entertainment. Their songs have been featured in the movie and soundtrack for Surf’s Up (Sony 2007) and the television drama Shark staring James Woods (CBS 2007). Actor Matthew McConaughey selected the band’s music to be in his upcoming film, Surfer Dude. In addition, the Dirty Heads can be heard in Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam video game (Activision 2007) and several other music compilations and surf/skate videos. The Dirty Heads have also been included in campaigns for Etnies Jeans and Vestal Watches.
Dirty Heads vocalist Jared Watson sums up their fun, uncomplicated style, “We want to be positive and entertain,” he says. “We just want to make you feel good.”
And who can’t dig that?
MySpace URL: www.myspace.com/dirtyheads
Artist URL: www.dirtyheads.com
