Rooted in the Orange County community of Huntington Beach, California, founding band members Jared Watson and guitarist / vocalist Dustin Bushnell met in 1996 while in high school, embarking on a friendship based on music, as well as their shared passion for surfing, skating and the endless party of the laid-back SoCal lifestyle.
Early on, they spent many late nights jamming in Bushnell’s soundproof garage with a four-track recorder, writing unique acoustic hip-hop songs that featured reggae inflections. Inspired by the rock and reggae sounds of Bob Marley, Sublime, 311 and The Beastie Boys, the band’s music evolved into their distinct Dirty Heads style.
To complete the Dirty Heads’ sound, the duo added percussionist Jon Olazabal and drummer Matt Ochoa, both talented, experienced musicians. With a set of solid material, the Dirty Heads were further motivated to take their craft to the next level, and they began building a loyal fan base throughout the west coast, while performing acoustically at local bars and small music venues. As they started playing in neighboring Los Angeles, the band found it necessary to charter party buses so their fans could make the 30-mile trek to their shows.
Connecting with sought-after producers Steve Fox and Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray / Ashlee Simpson) the band worked long hours to polish their material and further develop their style. The Dirty Heads 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.
The band’s highly-anticipated first full-length album is entitled, Any Port in the Storm (Released on EMG through Fontana, a division of Universal Music Group Distribution - September 2008). This debut features 14 tracks that are reminiscent of the upbeat, sun-soaked Southern California party energy. The first single is the optimistic, “Stand Tall.”
Any Port in the Storm also features one of the final recordings of the late music industry icon Billy Preston. Frequently referred to as “The Fifth Beatle,” Preston played on three tracks, including “Stand Tall,” “Chelsea,” and “Driftin.’ ” Other special guests on the album are 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, to name only a few.
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. On the marketing side, 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?
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Realize It
The Dirty Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's all perspective: you the jockey of the horserace
Think you got it bad while someone living off of your waste
Waiting like a music lover looking for that chord change
Game of life, this no fucking board game
We put in work and paid our dues before the tours bang
Back when we were barely eating, sleeping on the floor stained
Now we joining people all together like we ordained
Everybody's gotta make mistakes
Everybody's gotta feel heartache
Everybody's gotta love someone
Someone to realize it
To realize it
To realize it
To realize it, yeah
These psychedelic undertones, they circulate my mindframe
Trouble comes my way, but I just faze it out like day dreams
Born in the '80s, but my heart lives in the '60s in a meadow full of daisies
Running naked with some gypsies, man
Half empty glasses overflow with expectations
I take opportunities and make them revelations
We all got the same 24, man life's an audible
Call ya own plays, or you'll get played up like some pocket pool
Everybody's gotta make mistakes
Everybody's gotta feel heartache
Everybody's gotta love someone
Someone to realize it
To realize it
To realize it
To realize it, yeah
Spaced out and you're feeling high, but your head's down waiting
Laced out in a golden jewels, but you miss that craving
Photo on that brain's the truth outta what you've been faking
Now you're looking up at the skies saying, "someone, save me."
Someone to realize it
To realize it
To realize it
To realize it, yeah
Someone to realize it
To realize it
To realize it
To realize it, yeah
The Dirty Heads' song "Realize It" is a reflection on life and the various challenges that come with it. The song starts with a reference to the North Face jackets and how even when things seem good outside, it's all about perspective. We are in charge of our own horserace, and sometimes it's about realizing that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The song's central message is that everyone goes through different struggles, whether it's about love, making mistakes, or chasing our dreams. However, the key to overcoming these obstacles is to find someone to share them with and face them together. The song calls out to that "someone" who can help and realize what every person is going through, and the importance of acknowledging that.
The second verse of "Realize It" has some psychedelic overtones, talking about the '80s and '60s, metaphorically joining those two eras. The meadow full of daisies, running naked with gypsies is a reference to being as free as possible, enjoying life and the moments that come with it. However, trouble is bound to make its way into our lives at some point, and the song acknowledges that. It's essential to take opportunities and turn them into revelations, and that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, and it's our choice what we make out of it. We either take control of our own lives or let others control us as if we're playing some games.
In the end, the song comes back around to the chorus, calling out to that someone again, asking them to save us, help us, and realize that life can throw curveballs at us, but we can find a way through it. The song asks us all to connect with each other, understanding the very essence of life, the importance of compassion, and realizing that sometimes, we all need help from each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Feeling South but you're warm up in your North Face
Your location does not determine your comfort level; it's all about perspective.
It's all perspective: you the jockey of the horserace
Life is like a race, the way you think makes a winner or a loser.
Think you got it bad while someone living off of your waste
You may think of yourself as a victim, but someone else might rely on what you throw away.
Waiting like a music lover looking for that chord change
Our lives are like songs, and sometimes we wait for the right moment to make a change.
Game of life, this no fucking board game
Life is not a simple game. It's much more complicated than that.
We put in work and paid our dues before the tours bang
Before any success or fame, we had to put in our time and effort.
Back when we were barely eating, sleeping on the floor stained
Success does not come overnight. It takes time, and at first, it can be quite challenging.
Now we joining people all together like we ordained
We are coming together now, bringing people closer as if we were destined to do so.
These psychedelic undertones, they circulate my mindframe
My thoughts are constantly moving and changing, like the sounds within psychedelic music.
Trouble comes my way, but I just faze it out like day dreams
When faced with difficulties, I choose to ignore them as if they were just passing daydreams.
Born in the '80s, but my heart lives in the '60s in a meadow full of daisies
I am a product of the 80s, but my preference is for the values and culture of the 60s.
Running naked with some gypsies, man
I am free-spirited, boundless, and unconstrained, like the gypsies I am running with.
Half empty glasses overflow with expectations
Despite the pessimistic view of the situation, I still have a lot of hope and belief.
I take opportunities and make them revelations
I turn chances into breakthroughs, opening up new pathways of enlightenment.
We all got the same 24, man life's an audible
We all have 24 hours, and how you use them determines the symphony of your life.
Call ya own plays, or you'll get played up like some pocket pool
Make your decisions, or others will control and manipulate you in their game.
Spaced out and you're feeling high, but your head's down waiting
You might be in a better place, but you have to wait until everything is settled before enjoying it.
Laced out in a golden jewels, but you miss that craving
You may have everything you desire, but still, you can't satisfy your inner self.
Photo on that brain's the truth outta what you've been faking
The photographs in your brain reveal the truth of all the things you've been pretending to be.
Now you're looking up at the skies saying, 'someone, save me.'
After trying and surviving everything, you are now ready to receive help from any source.
Someone to realize it To realize it To realize it To realize it, yeah
We all need someone to help us see things as they truly are.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JARED WATSON, DUSTIN BUSHNELL, DANNY MERCER, DANIEL MURCIA, DANNY MURCIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brad Wright
driving around in the car and this song hits hard. the vibe and energy is vibrant.
Marley_vibing
This song gives me a vibe that I can't explain! I was hesitant about this album till I listened to it in my car with the windows down, under a beautiful Kansas City sunset! and this song just gives me a melancholy feeling!
I love how they progress as artists!
Dirty Head for life! :)
Chad Johnson
nreydavid this whole album!!!
Chad Johnson
DH's best album by far, feel good music entwined w hip hop, and hella lyrics, they rippin shit. This album has made me throw out the shampoo and officially become a dirty head.
Jake Balen
so I'm not the only one
larry liedtke
I love this song!!
djloozinit
It's like everyone wants to hear the same shit recycled, all the albums are so different and original. You have to respect them as artists. This album is so chill and laid back compared to SOC. Even though I prefer the harder sound, I gotta respect the talent, it's a great album.
Ashli Lopez
djloozinit agreed
Destiny R
I've had this entire album on repeat for the last few days. Dirty Heads always killing it. \m/ <3
Donna Harman
Destiny R me too. I don't ever get tired of hearing it. And seeing them live was fucking the best concert experience I've ever had. The people who follow DH are peaceful laid back, fun crowd. I can't wait for them to come back. I was so pumped and happy and stoned...