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?
www.dirtyheads.com
www.myspace.com/dirtyheads
Sound Of Change
The Dirty Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they've been driving you bonkers
Just blinded with rocket launchers
Of lights that blow out they conscious
If you really want to juxtapose
And take a darker color with a blush of rose
And then you put it in your ink and watch it grow
Your mind is always open when your eyes are closed
Blind to all the things that you don't need
Then you find a mind and then you plant a seed
Then you nourish it a little and let it free
You're building it up
They're breaking it down
Want to give up
Keep holding your ground
Turning it up
They're deaf to the sound
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
I can hear it now, the horns are playing
The victory sound, I live in the now
The sky is my home, and I live in the clouds
Now or never, bound forever
Making the change, making it better
I live for this shit, I love the pain
It's part of the journey, it's part of the game
I've been alone in the dark and the rain
I've seen the end and I wasn't afraid
I've been in tears and I wasn't ashamed
I hear a sound and the sound that I'm hearing is change
You're building it up
They're breaking it down
Want to give up
Keep holding your ground
You're turning it up
They're deaf to the sound
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
You're building it up
They're breaking it down
Want to give up
Keep holding your ground
You're turning it up
They're deaf to the sound
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
Well they try to put hands on my ears
Ooh, the sound
In my heart I'm still hearing it clear
Ooh, the sound
Tell me, why do they fear what is real
Ooh, the sound
You can't stop what is already here
Ooh, the sound
You're building it up
They're breaking it down
Want to give up
Keep holding your ground
You're turning it up
They're deaf to the sound
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
You're building it up
They're breaking it down
Want to give up
Keep holding your ground
You're turning it up
They're deaf to the sound
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, the sound, the sound of change
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
Ooh, the sound, the sound of change
In “Sound of Change,” The Dirty Heads reflect on the importance of taking action and fighting for positive change. The first verse speaks to the personal struggle of fighting one’s inner demons, represented by “monsters.” One can feel “driven bonkers” by these thoughts, but it is essential to try and overcome them. The metaphor of being “blinded with rocket launchers/Of lights that blow out they conscious” suggests the overwhelming nature of these demons, but also alludes to the idea that it is possible to fight back with a different kind of “launch” – perhaps one propelled by hope, positivity, and determination.
The second verse is essentially a call-to-action, urging listeners to make a change in their own lives and in the world around them. The lyrics encourage us to see beyond surface-level differences like “color and greed”, and instead “plant a seed” of something meaningful and positive. The chorus reflects the struggle of this endeavor, with the line “You’re building it up/They’re breaking it down” a poignant observation of how difficult it can be to make progress in the face of opposition or negativity. However, the repeated phrase “the sound of change” suggests that progress is being made nonetheless, and that the collective efforts of everyone fighting for positive change can create a powerful and unignorable movement.
Line by Line Meaning
I see you've been chasing your monsters
I see that you've been struggling with some issues
And they've been driving you bonkers
And those issues have been affecting your mental health
Just blinded with rocket launchers
You're feeling overwhelmed with bright, loud distractions
Of lights that blow out they conscious
Which are causing you to lose focus and clarity of thought
If you really want to juxtapose
If you want to contrast your current situation with something different
And take a darker color with a blush of rose
And mix something dark and difficult with something beautiful and hopeful
And then you put it in your ink and watch it grow
And then use that inspiration to create something meaningful
Your mind is always open when your eyes are closed
You're most receptive to new ideas when you're reflecting and introspective
Because you're blind to color and you're blind to greed
This state of mind makes you less susceptible to superficial distractions
Blind to all the things that you don't need
And allows you to focus on the things that truly matter
Then you find a mind and then you plant a seed
This allows you to cultivate new ideas and perspectives
Then you nourish it a little and let it free
And then allow those ideas to grow and develop naturally
You're building it up
You're constructing something good
They're breaking it down
Others may be trying to tear down what you're building
Want to give up
You may be feeling discouraged
Keep holding your ground
But you need to stay strong and persevere
Turning it up
You're becoming more passionate and determined
They're deaf to the sound
Others may not understand or support your goals
Oh, the sound, the sound of change
But you can hear the transformative potential of your efforts
I can hear it now, the horns are playing
I can hear the excitement and anticipation of success
The victory sound, I live in the now
The sound of triumph is motivating me to stay present and focused
The sky is my home, and I live in the clouds
I feel free to dream and create without limitation
Now or never, bound forever
This is a crucial moment, and the impact of my efforts will be long-lasting
Making the change, making it better
I'm committed to making positive changes and improvement
I live for this shit, I love the pain
I'm willing to endure obstacles and challenges for the sake of my goals
It's part of the journey, it's part of the game
I recognize that struggle is an inevitable part of achieving success
I've been alone in the dark and the rain
I've experienced difficult and isolating moments
I've seen the end and I wasn't afraid
But I've visualized the positive outcome, and it keeps me motivated
I've been in tears and I wasn't ashamed
I'm willing to be vulnerable and feel emotional in pursuit of my goals
I hear a sound and the sound that I'm hearing is change
I'm hearing the transformative potential of my efforts once again
Well they try to put hands on my ears
Some people may try to discourage or distract me from my goals
Ooh, the sound
But I can still hear the positive potential in my efforts
In my heart I'm still hearing it clear
I'm optimistic and hopeful that I can make a difference
Tell me, why do they fear what is real
I wonder why others may be resistant to positive change
You can't stop what is already here
But ultimately, the transformative potential of my efforts is unstoppable
Ooh, oh oh oh oh
The sound of change continues to motivate and inspire me
Ooh, the sound, the sound of change
This is the sound of positive growth, transformation, and progress
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Roman Ramirez, Jared Watson, Dustin Bushnell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@donbedford7307
I have been in the hospital for a year with Multiple Myeloma,going through chemo, countless infections, pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Tons of times I am just tired, want to give up. Then I put this song on and it helps push me to get up no matter what and keep on pushing through. Your song inspires me to live! Thank you.
@brandonabel9883
Don Bedford Hope you get well my friend
@jilladams5218
Stay alive man
@andrewgoodrich9637
You still livin bro?
@andrewwilkins7359
Keep up the fight and never give up! Head up and stay strong! You will win! <3 <3 <3
@dustinharrison8666
Fuck Cancer! Don't let it break your spirit! :)
@tracedaley9996
Much needed song in this crazy time of ours, this country needs change
BLACK LIVES MATTER
@calebidlett1351
Preach brother
@GrahamCracka78
You mean the people who rioted and burned down black business owners..that's not the change America needs.
@calimija4704
@@GrahamCracka78 so prefer racism, just say that