Emerging onto the Southern California music scene with a sound as original … Read Full Bio ↴Emerging onto the Southern California music scene with a sound as original as the band members themselves, the Dirty Heads’ blend of hip-hop and classic reggae rips through the sonic surf with bold beats, fun rhythms and the relaxed vibe of feel-good lyrics.

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
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Strike Gently
The Dirty Heads Lyrics

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Hit me with your love
Strike gently
I can't get enough
So simply
Hit me with your love
Strike gently
I can't get enough
Strike gently

You want to stay
They just wanna linger here
They won't go away
Oh no
And just when you swing
Upon down my neck
The pleasure you bring
Oh no

So you can stoke that fire high inside tonight
Gonna need the heat
So you can make that iron hot don't stop
And just take a swing down on me
And you can grab the handle
I'll be your anvil

Hit me with your love
Strike gently
I can't get enough
So simply
Hit me with your love
Strike gently
I can't get enough
Strike gently

I've singled it out
The reason I have no fear
If you cut me down
Oh no
It's something that's real
You give when I'm in need
It's just for the feel
Oh no

Well you can stoke that fire high inside tonight
Gonna need the heat
So you can make that iron hot don't stop
And just take a swing down on me
And you can grab the handle
I'll be the anvil

Hit me with your love
Strike gently
I can't get enough
So simply
Hit me with your love
Strike gently

I can't get enough
Strike gently

Overall Meaning

The Dirty Heads' "Strike Gently" has a romantic theme with lyrics that suggest the desire for passionate love. The main chorus line, "Hit me with your love, Strike gently," connotes an invitation to love, and it also gives a poetic meaning to the concept that 'love hurts.' The chorus can be interpreted in two ways, one with an emotional meaning and the other with a physical interpretation. The first time the chorus is sung, it can be seen as a romantic request for the love interest to hit them with affection, not literally. On the other hand, the second time the chorus comes up, the phrase "hit me" is more closely related to an explicit act.

In the first verse, the Dirty Heads discuss the struggle that one can face in love when other people try to come in between the relationship. In the second verse, the writer speaks to the person they love, praising them for providing comfort, affection, and compassion when needed. Overall, the song is an impassioned plea for a lover's care and intimacy.

Line by Line Meaning

Hit me with your love
Express your love towards me

Strike gently
Handle me with care

I can't get enough
I want more of your affection

So simply
Your love is easy to understand

You want to stay
You want to be with me

They just wanna linger here
Others are stubborn and won't leave us alone

They won't go away
Others are trying to come between us

And just when you swing
When you show me affection

Upon down my neck
You give me chills and thrills

The pleasure you bring
I enjoy your touch and affection

So you can stoke that fire high inside tonight
Give me more passion and love tonight

Gonna need the heat
I crave more intimacy

So you can make that iron hot don't stop
Continue to show your love and passion

And just take a swing down on me
Show me your love and affection

And you can grab the handle
Take control of the situation

I'll be your anvil
I can handle your love and passion

I've singled it out
I have identified what's important

The reason I have no fear
I trust your love and affection

If you cut me down
If you hurt me

It's something that's real
Our love is genuine and authentic

You give when I'm in need
You show me love when I need it most

It's just for the feel
Our love is based on emotions and feelings

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID FORAL, DUSTIN BUSHNELL, JARED WATSON, JON OLAZABAL, LEWIS RICHARDS, MATT OCHOA, STAN FRAZIER, STEVE FOX

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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