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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Taint
The Dirty Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People call us dirt bags and you know that we just don't care
If you relate to this statement let me see your hands
Cause people hate on these things that they don't understand
Supposedly yes we're all created equal
Then why the fuck is there so many angry people like the fans and the industry
They both got their complaints
Now I'm stuck between an asshole and a dick just like a taint
A smile and a screw face a rock and a hard place a dream and reality
Which one would you chase?
So if you're listening the definition of
The Dirty Heads are here it's the beginning of
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us to resonate
Reggae and hip hop, dance hall to punk rock
D-H is here to generate
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us they resonate
If you've been hated felt underrated
This one's for you, we dedicate
So cool and deadly, we rock it steady with these soul-moving medleys
So y'all get ready for this next shit eclectic calm and collective
We write songs that keep the whole world connected
And if you're ready for these brand new beginnings and
And if you're sick of all the same old shitty bands
You need something to brightens up the day-plan
Kids me and you got so much to say man
So much emotion (so much inspiration)
So much devotion (with no hesitation)
So if you're listening, the definition of
The Dirty Heads are here it's the beginning of
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us to resonate
Reggae and hip hop we let the beat drop
DH is here to generate
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us they resonate
If you've been hated felt underrated
This one's for you we dedicate
No time in my life for me to hesitate,
We write these songs so we can resonate,
DH is here to generate,
Dedicate these songs to all who can relate.
No time in my life for me to hesitate,
We write these songs so we can resonate,
D-H is here to generate,
Dedicate these songs to all who can relate.
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us to resonate
Reggae and hip hop dance hall to punk rock
D-H is here to generate
We are the last sons past generations
Left it to us they resonate
If you've been hated felt underrated
This one's for you we dedicate
The Dirty Heads’ song Taint is a reflection on the band’s outsider status, as well as their commitment to their musical artistry. The lyrics discuss how people often unfairly judge those who are different and how the band has felt the sting of this themselves. Despite this, they remain unapologetic about who they are and what they do, recognizing that their fans “resonate” with them because of their unique blend of punk rock, reggae, and hip hop.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for this overall theme, with the band members proclaiming themselves to be “the two baddest long haired motherfuckers right here,” before pointing out that people call them “dirt bags.” They acknowledge that some people don’t understand them, but they refuse to let it get to them, encouraging their fans to raise their hands in solidarity if they feel the same way. The middle of the song emphasizes the band’s commitment to their music, describing their work as “soul-moving medleys” that keep “the whole world connected.”
Throughout the entire song, the Dirty Heads show that they see themselves as part of a larger community of people who are often overlooked, marginalized, or misunderstood. They shout out to past generations who have left a legacy for them to continue and dedicate the song to all those who feel “hated [and] underrated.” Ultimately, they are making a statement about how being true to yourself and embracing who you are, regardless of what others may think, is what allows you to create something that truly resonates with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it's the two baddest long haired motherfuckers right here
The Dirty Heads are introducing themselves as the two coolest guys in the music scene
People call us dirt bags and you know that we just don't care
Despite being judged as dirt bags, The Dirty Heads do not let other people's opinion affect their musical journey
If you relate to this statement let me see your hands
The Dirty heads invite their fans who can relate to their struggles and mindset to show their support
Cause people hate on these things that they don't understand
The Dirty Heads suggest that people tend to judge things they don't comprehend
Supposedly yes we're all created equal
The Dirty Heads reference the idea that all humans are equal
Then why the fuck is there so many angry people like the fans and the industry
Despite the notion of equality, there are still so many angry people in the world, including in the music industry
They both got their complaints
Both the fans and the music industry have complaints about the other
Now I'm stuck between an asshole and a dick just like a taint
The Dirty Heads use a vulgar metaphor to describe the challenging position they're in, stuck between two unpleasant sides
A smile and a screw face a rock and a hard place a dream and reality
The Dirty Heads are navigating between different emotions and circumstances, including positivity and negativity, hope and practicality
Which one would you chase?
The Dirty Heads ask their audience which path they would choose
We are the last sons past generations
The Dirty Heads consider themselves the 'last sons' of past music generations
Left it to us to resonate
It is now their turn to produce music that will make an impact and resonate with people
Reggae and hip hop, dance hall to punk rock
The Dirty Heads mention the various genres they experiment with in their music, including reggae, hip hop, dance hall, and punk rock
D-H is here to generate
The Dirty Heads are determined to create something new and fresh for their audience
If you've been hated felt underrated
The Dirty Heads recognize that some people feel hated or underrated and dedicate their music to them
This one's for you we dedicate
The Dirty Heads dedicate their music to anyone who feels connected to it
So cool and deadly, we rock it steady with these soul-moving medleys
The Dirty Heads describe their music as cool and lethal with meaningful lyrics
So y'all get ready for this next shit eclectic calm and collective
The Dirty Heads are about to release a new track, which they describe as diverse, calm and collected
We write songs that keep the whole world connected
The Dirty Heads' music aims to bring people together and create a sense of unity
And if you're sick of all the same old shitty bands
The Dirty Heads acknowledge the existence of many unoriginal bands in the music industry
You need something to brightens up the day-plan
If you're tired of hearing the same old songs, The Dirty Heads encourage you to listen to their music and brighten up your day
Kids me and you got so much to say man
The Dirty Heads believe that their generation has a voice and something important to communicate
So much emotion (so much inspiration)
The Dirty Heads' music is full of passion and motivation
So much devotion (with no hesitation)
The Dirty Heads are dedicated to their craft and do not hesitate to give their all
No time in my life for me to hesitate
The Dirty Heads believe that time is precious and they can't afford to hesitate
We write these songs so we can resonate
The Dirty Heads write music that reflects their experiences and hopes to connect with others who have gone through similar situations
DH is here to generate
The Dirty Heads are here to create and generate music that is powerful and inspiring
Dedicate these songs to all who can relate
The Dirty Heads dedicate their music to anyone who can relate to their stories and emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DUSTIN BUSHNELL, JARED WATSON, STEVEN LAWRENCE FOX, CHARLES STANTON FRAZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind