Hiya folks, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat. What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Well, it wasn’t really a conscious decision. Music just swept into our lives one day and never let go. It’s like a passionate love affair that we never want to end. We couldn’t imagine our lives without it!
Introduce us to all the members and tell us about your musical history.
Absolutely! Dirty Mitts is a dynamic four-piece band consisting of talented musicians from different corners of the world. We’ve got Tommy on vocals, Matt on bass, Mo shredding it on the guitar, and Mateusz keeping us in rhythm on the drums. We came together in 2022, drawn by our mutual love for loud, energetic rock ‘n’ roll. Our musical backgrounds are diverse, with influences ranging from bluesy vibes to vintage rock sounds. Together, we create a unique fusion of styles that’ll get your feet tapping and your head banging!
Name your three favorite albums.
Ah, that’s a tough one! It’s like choosing our favorite children, but if we had to pick, we’d go with “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses, “High Voltage” by AC/DC, and a classic Queen greatest hits compilation. These albums have been constant sources of inspiration for us, and they never fail to ignite our rock ‘n’ roll spirits!
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Well, it wasn’t a song that exactly steered us into the music path, but one of my earliest musical memories is buying South Park’s “Suck on My Chocolate Salty Balls” single. I thought it was hilarious as a kid!
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in. How do you feel you are doing?
We’re doing it for the love of music! We’re not driven by results or treating it as a business. We’ve faced challenges along the way, but our passion keeps us going. We may have relaunched Dirty Mitts last year and started from scratch, but we’re confident in our skills and the progress we’re making. It’s a tough industry, but we’re here to rock, and we won’t give up!
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs. Any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
It’s disheartening to hear that some women don’t feel safe at music gigs. We believe that rock music is for everyone, regardless of gender. It’s essential to create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone to enjoy the music they love. Venues and organizers should prioritize safety measures, raise awareness about respect, and foster a supportive community. Let’s make sure that music gigs are spaces where everyone feels welcome, safe, and able to fully enjoy the experience.
As you develop as an artist and utilize social media, how do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
It’s all about connecting with people and building a genuine audience. One of the best ways to do that is through live performances. We love hitting the stage and giving it our all, as it’s a fantastic way to captivate new listeners and showcase our sound. Additionally, social media is a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience. We engage with fans, share our music, and have conversations with people who are interested in rock music. It’s all about building relationships and spreading the Dirty Mitts vibe. Of course, if anyone has tips for us, we’re always open to learning and growing!
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I work as a clown on weekends.
I own a company in the USA.
I won a chili eating contest.
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
Unfortunately, we believe that Spotify’s dominance in the music industry has devalued the art of music. While it has provided a convenient platform for accessing music, it has significantly impacted artists’ ability to earn a fair income from their craft. We hope for a more balanced and equitable system that values the hard work and creativity of musicians.
Do you subscribe to any conspiracy theories?
Haha, we’ll admit that we enjoy entertaining some conspiracy theories, but only the ones that have some truth to them. It’s all in good fun, but we don’t take them too seriously.
What was the worst experience on stage?
One time, we drove four hours to perform at a gig, only to find an audience of just three people. It was quite disheartening, considering the time and effort we put into preparing for the show. However, we still gave it our all and rocked the stage for those few dedicated souls who showed up. It was a good gig, but it definitely felt like an adventure with an unexpected twist!
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
Our unique sound sets us apart from the crowd. We embrace a vintage vibe in today’s music landscape, delivering catchy tunes that capture the essence of ’70s rock. Our passion for music shines through in every note, and we believe that our talent and dedication set us apart. We’re not just another band; we’re here to bring back that raw, energetic spirit that made rock ‘n’ roll timeless.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Our latest single, “You Better Run,” is an exhilarating track that draws inspiration from the action-packed Marvel films. It’s an epic rock song that channels the intensity of battle sequences, particularly in Iron Man. The opening riff was born from the adrenaline-pumping rock tunes that accompanied those epic superhero moments. The song paints a picture of a world where superpowers emerge for the first time. A winged man descends from the sky, becoming the “first one of our kind.” However, humanity’s response is filled with fear and aggression, leading to chaos and a transformation from hero to villain. “You Better Run” captures this intense narrative through our signature sound, powerful riffs, and captivating lyrics. It’s a track that will take you on a wild ride and leave you craving more!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune.
“You Better Run” actually originated almost a decade ago, but it lacked the raw power it has now. The lyrics remained unchanged, but the addition of new band members brought a fresh perspective to the music. We wanted to enhance the punchiness of the riffs and refine the overall musical structure. It was about finding the right balance between our current setlist and pushing the boundaries of our sound. The collaborative effort among the band members allowed us to elevate the song to new heights, giving it the energy and intensity it deserved.
What was the recording process like?
We had the pleasure of recording “You Better Run” at JBJ Studio in Uxbridge, working with some incredible guys like Connor. The recording process was a blast! We spent hours fine-tuning the sound, capturing the raw energy of our performance, and ensuring that every instrument and vocal had its moment to shine. It was an exciting and collaborative experience that brought out the best in each of us.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
The biggest learning curve was finding that delicate balance between maintaining our signature sound while exploring new avenues within our music. We wanted the new tunes to be unique within our setlist but still recognizable as Dirty Mitts. It was a process of experimenting with different ideas, pushing our boundaries, and refining our musical identity. We love the writing process, though—it’s a journey of creativity and self-discovery.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
In hindsight, there are always elements that could be tweaked or adjusted, but that’s part of the artistic journey. Music is subjective, and what resonates with one person may differ for another. We’re proud of the final product, and we believe it captures the essence of the song. It’s all about embracing the imperfections and letting the music speak for itself.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
We’d like to send a simple message: Be happy! Life’s too short to dwell on negativity. Embrace the power of music, spread joy, and rock out with Dirty Mitts. We’re here to share our passion, connect with amazing fans like you, and keep the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive. So, let’s crank up the volume, get lost in the music, and make the world a brighter place!
To check out our music, you can visit our LINKTREE or watch our latest music video