The Dirty Heads

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Dustin Bushnell – Vocals/Guitars

Jared Watson – Vocals

David Foral – Bass

Jon Olazabal - Percussion

Matt Ochoa - Drums

The recognizable guest stars, big tours and hit songs are a long way from the group’s humble origins in Bushnell’s garage. Back in 1996, school friends Watson and Bushnell started their musical career almost on accident. “It was hilarious: I was in a punk band, but Jared had no musical inclination,” remembers the guitarist. “Then one day he started rapping over these cheesy hip-hop songs I’d make with Casio beats, and I’m like, wow, you’re really good!” (Note to fans: Bushnell recently rediscovered tapes of those teenage sessions, but don’t plan on hearing anything in the near future)While Port contained an expanded roster of guest stars, from M. Shadows to Billy Preston (best known for his work with the Beatles), Cabin keeps the guest list tight. Still, a few A-level names make an appearance, including a return engagement from Rome (from Sublime with Rome), Del the Funky Homosapien, Ky-Mani Marley and Hasidic hip-hop starMatisyahu. “He’s awesome. We got to know him years ago on tour,” says Bushnell. “We had built this great relationship, so we asked him to guest on a track. He came down to the studio and knocked it out of the park.”

The group, later rounded out by percussionist Jon Olazabal, drummer Matt Ochoa and bassist David Foral, eventually outgrew the funny rap vibe and developed a local following as an acoustic hip-hop group. Surprisingly, the Heads grew to be very successful on a small label with little to no resources, an indication of their organic momentum and appeal. The Dirty Heads are now signed to a worldwide deal with Five Seven Music.

The group plans to spend the rest of the year on a number of different tours. For now, though, you can experience the band’s sunny, good-time outlook on their new record. “Whatever has happened to us over the years, we’ve always kept a mindset about staying positive and squashing negativity,” says Watson. “And that’s the vibe we had making this album. I think that comes across to anyone who hears it.”