Getting To Know... The Dirty Pennies

Since the release of their highly-praised new EP last year, US-based indie-rockers The Dirty Pennies have spent much of the new year delivering more of their sultry sound, and have now returned with their latest offering 'Love Ain't Free'.

Bringing the same blues-rock sound as The Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club throughout their new release, 'Love Ain't Free' sets themselves as one of the next big things on America's booming guitar-rock scene. With its smooth and pulsing direction mixed with rip-roaring guitar hooks, this new gem cements them as a band you simply have to hear.

So with their new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has inspired them most over the years.

-

What were the first instruments you fell in love with?

Joe: Bass was my first love. I remember getting a guitar for Christmas one year and learning to play but I was only playing the low notes and the rhythm and thought to myself I think I wanna be a bass player. Sold the guitar and bought a crappy starter bass and it just felt right.

Lucas: Drums have always been my first love, I started playing when I was 12-13 years old and never stopped.

Ryan: Guitar.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

Joe: I’d have to say Tim Commerford of Rage Against the Machine. His powerful melodies drive songs and I’ve always wanted to do the same. To have an undeniable presence in a tune that the listener can latch on to and just groove.

Lucas: Some of my influences are as corny as it sounds, Ryan and his guitar playing. A lot of what I play now is built around how he plays and how we have come together but I have a metal side to me.

Ryan: It’s really hard for me to pinpoint one. I would say all the music you can get at your fingertips these days is a big driver. These bands and artists coming out around the world are unbelievably talented and a lot are unknown so it definitely inspires me to try to push the envelope with our song writing process.

What kind of music did you love as teenagers?

Joe: I was really into punk and classic rock at that time. And a little bit of 90’s music. The Ramones, Misfits, The Doors and RATM were constant plays.

Lucas: My teenage years were weird for me.... a lot of the bands I loved.. I still listen to today: A Day to Remember, Protest the Hero, Tool, AC/DC, Pink Floyd.

Ryan: A lot of classic rock like CCR, The Who and I was super into singer songwriters like Josh Ritter and John Prine. I was also a huge fan of the local reggae scene with bands like Thunder Body and Giant Panda.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

Joe: It wasn’t a specific song honestly. I was in a band with a very good friend of mine prior to this group and we recorded a DIY record in his basement. That freedom of complete control of everything. From writing to recording to mixing I was hooked. I just knew I needed to be around all aspects of music as much as I could.

Lucas: One of my favourite songs I’ve ever heard is “time” by Pink Floyd, hearing that song fuels me from Nick Mason’s subtle yet driving drums to Gilmour’s amazing guitar solo and his tone.

Ryan: There’s a bunch but if I have to pick one. '10am Automatic' by The Black Keys.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Joe: Really depends on the musical mood I’ve been in. Anything from singer songwriter to trap music. Lately though I can’t get enough of Australian surf rock bands. Skegss and Dune Rats specifically.

Lucas: In the morning it’s a real quiet time for me and oddly as it is, Tool is one of the bands I go to even though that isn’t remotely quiet.

Ryan: I kinda listen to whatever I’m listening to that week. And right now that’s Wes Montgomery and Jay Som.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Joe: I’m not much of a songwriter. I usually leave that up to Ryan. But I’ve been known to drunkenly sing songs about nonsense to my wife as I play my keyboard.

Lucas: Personally I don’t write much of the music but I know a couple of our songs aren’t directed at anyone in particular, more of the general mass.

Ryan: Not too many about individuals but A LOT about the mass population.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?

Joe: Playing Grassroots is probably number one. It was hands down our biggest crowd to date. The energy in the place was amazing. We also got to go backstage for other acts. I was able to be so close up for The Wood Bro’s and their show was amazing. Runner up would have to be our first week-long tour. I had never done anything like that before. Just being on the road with your friends playing music every night is just a dream come true.

Ryan: I’d have to say being on the road with everyone and going places we have never been. And all the ridiculous that happens when you're on tour.

Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?

Joe: I’m really into gardening. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to plant one this year. I've used community garden beds in the past and hope to one day have a plot large enough to be somewhat sustainable. I just love being outside and having a hand in producing what I eat.

Lucas: Outside of music I enjoy building and working on my motorcycle, hiking, and camping.

Ryan: I love hiking, camping, trail running, fishing, basically anything outdoors.

If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Joe: I’ve always had a real interest and appreciation for architecture. I even took a few classes on design in school. I just feel it’s also an expressive art and allows you to leave an imprint on the world around you.

Lucas: If I wasn’t pursuing music I honestly have no idea what I would be attempting. I’d probably try to own my own business or move somewhere else.

Ryan: Something in the environmental field like a park ranger would be sweet.

And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?

Joe: Only do it if you love it. I promise it’s more rewarding if you don’t worry about the money. Focus on the music and connecting with fans and enjoying the moment. The rest comes with time.

Lucas: My biggest advice and also pet-peeve to people either beginning music or starting a band is wanting to sound like ‘so and so’... I believe people should get together and see what comes out. Pink Floyd didn’t form because they wanted to sound like another band and that’s what makes them Pink Floyd.

Ryan: Have fun, treat it like a job (if you want to), and see where it goes. Don’t be bummed out if you end up not “making it” just keep going till it’s not fun anymore.

-

The Dirty Pennies' new single 'Love Ain't Free' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.