Their highly anticipated new album Midnight Control, features 10 all-new songs including their take on Joe Walsh’s 1978 hit “Life’s Been Good” and “Island Glow.”
For nearly twenty years, Dirty Heads have mixed hip-hop, reggae, and rock to create a unique sound that both fully embodies their Huntington Beach, California roots and resonates with audiences around the globe.
Having gone immensely viral on TikTok with their hit song, “Vacation,” which has over six billion streams and views on the platform, Dirty Heads has amassed over five million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their highly anticipated new album Midnight Control features 10 all-new songs, including their take on Joe Walsh’s 1978 hit “Life’s Been Good" and “Island Glow.”
Midnight Control – the band’s eigth studio album – is sure to reaffirm the band’s stand-out track record with all seven of their albums having appeared in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Independent Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. The album is available on CD and cassette.
Dirty Heads is releasing their 8th studio album end of August, Midnight Control. It’s everything fans have anticipated. With “Vacation” topping the charts and hitting main stream audiences, this is the perfect follow up reaching new fans.
The band wanted to hold onto that “Vacation” vibe and continued on to make “Life’s Been Good,” a spin on Joe Walsh’ classic of the same name. Lead singer, Jared Watson says this song is continuing the feeling from “Vacation” and its positive impact, “I think the story of enjoying life is really what Dirty Heads are all about.” As a fan of both the Joe Walsh and Dirty Heads version, I’ve been enjoying this single because of the happy vibes, versus the original message of being a reckless rockstar (something that’s far less relatable).
“Heavy Water” is currently streaming, featuring the Grammy nominated band Common Kings. “’Heavy Water’ is a song about empowerment,” says Watson. “Being in the water constantly from a young age, we know the power of the ocean—there is nothing more powerful or uncontrollable. ‘Heavy Water’ is a metaphor for life because when life throws something at you that’s unforeseen and uncontrollable, you will be ready for it and not let it overtake you. YOU are the heavy water and mother fuckers better get out of your way because you are on a mission, and nothing is stopping you. Either Way, you got this.” This song has such a relaxing, chill vibe, as all Dirty Heads songs do, that it’s such an easy listen. When you get into the song and dissect the lyrics, this song absolutely is empowering as the band set out to do. One simple line in the chorus “not going under” contains the overarching theme of resiliency.
Every Dirty Heads album has one song that I swear is written for me that I either relate hard to, or can take a lesson from. This album, “Little Things” is that song for me. This song is about the small things in life—sleeping late, ocean waves, reading a book—and how they mean everything in life. When life is constantly distracting with its busyness, it’s nice to have this reminder to slow down and appreciate those little things. This is one of the more soothing tracks to the album, so it’s perfect to jam to while appreciating those little things.
Whether you’re an established Dirty Heads fan, or this is the first album you’ll hear of theirs, you won’t be disappointed. This album features original artwork by bassist and tattoo artist David Floral, giving a cool tarot card vibe. It’s music to enjoy life to, and is perfect for summertime, or to de-stress.
This album releases on all platforms August 26, and the band is currently on their “Let’s Get It Kraken” tour. Head to their website for all tour dates and to pre-order your album.
Dirty Heads are following up a recent viral sensation with the announcement of their 8th studio album. Tapping into their rock, hip-hop, and reggae roots you can expect Midnight Control to be available everywhere you listen to music on August 28th.
Last summer their song “Vacation” took on a life of its own as the #VacationTransition went viral organically on Tik Tok. An unexpected development nearly four years after the release of the song, the exposure led to millions of new fans all over the globe.
Dirty Heads formed in 2006 when Dustin Bushnell (Duddy B) and Jared Walsh (Dirty J) connected as high schoolers. Percussionist Jon Olazabal joined shortly thereafter and within two years the group dropped Any Port In the Storm. The deluxe edition released in 2010 featured “Lay Me Down” with Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The single set a record as having the longest run on top of the chart for an indie release.
New Single
The band’s journey continues with the announcement of the new album and the release of a new single. “Heavy Water” follows up the release of a killer cover of Joe Walsh’s 1978 classic “Life’s Been Good“. When asked about the new material, singer Jared Walsh had this to say.
“Heavy Water” is a song about empowerment. Being in the water constantly from a young age, we know the power of the ocean – there is nothing more powerful or uncontrollable. “Heavy water” is a metaphor for life because when life throws something at you that’s unforeseen and uncontrollable, you will be ready for it and not let it overtake you. YOU are the heavy water and mother f*ckers better get out of your way because you are on a mission, and nothing is stopping you. Either way, you got this.”
Jared Walsh (aka Dirty J)
The Grammy-nominated Common Kings are featured on “Heavy Water” and the music video features highlights from their successful Let’s Get Kraken summer tour. Dirty Heads have more dates lined up and a series of festival shows to play before the end of the year.
For more details and ticket information visit their website. Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for more updates.
Tracklist: Midnight Control
- Island Glow
- Heavy Water (feat. Common Kings)
- Life’s Been Good
- Make Me
- Midnight Control
- Little Things
- Indigo
- El Dorado
- Shade
- Live Your Life
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Simon
Two-plus decades in the music industry as a program director, host, influencer, voice-over artist, and artist manager. Passionate about introducing music fans to talented artists. Avid sports card collector. Pizza lover. Microbrew connoisssoir.