Dirty Mitts

Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

Dirty Mitts: We are a four-piece band that delivers Hard and Classic Rock with a twist, bringing a classic sound to a modern audience. Our sound draws from the deep roots of rock and roll, offering listeners an infusion of bluesy, vintage, and high-energy rhythms.

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

Dirty Mitts: We’re a unique mix of musicians hailing from the UK, Poland, and Egypt. Formed in 2022, our shared passion for the raucous and soulful vibes of classic Rock’n’roll united us. From watching iconic performers like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, and James Brown, our lead singer was driven towards music for its unparalleled form of self-expression.

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

Dirty Mitts: Beyond our dream of playing at sell-out shows and festivals, we genuinely hope for our audience to resonate with our music. We want to create connections through our songs, evoking emotions and memories, while also having the privilege of performing on larger stages, reaching wider audiences.

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

Dirty Mitts: One significant highlight was the whirlwind recording of 7 songs in just 3 days. Another proud moment was our collaboration with the renowned fashion designer Mounir Ghazi. Accompanying this song, we also produced a mini documentary, providing fans with an in-depth look into our creative process.

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

Dirty Mitts: Releasing our songs one at a time has provided each track its deserved spotlight, allowing it to gain momentum. Our strategic approach is building anticipation for our EP release in November, with plans of launching a full-fledged album by early next year.

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

Dirty Mitts: Booking gigs is a combination of direct outreach via social media, leveraging our personal contacts, and collaborations with bookers. We ensure our shows get maximum visibility by extensively promoting them on social media and having our friends spread the word. It’s a collective effort.

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

Dirty Mitts: The shift to digital has undeniably changed the landscape. Traditional forms of music like vinyl, CDs, and downloads held a tangible value for both artists and listeners. Streaming platforms like Spotify have made accessibility easier, but unfortunately, they’ve also shifted the financial dynamics unfavorably for many artists. Streaming might not have become the utopian future we had envisioned.

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

Dirty Mitts: There’s a vast array of incredible songs out there. On a lighter note, a famous Christmas song could have set us up for a comfortable retirement! But on a more serious tone, “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones is a masterpiece we deeply admire.

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

Dirty Mitts: The music industry has its ups and downs. I’d advocate for more grassroots-level support, ensuring budding artists receive the help they need. We’ve faced our set of challenges, but we wear our battle scars with pride, learning and growing with each experience.

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

Dirty Mitts: Our Linktree has all the links: https://linktr.ee/dirtymitts

PD: What music have you available online and where can we buy it from?

Dirty Mitts: With the release of “Women,” we now have four tracks available online: “My Show,” “Ball and Chain,” “You Better Run!” and of course, “Women.” You can find and stream all of these songs on major streaming platforms.