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April 11, local hopefuls The Dirty 30s will be among the bands kicking off the lengthy quest for radio station Live 88.5's Big Money Shot.
It will be the ambitious ska-punk quintet's first shot at that big money; the band had hoped to enter last year, bassist Colin Harris says, "But you have to be 16 years old."
The five Glebe Collegiate students are making up for lost time, however. The Dirty 30s are set to play several shows over the next few weeks, among them Friday's CD-release show for a supercharged One Louder EP, gigs in Toronto and Newmarket, as well as a set at next month's three-day local Skafest.
And with two members set to complete their high school studies this spring, The Dirty 30s might even slot in time for studying.
"We want to play as much as we can," drummer Rem MacLeod says, "and we get a lot of opportunities to play. The ska community may be small but it's very loyal. People who go to ska shows go to every ska show."
And though One Louder paints a variety of punked-up images, ska is The Dirty 30s' bread and butter. Hence, the strategically placed Specials and Selector LPs visible on One Louder's cover.
Hence, a lineup -- completed by guitarist/trumpeter/keyboardist Devlin Morton, saxophonist Norah Paton and trombonist Tony Cardozo -- ideally suited to the peppy, brassy double-time music.
Hence, an abundance of collective, exuberant shouts and calls to arms against such party-poopers as the warmongering Fat American.
"You can call it third-wave ska and skatepunk," Harris confirms. "It's about 50-50."
"But," Morton adds, "we want to cover the full spectrum. We want to develop our sound. And as long as we're all in the same city, we will."
Who knows? Now that The Dirty 30s are old enough, there might even be some money in it.
- By ALLAN WIGNEY, SUN MEDIA
Discography
One Louder (2008)
Gangsters of Ska (2007)
Photos
Bio
Art imitates life, and life should be fun. In a world of violence, chaos, and apocalyptic news headlines, one needs something to make them get up and dance. With punk rock mixed with grooving reggae-inspired rhythms, The Dirty 30’s create a unique blend of fun music.
Formed in 2006, by guitarist/ singer/ songwriter Devlin Morton, drummer Rembrandt MacLeod, and trombonist Tony Cardozo, this ska outfit began playing around Ottawa last year with the addition of Norah Paton and Colin Harris to the lineup. Their high-energy live show consists of catchy music and onstage antics, fun for all ages punk shows. Playing at events like The Ottawa SkaFest and SuperEx, venues such as the Capital Music Hall and the Bronson Centre, and by sharing the stage with acts such as Mustard Plug, The Flatliners, and The Johnstones, The Dirty 30’s are on their way to getting their name out to the public. Always looking for a new place to show their stuff, this group of ambitious musicians is continually improving their live show and repertoire. With a constantly growing fanbase, they are a local act to keep an eye on.
The Dirty 30’s went into the studio December 2007 to record their second EP, entitled “One Louder”. The disc showcases the musical diversity of these five young musicians, ranging from fast-paced skate punk to reggae grooves, and has already gotten airplay on campus and commercial radio. With plans to take their show on the road this coming summer armed with a ska party set, this local act has launched themselves upon an unsuspecting public, with a barrage of catchy horns, upbeat guitar, killer bass and gut-busting drum action!
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