The Dirty Holidays

The Dirty Holidays are a Nashville-based indie rock band that has been on the scene since 2006. They recently released a seven song EP titled Keeping the Night that showcases their penchant for catchy melodies and clever arrangements.

Since their inception, the band has graced the stage of nearly every Nashville venue, from the Exit/In to, strangely enough, the Grand Ole Opry. Songwriter and vocalist Jordan Dean is a graduate of Belmont University’s school of music, where he was selected from hundreds of tryouts as a performer for their annual commercial showcase in 2008. One of the perks of being selected for the showcase was the opportunity to record a song on the Opry’s stage.

The band formed a few hours south of Nashville in their hometown of Florence, AL during the summer of 2006. Jordan brought on cousins Will Pettus and Garrett Dean to play lead guitar and drums, respectively. The three called bass player Will Hoekenga on a friend’s recommendation. When they learned he would be moving to Nashville, where they were currently attending school, the three added him to the lineup.

Their first practice gave the four a chance to realize their common musical influences. They share tastes that are rooted in the melodic genius and innovation of ‘60s and ‘70s acts like the Beatles and David Bowie, while also embracing the modern sounds of bands like the Strokes and Arcade Fire.

These influences blend together nicely on Keeping the Night’s guitar- and piano-driven tracks that glisten with the occasional touch of synth, and are always held down with a tight, driving rhythm section. Since celebrating the release of the EP with a show at the Basement, the band has continued to play throughout the Nashville and middle Tennessee area in front of crowds of clapping hands and stomping feet. As they continue to branch out, it will undoubtedly reach more ears, moving new people in new ways.