a b o u t t h e b a n d . . .
Founded in late 2007 by members Erick Rhoades (vocals) and Justin Pate (guitars/vocals), and later joined by Derek Bowers (drums) and Dylan McCleary (bass), Kansas City based rock group "Dirt" hit the scene with a refreshing new sound that immediately gained the attention of the local fan base. Following a snag involving former management in the fall of '08, the guys had no choice but to put the band on hold for what seemed an indefinite break. Fortunately, after breaking through a few barriers, the love for music that brought the band together eventually won over, and Dirt reunited in early 2010, fully charged and revitalized, ready to overcome all obstacles.
Dirt's many influences span the genre from punk to metal, country to blues, and everything in between. The band's unique sound can be best described as a deep, heavy groove rock laced with a nice balance between raunchy metal, and old school tone, and topped with nu-metal inspired vocals. Dirt is all about that "in-your-face" groove rock that makes people want to move. Completely dedicated to their fans, simply being musicians is never enough, as the band strives to become better entertainers, making each show better than the last.
Recently, the band has been working with Duane Woods and Strictly Music Booking, and have big plans in store for the near future. Look for Dirt on the road in a city near you very soon!
The thing Derek likes most about Dirt is how the band have all become friends. It makes playing together so much more fun and meaningful. He also likes the unique sound of Dirt, which according to the band would be unattainable without Derek's unique approach to the drums. He calls it a balance. "You've got to be unpredictable, but at the same time not so 'out there' that you lose the audience." Rest assured, as long as he is alive and kicking he will continue to perform for anyone who is willing to listen!
Dirt's many influences span the genre from punk to metal, country to blues, and everything in between. The band's unique sound can be best described as a deep, heavy groove rock laced with a nice balance between raunchy metal, and old school tone, and topped with nu-metal inspired vocals. Dirt is all about that "in-your-face" groove rock that makes people want to move. Completely dedicated to their fans, simply being musicians is never enough, as the band strives to become better entertainers, making each show better than the last.
Recently, the band has been working with Duane Woods and Strictly Music Booking, and have big plans in store for the near future. Look for Dirt on the road in a city near you very soon!
Erick Rhoades started singing at a young age. Throughout junior high, and continuing through college, he made his home as a baritone with a plethora of choir, landing a lead role in UMKC Conservatory's production of Motzart's Opera, "Abduction from the Seraglio” while still a junior in high school! Erick joined his first band as a drummer in 2003, but found his true calling in 2006, auditioning for a local rock band and landing his first spot as a vocalist.
Some of Erick's many influences include Staind, Sevendust, Rush, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Journey, Styx, REO Speed Wagon, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Boys II Men, John Legend, and Tech N9ne. Erick is known by many for his friendly, approachable demeanor, and he feels this approachability is one of the key aspects that contributes to his success in life, and in music. One of the things Erick loves most about being a part of Dirt is how well the band works together, and how everyone has a hand in creating each song. There's a forward momentum he brings to the band, and his thirst to constantly and consistently improve upon and grow his talent is unmatched.
Picking up the guitar at fifteen, Justin Pate had a relatively late start in music. It wouldn't be for another nine years before he'd have a shot at original music with Dirt. A self-taught musician, he sites a plethora of influences over many genre as his inspiration for songwriting. From 311 to System of a Down, Stevie Ray Vaughan to Journey, he uses his influences to attain the overall goal with the songwriting of Dirt; to just write good music.
Justin brings a unique perspective to the band, with an unbiased ear for music developed over countless hours of study. Always writing, always studying, he will never be satisfied, and will always be working to improve upon his skills as a songwriter, musician, and a performer. One of Justin's favorite things about Dirt is their songwriting process. Though the songs originate with the guitar, when the rest of the band adds their respective talents and ideas, the music comes alive. Whenever the band writes songs, they always seem to be on the same page, and the fact that they all genuinely love the music they collectively create is just like the icing on the cake.
Derek Bowers has always had an undeniable obsession with hitting things. At age 9, his parents gave that obsession a purpose, and put a drum set in front of him. Drawing influences from all genre; classic rock to reggae, latin funk, to jazz and punk, Derek spent most of his youth developing his eclectic yet in-the-pocket, hard-grooving style. He spent his school years excelling in marching, jazz, and concert bands. Derek got his feet wet playing shows around the KC area in 1998 with his first group, the punk rock trio, Instability, and it wasn't long before preforming became second nature. Since then Derek has continued to perform with several other projects, and has yet to look back. Using every experience as a lesson, building his chops every day, Derek continues chasing his dream of doing what he loves for a living; "Bangin' on some drums!".
The thing Derek likes most about Dirt is how the band have all become friends. It makes playing together so much more fun and meaningful. He also likes the unique sound of Dirt, which according to the band would be unattainable without Derek's unique approach to the drums. He calls it a balance. "You've got to be unpredictable, but at the same time not so 'out there' that you lose the audience." Rest assured, as long as he is alive and kicking he will continue to perform for anyone who is willing to listen!
As the newest and youngest member of Dirt, Dylan McCleary often finds himself in the firing line, but always manages to come out on top of his game. Also with a late start, he picked up the guitar at fifteen, and then found his home on the bass two years later. The masterful tones he cooks up put the thunder down under in Dirt. Some of his influences include; System of a Down, Mudvayne, (old) Drowning pool, Killswitch Engage, and Pantera.
In addition to the low end, Dylan brings to the band a great energy. He's the kind of guy that can push himself hard and not crack under the pressure. He's never afraid of a challenge. Dylan is as much a fan as a member of the band. His favorite thing about Dirt is when people ask him who the band sounds like, because he can't really think of any band that sounds like Dirt. He may have joined Dirt after the band had already been established, but don't be surprised if that's real hard to tell.
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