Dirtwire, a southern-states “Swamptronica” band will be bringing their upbeat Electro-world sound to The Royal on Saturday, March 18.
The three musicians that make up the group, met at the California Institute of the Arts just over 10 years ago, each studying music at the time. The group has been performing together as Dirtwire for the past four years.
The group released their first album as a duo in 2012. Adding Mark Reveley this past year, the group released their first album together as a trio, last week.
Dirtwire has invented a unique sound that is hard to identify. They classify it as “Bass Twang and Swamptronica”, or “Electroswamptronica”. A combination of over 10 instruments allows the group to follow traditional South African beats and rhythms, while adding in a touch of modern electronics. Dirtwire takes much of its influences from West and North African electronic music, as well as Delta Blues and Americana.
The result is a soundtrack that could simultaneously suit a western stand off, as well as a busy marketplace. Each song takes the listener to a different part of the globe, through the combination of traditional instruments from ancient eras.
“That’s where we feel like our unique voice sort of comes out,” said guitarist and vocalist, David Satori. “We’re all fans of music from all around the world,” he added. “We listen to traditional music, from every place we can get our hands on.”
Evan Fraser plays African harps, harmonica, vocals, percussion, jaw harp, and the toy megaphone. Mark Reveley plays the whamola and the guitar. David Satori plays the banjo, guitar, violin and percussion.
Behind the unconventional sound, Dirtwire sings of a more conventional message. Songs are written about love gone wrong, about struggling relationships, as well as controversial politics concerning issues such as climate change.
“Our new album, Showdown, is sort of pointing fingers at the fact that we could all step it up a bit within our own lives, whatever that means for anybody,” said Satori. “It’s just a showdown for anything. Whether that’s your personal relationships or political views.”
Showdown, which sat a year and a half in production, was released last week.
For this current tour, Dirtwire is touring the west coast of North America. Starting in San Francisco, Dirtwire will travel from Portland, to Seattle, to Bellingham, Vancouver, Nelson, and finally, to Fernie.
This will be the groups first time in Fernie, and second time in Canada, as they first set foot in Canada last year at Shambhala music festival.
After this west coast tour, the group is off to perform overseas in Tokyo, Bali, Indonesia and potentially China for festivals.
“We’ve got cool friends,” said Satori with a laugh.
Dirtwire has heard much about Fernie and its nightlife, and is excited to come play at The Royal on Saturday night, March 18.
“We just hope that people get to let loose, let go, enjoy themselves, dance with their friends and have a good time,” said Satori.