The Dirt is a unique musical collaboration born out of a lockdown clash of genres and the shared passion of a couple. Sachiko, with her love for garage psych and prog, and Jack, who leans towards new wave post-punk and goth, decided to merge their distinct tastes into a single, dynamic sound. This fusion of styles has given rise to their distinctive alt-sonic psych-punk music.
Their Anglo-Japanese background plays a significant role in shaping their music. Jack’s spoken word and lyrics are deeply rooted in British social commentary, while Sachiko’s guitar work brings a diverse, experimental edge influenced by her heritage.
What was the inspiration behind forming a marital alt sonic psych punk duo?
A lock down clash of a couple loving two genres. Sachiko loves garage psych and prog and jack more new wave post punk and goth. Seemed a good idea to clash styles.
How did your Anglo-Japanese background influence your music style and sound?
It’s a total entwine. Jack’s spoken word and lyrics are very British in context and social commentary whereas Sachiko guitar play has an diverse feel of experimental sounds
Can you share more about your creative process when crafting those heavy guitar loops and punchy percussion?
The drums are kept simple and rhythmic using electronic sample pads and looped. The guitars follow with bass and rhythm guitars using selected effects pedals. Once the lyrical word is included the lead guitar pieces fill the wall of sound!
Sachiko, how do you manage to create spellbinding effects with two full pedal boards and a loop station?
Influences of old psychedelic and prog music. Lots of practice – footwork – patience repetition and working out what sounds best fit the lyrics and loops.
Jack, what’s it like transitioning from Cabbage to your current role as the percussionist and vocalist in The Dirt?
Cabbage were the front runners in Mossley music scene. To share the stage a couple of times and be named on their last album was an honour. My spoken word now takes on a whole new meaning in my own project. We follow their political angst and frustrations and fly their flag with pride!
What themes or stories can listeners expect from your upcoming album?
Political angst frustrations in a capitalist world. Mental health recovery and social scientific questioning!
How does your dynamic as a couple impact your musical collaboration and live performances?
It’s stripped back. Nowhere to hide. It’s full-on.. all go from start to finish.. our styles complement each other. Sachiko is calm and serene. Jack is erratic and unpredictable.
What has been your most memorable performance or moment as The Dirt so far?
Touring with EMF was amazing. As is every other gig we do when folk turn up to watch. It’s humbling.
Night and Day last month was special! But to release a vinyl record is a dream!!.. can’t wait to go again!
What challenges do you face as a DIY band, and how do you overcome them?
Exposure can be difficult as can validation with promoters. And getting airplay But the freedom to play when and how we want and with who we want is invaluable. Heavy work and graft on social media and word of mouth are working so far.. Networking is key!
With fresh music being aired and album #2 on the way, what’s next for The Dirt? Any upcoming gigs or projects fans should be excited about?
Album two arrives in August 2025. Recording in December. We run our DIY psych fest The Conjuring in north Yorkshire next August. The first year sold out. And we have a stack of gigs UK-wide.. at 2 or 3 each month for the next year. Our next Manchester gig is on the 16th of May at our spiritual home The Peerhat. Loads before and after – check socials!!..
Jack and Sachiko
The Dirt Socials
https://www.facebook.com/thedirtpsychzone
https://www.instagram.com/thed1rt
https://youtube.com/@thedirt1971?si=
RACHEL BROWN
Owner of NE
About the Author
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