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Dirtfoot - a Dose of Gypsy Punk Country Grumble boogie.

"Here’s their deal: Imagine Nick Cave on a bed of rusty nails, the cover of “Gin and Juice” often mis-attributed to Phish (it was actually the Gourds), some old-timey “Dem Bones,” Old Crow Medicine show culture-clash, and that subtle fecal stench of Mr. Bungle skronk sax craziness: Get theses elements, let them stew in an oaken barrel for a number of years and out comes Shreveport, Louisiana’s Dirtfoot." - Spencer, Synthesis.net

Whether performing on big stages at festivals, or playing intimate setting in pubs and the finer taverns all over the mid west & south, Dirtfoot puts on an uproarious show. The crowds come to take part in the fun and chaos, hollering to all the calls and responses, shaking their beancans, and getting down with the infectious grooves. There is only one Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie band in the land… Dirtfoot.

Led by the organic writings of Matt Hazelton with each player adding his own flavor and feeling to the songs and sound of the group, Dirtfoot is a blend of eclectic styles as well as diverse personalities. All of their instruments are acoustic but their energy and ingenuity will make you swear they are plugged in. Featuring instruments ranging from an acoustic guitar, banjo, upright bass, pots n' pans, drums, bells, saxophone, xylophone and more, this band has a truly engaging sound, a real dose of Gypsy, Punk, Country, Grumble Boogie! It is like a good gumbo - you have some growling vocals, upright bass and percussion that makes a good, dark, dirty Louisiana roux, mixed heartily with some meaty rhythms, combined liberally with fresh offerings from the guitar and banjo that are like okra and tomatoes picked from your backyard garden, topped with the hot n' sexy spice of the saxophone and jazz style drums, and finally a little something magical and indescribable, and you have Dirtfoot - a delicious, spicy, dirty band that will make you stomp your feet, shake your ass and yell like a lunatic on a full moon night.

Dumptruck Butterlips is a quartet hailing from Lawrence, Kansas that blends a number of genres ranging from bluegrass, soul, country, and folk. The proof of their flexible sound is made apparent when reviewing their touring history: DTBL has opened for a wide array of heavy-hitters in live music, ranging from Keller Williams to Railroad Earth, Beats Antique to Split Lip Rayfield. Few bands could adequately share stages with any of those powerhouses—let alone all of those acts—yet Mustard (guitar, vocals), Ziggy (accordion, keyboard, vocals), Megan (upright bass, vocals) and Surka (washboard, vocals) all securely execute their performances and still draw the audience in towards the great time they are having on stage. In addition to their easy-going stage presence, they are visually stunning. The blend of music, custom-made outfits, and undeniably impressive hula-hooping skills of Surka and Ziggy make them a specifically incredible live band. However; regardless of this attractive display of style, Dumptruck Butterlips still radiates a commendable amount of substance. The band manages to find a niche in their live performances no matter what the crowd, venue, or other artists. 

 

DTBL’s ability to captivate anyone within an earshot is a testament to their musicianship and repertoire of original music. A number of the songs dwell on drinking, gritty passion in the bedroom, and the everyday shenanigans of being a “gypsy hippie.” Their sound effortlessly changes from bright, funky acoustic to unhurried, deep soul. But no matter what the tempo or message, they give it their all and are utterly devoted entertainers. Dumptruck Butterlips is a lighthearted band that keeps its music fun and sexy. Mustard, Ziggy, Megan and Surka are serious musicians who do not take themselves too seriously. They are a talented and comfortable group that has a fast-growing and well-deserved audience. 

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