Dirty Heads frontman Jared Watson joins Noise11 to discuss the band’s ninth studio album 7 Seas, a record he says represents the culmination of nearly 25 years of experience, experimentation and creative growth.
In this Noise11 interview, Jared reflects on how Dirty Heads have evolved from their Orange County roots into one of America’s most successful genre-blending acts, combining reggae, hip-hop, rock, punk and acoustic influences into a unique sound that continues to attract audiences worldwide.
Watson explains why 7 Seas feels like the band has finally mastered its creative process, revealing that the songs on the album are the closest representation yet of the music he hears in his head. He also discusses the band’s lifelong connection to surf culture, the ocean and reggae music, and how artists like Sublime and the Beastie Boys inspired Dirty Heads to create their own original musical identity.
The conversation also covers collaborations with major artists including Travis Barker, Slash, M. Shadows, B-Real and Tech N9ne, as well as the band’s reimagining of Joe Walsh’s classic song “Life’s Been Good”. Jared offers his perspective on how the music industry has changed in the streaming era, why independent artists have more opportunities than ever before, and the challenges of earning a living from streaming revenue.
He also reveals how Nashville and producer Dave Cobb influenced songs such as “One Of These Days”, discusses the band’s approach to building the perfect live show, and explains why the concise 10-song format of 7 Seas felt right.
Most importantly for Australian fans, Jared addresses why Dirty Heads’ have never toured Australia tour and why he believes the band’s surf-inspired sound would connect strongly with local audiences.
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