Diggin Dirt

Diggin Dirt began planting its roots back in 2011 in the town of Arcata, CA in Humboldt County. The original lineup was a jammed out quintet that consisted of a double guitar rhythm section and a tenor saxophone. The original five (Rory Urquhart, Joey Incorvaia, Drew Weitzel, John Callahan and Aaron Gottesman) had high hopes of getting house party gigs and maybe one day performing on a stage. Practices, gigs and seasons passed as the band... More

Diggin Dirt began planting its roots back in 2011 in the town of Arcata, CA in Humboldt County. The original lineup was a jammed out quintet that consisted of a double guitar rhythm section and a tenor saxophone. The original five (Rory Urquhart, Joey Incorvaia, Drew Weitzel, John Callahan and Aaron Gottesman) had high hopes of getting house party gigs and maybe one day performing on a stage. Practices, gigs and seasons passed as the band traveled through many incarnations of members and genres. The band took pieces from each chapter and kept moving forward, all the while staying anchored to the heavy groove element that Diggin Dirt has become known for. ​ In 2016, Diggin Dirt found its current form when it added a Humboldt local, the soul man, Zach Alder, and his commanding vocal element into the mix. The horn section also evolved when it rounded out its sound with the addition of Josh Foster on trombone, and Tyler Martin on baritone saxophone. The newly conglomerated 8-piece band had instant chemistry, and after only a few months of playing together, released their Full Season LP. Their debut album is comprised of 11 tracks that showcase musical influences ranging from afrobeat, reggae to rock, but always with an underlying theme of funky soul. ​ The band began touring in the spring of 2017 throughout California and Oregon, and was met with a tremendous response. A reputation of quality original music backed by high energy performance grew around the Dirt’s name, and in turn inspired them to keep growing. A byproduct of this growth is the recently released Bedrock EP. Showing more musical maturity and a new depth of identity, the album is a true sign of more to come. ​ The Dirt is more inspired than ever, and ready to bring the music to the people. With more expansive West Coast tour dates, and fresh material coming out of their preparations, the group shows no signs of slowing down as they expand their reach. Earn that paycheck, and dust off those dancing shoes because we’re looking at you tonight! Keep checking in on this funky force, and make sure to come out and groove when you happen to find them in your neck of the woods. You gotta dig that dirt!   The band is influenced by Orgone and James Brown and Funkadelic. Bootsy Collins and Sly and the Family Stone as well as reggae bands like Steel Pulse and 10ft Ganja Plant. Dirt has appeared at several festivals including the Trinity River Jamboree, Northern Nights, the Benbow Summer Arts and Music Festival.   2018 promises to be a big year for the band as they venture out on numerous tours and perform at many other exciting festivals along the way.   “Dusty Roads, gonna take me there…I ain't traveling far. Packing my suitcase…tie my nap sack tight and I took off down the road. Telling all my friends not to miss me none, down in the valley below…and I know, I’m gonna find it…it’s just a matter of time” – Diggin Dirt Less