By Ella Coulter | March 3 2021 |
Left to right: David Koffman (lead vocalist), Christoph Neuland (bass guitarist, vocalist), Alex Maich (guitarist, vocalist), Chris Barrett (drummer/percussionist)
Hey, KSS music lovers! Meet your new favourite band: Dirty Rick! This fresh rock ‘n’ roll band has been performing and recording since 2017. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Dirty Rick has performed locally and on tour, bringing their jams to Ontario and Quebec. Inspired by bands like The Tragically Hip, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Green Day, their epic tracks are sure to get your toes tapping and your head bobbing! Performing both covers and original material, Dirty Rick’s music provides a guaranteed night of fun and excitement at every show.
As former highschool band members themselves, both lead vocalist David Koffman and bass guitarist/vocalist Christoph Neuland are pumped to share their thoughts with fans and aspiring performers at KSS. Koffman was inspired by Green Day at age 10, and his professional music career began at age 22 when he performed a cover set at a charity concert. This soon led to the formation of the one and only Dirty Rick! For Neuland, music has been a part of his life since he “was old enough to speak and sing.” Neuland says, “I think I always knew I wanted to do music professionally, but high school and college showed me that there are a whole bunch of ways to do that.”
In addition to performing live, Dirty Rick writes and records their own songs. Neuland states that “writing is a great way to express emotions,” and loves the teamwork involved. A connection with the audience is crucial, which is why performing is so important to both Koffman and Neuland. “There is no feeling in the world that can replace being on stage with your friends in front of a crowd, and having people dance along and enjoy themselves,” says Koffman. Neuland agrees: “The feeling of sharing energy with a crowd and having a group of people take time out of their lives to see something you worked for is absolutely amazing.”
Koffman and Neuland want KSS students to know that a balanced lifestyle is not only important, but also possible! Koffman is constantly “juggling many things all at once,” which includes studying to become an osteopath and working a full time job on top of the band. Dirty Rick helps Koffman achieve his goals in all areas of his life. He says, “music is my therapy, and I always look forward to letting loose at practice or at a show, which gets me through some of the long days spent doing other things that I have to do.” For a professional music group, Dirty Rick’s time is crucial in the quest to produce new material. Neuland states that “we set a day of the week for practices and try to book shows far enough in advance.” Performing is not the only way to be involved in the music industry. A few band members also do stagehand work to increase scheduling flexibility and “make room for band practice and shows.”
Starting a band is hard, no matter where you are in your music career. Neuland advises aspiring musicians to “just get in a room and play!” Koffman wants KSS students to know that “it is never too late,” and that “the only thing stopping you is you.” He says, “It can be really hard to overcome some of the mental barriers, like not thinking you're good enough, or practice being too hard, and all of that is totally valid. It's also part of the learning experience. It doesn't matter how good you are, just have fun with it and keep practising, cause you never know what can happen.”
What can fans expect from this phenomenal band? Dirty Rick has confirmed that an album is in the works, to be released sometime in the near future. In the meantime, follow Dirty Rick on Instagram @dirtyrickmusic to catch their upcoming livestream taking place late March or early April, which will include new material. While COVID may have put a temporary halt on live music, keep your ears open, KSS! Dirty Rick can’t wait to get back on tour, and assures you that they’d “love to come to Kingston.” Performing here “will be at the top of our priority list! Hopefully we'll see you guys real soon!” We strongly recommend checking out their latest single, Love & the Doors, to experience some groovy basslines and phenomenal tunes.
Dirty Rick has released their music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, as well as their website. Instagram: @dirtyrickmusic Facebook: @DirtyRickMusic Spotify: Dirty Rick Youtube: Dirty Rick
Sources
Dirty Rick’s spotify page
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