We are Dirty F. We are Darren Keane on drums, Tom Abraham on bass, Julian Medor on guitar, and James Alfred Podhorodecki on lead vocals.
We grew up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Tell us how the name Dirty F came about and what the meaning is behind it?
Our name arose during an intoxicated brainstorm between myself (James) and bassist Tom. Basically it means whatever you feel is appropriate, let’s just stick with that.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
The first show I ever played was with Dirty F. We played at a friend’s party in Carlton in his garage with people scattered all over the house and in the alleyway opposite. It was a very messy night.
Inspirations can be rather ambiguous. They aren’t always musically orientated.
You’re about to release your album ‘Pressed’ how did you arrive at that name for your album?
It felt appropriate seeing as the way we felt during its conception was rather pressed. There was a lot of self destruction going on and were very compelled to put absolutely all of ourselves into this album. It was a very dark period and that’s quite evident in the music.
What is your most memorable moment from the recording process of ‘Pressed’?
To be honest it all seems like a bit of a blur. I think the most memorable moments were those times rehearsing at Sound Machine Studios where we would all feel a harsh rush of energy in our pickling hearts.
What do you prefer being in a recording studio or playing live and why?
The studio is a lot of fun, but our real passion comes through when we are live. We are definitely a live act, and getting that across on the album seemed like it was going to be impossible. But the guys at Sound Machine studios are fantastic and shared our vision on how our music had to be portrayed.
How do you find new music?
I don’t really … word of mouth I suppose. Or those odd occasions when I’m listening to community radio.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
It’s not so much a ritual, but I’m usually late.
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
It’d be at a Laundromat, and on the bill would be Audioslave, Lil Wayne, Pink, 28 days and the hoo doo goo roos. There would be only cascade light and skim milk on tap. The food served would be rainbow icecream in a waffle cone. Tickets would be $145 and you’d get a wrist band made from glad wrap. And all the washing machines and dryers would be on the whole time and people would still be allowed to use the place to do their washing.
Everyone is collaborating these days, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Tim Minchin because I think he is a complete tool.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
A period of loss and heartache.
Tell us why we shouldn’t miss your album launch on Saturday 27th April at Yah Yah’s in Melbourne?
Because nobody invests in their live shows the way that we do.
