Your music style, embodies the thrill and adrenaline pumping feeling, of catching a good wave ride, followed by the chilled out feel...





 
Your music style, embodies the thrill and adrenaline pumping feeling, of catching a good wave ride, followed by the chilled out feeling after a long surf session. What were your influences, in your musical style and way of thinking?

    Very nice description of surf music! It is also very interesting how you relate the musical style to the way of thinking. This thrill and adrenaline pumping feeling has always worked like a magnet for me and that is also what I wish to give back through my music. And of course, some chill out breaks are always welcome.


   My influences come from several other styles, besides surf rock itself, like rock 'n' roll, garage, punk, and even classical guitar and flamenco. One good thing about surf rock, is that it has no limitation, it can embody elements, of literally any style and turn them into a good wave ride. Of course each musician, develops their own preferences and tend to reveal only specific influences in their music, but I do appreciate this freedom.






   Surf music, began as a deeply spiritual, part of Hawaiian tradition. Bands like the Beach Boys, introduced vocals and four-part harmonies, mixed with pop-friendly style. As seen, in the beach party films of the early 1960s. Dick Dale, adopted Middle Eastern influences, with his rendition of "Missirlou". What can be the next step, in the evolution of the genre?



   Surf culture in general originates from the ancient Polynesians, this is a true fact that has affected the way surf music is often presented up to this day. The musical content of the genre though, has its roots in late 50's instrumental rock 'n' roll (which has its roots in Rhythm and Blues, which has its roots in blues, jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and so on...), and that is an element that still can be found there, along with a very rich variety of worldwide influences.

   Dick Dale did break the barrier with his legendary sound, playing skills and musical style, which partially opened the door for new genres of music, such as garage and punk, but also opened the door for the use of "foreign" elements in surf. So, one can imagine how far this goes, surf music triggers the birth of new genres and then borrows elements back from them, during the "Surf Revival" era. In a few words, surf music has no limits, as mentioned before.

   This to me means that evolution of surf rock, as well as evolution of music in general, comes from the interaction with the environment. Where cultures meet, there can be evolution. Where there are new sounds, there can be evolution. Where there are big changes in society, there can be evolution. When the minds and ears are ready to "capture" the surfing feeling in a new way through the new conditions, evolution happens.







   As a female musician, the status quo, demands girls to be pretty, cute and sexy. How can a girl, find her own way of expressing herself and her thoughts, in this deeply objectified society?



   As a greek female musician, I can only speak about the conditions in Greece, and specifically in Athens, where I live. It is a fact, everything is easier for a girl if she is pretty, cute and sexy, so it can be really tempting for many girls to follow this mainstream demand. Nevertheless, I would like to believe that most girls in today's society have the option of education and also have access to a huge amount of information through the internet, so as to be able to find a way to become who they need to become.

   And that is after all what makes them look really beautiful (not just pretty, cute and sexy) to the right people. I believe, that things have to get better though. It is yet not the time, when gender does not matter. But a girl, can find ways to express herself through music, even if it takes some more effort, to be so good as to be respected.







   Today, gender issues and discrimination, among male and female musicians, have overshadowed the music itself, how could people just shut up, stop talking about gender issues and talk about the music?



   When people stop talking about gender issues and start talking only about the music, it will be a historical event! It will mean that gender will really not matter anymore. We might have made great steps to that direction in most human societies, but obviously we are not there yet. The good thing is that for each individual who has overcome these issues, the essence of music is already there to be discovered and appreciated.




   Dirty Fuse, is all about the 60's. Hitting the audience with a strong taste of Southern California surfing culture. Can you explain to the readers, what Dirty Fuse is all about, and what does the band represent?



   Thank you for your words! Dirty Fuse does have a strong influence from the 60's California sound, as can be heard in all our discography. We respect and appreciate the classical surf legacy and always include some references to the 60's in our appearances. At the same time, elements borrowed from garage and punk, are very prominent on some tracks, like fuzzy or over driven sounds and more "experimental" harmonies and melodies.

   Besides that, the band also has an album that consists of surf covers of old Greek rebetika, the so-called "Surfbetika". On the other hand, it is hard not to notice the Brazilian influence in "Last Wave". In fact, every album has its own style, but also contains a variety of aspects through the tracks of each album. According to all these, I believe Dirty Fuse is mostly about being creative and innovative, taking their music each time one step further, while keeping the quality of classical demands.


   All photos were provided by "JK STUDIO - ANNIE ICON". Their work can be found on:

https://www.facebook.com/annyiconphotography || @annyiconphotography