PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
We reached out to rock n rollers DIRTY OL’ CROW, who dispatch an engulfing cocktail of rock & roll, mixing classic heavy metal with the danger of punk. The Londoners release their debut single, Sex Dictator, on 14th September. We talked about their background and more….
What is the full band line-up, who plays what?
Vikki Totten – Main Vocals; Michi – Guitar, Backing Vocals; Filippo Monticelli – Guitar, Backing Vocals ;Dom – Bass, Backing Vocals; Keltor – Drums, Backing Vocal.s
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
The band was formed in early April 2017 in London.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
After practicing for 3 months, we started to get to know each other better and to connect on a deeper level. It got serious! Through a Facebook advertisement we found the opportunity to join this year’s Metal to the Masses competition – this made us even more of a unit – working together for a common goal – than before. A chance to play Bloodstock Festival? Of course, we joined!
When we applied, we got confirmation only couple of minutes later. Well, our first gig was a big thing then. We had 29 days to put a 25 minutes set together and rehearsed almost every single day.
The day arrived and we were at the peak of excitement. We arrived early to the Big Red, Holloway Road to secure the latest slot – and we got it. We got nervous seeing all those awesome bands performing their sets. When the band before us stopped, it went very fast for us. Almost like we did not even realise what was going on. Many of our friends were there to support us. We will never forget when Dirty ol’ Crow was announced to go on to the next round! We had a massive afterparty.
Who are your musical influences?
That is very difficult to say. We are all influenced by different types of music. Not only Hardrock but many other genres of Metal have influenced us through the years before Dirty ol’ Crow. The most of us had different musical projects in the past starting from Blues-Rock via Punk to the darkest corners of Black Metal!
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? are you friends from school or any family relations?
Michi and Dom were raised together in the same cradle in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. During school times they came across Andy and developed their common musical interests. They eventually decided to leave Germany and pursue their musical dreams in London. After playing with various musicians they met Vikki Totten and Filippo Monticelli. Vikki and Fil met each other at an afterparty and not too long after they started jamming together with other musicians. That was the time when Vik was recommended to Andy, Dom and Michi from a friend as a frontman. Due to the current musical projects at the time, Vikki first declined… Eventually, that project faded out and Vikki came back to the boys. Two months later, the newly formed band was on the lookout for a second guitar player and Filippo came on board. After months of rehearsals and their first gig – they all moved in together.
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
That’s pretty easy – we don’t settle on any compromise when it comes to making our music, especially fitting into current trends. We just write and play what we feel and what we enjoy, which is raw and undiluted Rock n’ Roll – down to the bone! This is clearly visible in the sheer energy delivered on stage and in the enthusiasm and dedication of each band member.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Imagine yourself riding a motorcycle in the middle of a forest wildfire. The adrenaline running through your veins.
Where can we find your social media sites?
You will find us on Facebook, Instagram, BandsinTown, Youtube and Twitter. We also have an awesome website. Check it out at www.dirtyolcrow.com – feel free to drop us a message or leave any comment.
