It took us a little while. But we were finally able to squeeze some time from Chuck Kahl, co-founder of Dirty Rock Nation and bass player for national touring band Brand New Sin. Many cheers to KMS and the rest of the crew. Enjoy.
Dirty Rock Nation is run by some like-minded souls rockin’ a kindred vibe of good times and good community. As Chuck puts it: “Depending on how Dirty Rock Nation crosses your path, it may come at you in different forms such as a post that you see on Facebook, or hear a band mentioning DRN on stage, or you see a group of people at a show laughing at a sticker shock, or you may come across a DRN produced video on YouTube. In whatever way you see or hear about Dirty Rock Nation, it’s always about one thing… a world wide nation of like-minded dirty rock individuals uniting for one common goal – the all important “Work Week’s Over to Have a GOOD FUCKING TIME!” Done full fucking force dirty rock n roll style, of course. The entity of Dirty Rock Nation is trying to harbor these individuals into one giant party, and in a way, document that same party as it’s going on.”
INTERVIEW: Chuck Kahl – Dirty Rock Nation
RT: What inspired you to start Dirty Rock Nation?
CK: The idea of forming the Dirty Rock Nation was inspired by a local CNY magazine I created and helped publish a few years back called Tool & Die. The intent of the magazine was to bridge the gap of Rock bands and mechanics / drivers of machines. After the magazine fizzled out, my friend KMS came to me and asked what I thought of an online version of the zine, with more video content. I replied “let’s do it…but make it racier”. We asked another friend Metal Mel if she would be included because I knew her talents and ideas would be an asset to what we were trying to create. We didn’t really know where to start. All we knew was we did NOT want another band promotional site. Music is the fuel to the Dirty Rock lifestyle, but the fuel needs to stay concealed in the tank sometimes.
RT: What are your thoughts on the current state of the social media universe? What has your experience been like?
CK: DRN thrives on social media. DRN isn’t a site, or a magazine, or an office somewhere…its people living, reliving, and sharing their life experiences to others. We do have a ‘dot com’ so that we are able to release DRN produced material in one central spot, but the social media outlets are the real life blood of the dirty rock movement.
RT: Who are your top 5 favorite Dirtiest Rockin’ bands?
CK: Dirtiest bands? Well that’s difficult to answer because it can change depending on my mood. I would say if I wanted theme music for throwing a big party where most of my stinky furniture would end up in the bon fire I would play any Motorhead, Bon Scott AC/DC, Guns N Roses “Appetite”, any Slayer, and Kill Em All. There are probably other dirty rock songs that would fit…but who wants to worry about a sappy song popping up on shuffle when you are torching your belongings.
RT: Can you briefly describe your Podcasts and how they’re different from one another?
CK: Right now the two main Podcasts DRN are distributing are the Hellbilly Hijinxxx & the Spanky Paine Radio Show. The personalities of both shows are different, so that’s what differs most. Check out the many downloadable shows listed on dirtyrocknation.com. There are brief descriptions of the shows & a song list. They have me cracking up all the time, and the song selections are cool too.
RT: What is ‘Dirty Skirts?’ Can you describe what that is and how people can get involved?
CK: Dirty Skirts is a feature on both the website & YouTube. From the beginning, we wanted to include photography as something we appreciate as a visual art form. Photography has always been a staple in the world of dirty rock n roll. We of course wanted desirable shots that are both alluring & fun, without using the typical hot chick on the harley as the subject. We’re always looking for interested models & photographers. Just contact us on our site or on Facebook to see if you’re a good fit!
RT: Are there other social events, gatherings, etc. that DRN holds throughout the year? Festivals, concerts, etc.?
CK: As far as DRN festivals or concerts, we have only had one so far last October in Syracuse, NY called the Dirty Domination Party. It was a lot of fun! It was to showcase many of the talented people that have contributed to DRN under one roof. We had bands, comedians, burlesque, contests, and our videos running on screens throughout the show. Concerts and festivals especially, are huge undertakings. We don’t want to go out on a limb and spread ourselves too thin. We will put together more events in the future as our nation gets bigger.
RT: What are some of your favorite dirty rock clubs/venues from over the years?
CK: I’m in a touring band called Brand New Sin that has played some good, killer clubs. As well as some of the shittiest backwoods dives you can imagine. I would say the coolest bar EVER is the Machine Shop in Flint, MI. It’s not a big place, and it’s smart of the owners to keep it that way. They sell out just about every show. It IS top on my list. Some others fun places I’ve been thrown out of are New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, SC; Lost Horizon is a landmark dirty club in my hometown, and of course CBGB’ (R.I.P.) I’m sure there are so many others, but so many places have gone out of business over the years. Metal Mel has some favorites. I know Duff’s in Brooklyn is one.
RT: What’s the best way for others living the DRN lifestyle to get involved and support DRN?
CK: Just that…involve yourself! Go to shows. Then post photos/video of it. The world is a serious place. And we have to be serious most of the time. But give yourself the freedom to have fun. Life’s too short not to! Dirty Rock is a lifestyle that you either live or you don’t. So if you feel you’re dirty enough, become a part of the Dirty Rock Nation!
http://www.dirtyrocknation.com/
