The Dirtball

NR: You constantly toured for Pop-A-D-Ball. When did you get a chance to write Raptillion?

The Dirtball: You know, I had been writing songs ever since Pop-A-D-Ball, and just kept compiling them and bouncing ideas. We have been on the road this last year grinding so there really wasn't too much time. Luckily for me, I have my own studio at my house where I track and work, so I was able to do two serious pushes on the tracking of the record between tours. Thanks to Mike Kumagai and Patrick Shevelin, I was able to rely on their top-notch mixing after I went back out. We use a Hotline server to transfer sessions from my studio in Oregon to there studios is LA. It all works very smoothly with today's technology. A few years ago, these types of transfers would have never been possible, so its dope!

NR: How did you come up with your alias "Dirtball?"

The Dirtball: I am a drummer and have been so since I was a little kid. When I was fourteen I started my first band, and a fellow drummer started one too. We are both named David, so he became Sneaky Dave (sneaks for his tight, crisp playing). I became Dirty Dave (Dirtball for my dirty funk rhythms I was pumping out). Just real raw four piece drumming. Beats and more beats. That is basically how I got it…..from drumming.

NR: Last time we spoke you mentioned your old group Chola. Is there any way that fans can get the music now-a-days?

The Dirtball: We, Chola, recorded three records, but the last one, “Groove the Nation,” was the one we pushed and toured on. I have a few copies at home, but as far as I know, Limewire may be the only spot to search for it. Go on out there and find it, and if you do, le mme know. I may press them up again someday. Lotsa rappin on that disc, and that was a really great 6 years of my life. We killed it and partied like muthafuckas out there!!

NR: You have opened for Psychopathic Records artist's such as Shaggy 2 Dope and now your planning to open the Insane Clown Posse's Hallowicked Tour, how has the fan response been?

The Dirtball: Oh man its been overwhelming! I mean truly overwhelming. The Juggalos have been a really great fan base for me to tap into. Its really dope to see so many music lovers out there rallying around such an underground movement. And again, I am stoked to be a part of it. It is quite the honor. Right now I am in the hotel room in Grand Rapids ready to fire off the Hallowicked tour with ICP tomorrow. Can't sleep. Can't wait. Us Subnoize Souljaz are blazed up and ready for combat. Props and thanks to ALL Juggalos and Juggalettes.

NR: With all the constant touring how hard has it been on you mentally and physically? Has it been getting any easier?

The Dirtball: You know its like anything. If you do it enough it becomes easier. Moreover, you callous up, and a lot of shit that may have been tough is virtually unnoticeable after awhile. Such as driving super long distances and not sleeping in your own bed for months. It makes those moment when you are at home, that much better. Physically, I get sick now and again, but thanks to airborne we stay healthy out here. Mentally, it can be tough touring. That is the biggest task to conquer. Confidence is for sure the number one attribute to have. Just going out here, rappin hard as fuck, selling merchandise, and getting my work done. Another day in the office so to speak.

NR: Ken Adams did some amazing artwork for both of your CD's. How did you come to work with him?

The Dirtball: I met Ken through a company I work for called Freedomzone, and we both were doing some work for Mt. Dew. He does a lot of big accounts with his art, so I am very respectful about the fact I have him do my art. All I can say is go check out www.k3n.com and tell him Dirtball sent ya. He is the shit!!!

NR: Last year it seemed like Big B, Chucky and yourself were touring all over as the Sub Noize Souljaz's, approximately how many shows did you think you guys did?

The Dirtball: We did upwards of 170 shows, and had a blast at all of them. Great venues and killer crowds. It's a plus when you are rockin big venues like these. Theaters and ballrooms have been a place I have been trying to get for quite some time. The 3 of us work well together too, so it makes it a lot easier to be able to do so many shows. If you don't get along with who you tour with, you cant get much accomplished, so we are blessed to be able to play this many shows and still keep grinding. Family vibes.

NR: Some of the big indie labels have a set group of fans like Psychopathic Records has "Juggalo's" and Suburban Noize Records has "Sub Noize Rat's." As an artist that plays to both sets of fans do you think that pigeonholes you to make music for those certain fans?

The Dirtball: In my case, not at all. I think that may be more of a mind set than anything. I do know there are fans out there like that that wont accept new sounds within there taste, but on the whole, I have not experienced it. My music is a lot more out of the box than most at both camps so you either like the difference or you hate it. And those that hate it, can suck it! It really doesn't affect me. There are so many good fans within SubNoize and Psychopathic, it becomes hard to see the haters. At the same time, I feel like we all put out music that could be enjoyed by all sorts of genres of listeners. That's what I always keep in mind when I write and record. Making sure that I can be heard within many ears.

NR: The track "Bulldoggin'" was featured on the Amped 3 Soundtrack and it was the only hip-hop/rap song on the soundtrack. How did that come about?

The Dirtball: Again, my boys at www.freedomzone.com linked me up with Microsoft and I have had my songs on all 3 Amped games. That soundtrack was a different story. It was a straight up contest. Almost a fanbase challenge. Whichever artist could get the most votes from his/her fans, they get into the next round etc. I again am fortunate to have the Suburban Noize fanbase and Psychopathic fanbase behind me, so I got a grip of votes. It was cool to see a fanbase at work. Thanks to those who voted.

NR: You're going to be touring throughout the rest of the year with Insane Clown Posse and then the Kottonmouth Kings. Are you going to be doing any headlining shows in the next year?

The Dirtball: I sure hope so, but time will tell. We Subnoize Souljaz have a ton of good stuff goin on right now so we are really focusing on that. But, my main focus down the road is for sure Dirtball doing more solo performances. Soon enough for sure. You'll see me! Watch Out!!