THE DIRTY RATS

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Dirty Rats are an “old school” hard rock band from Melbourne, Australia.  Formed during the greatest decade in Australian Pub Rock, the 80's, Dirty Rats forged their signature sound in the dingy pubs and clubs of suburban Melbourne.  Recently re-formed, Dirty Rats have dragged themselves kicking and screaming into 2018 with a new album and hard arsed attitude whilst staying faithful to our hard rock roots, Dirty Rats are Wayne (Richie Rat) Rich on vocals, Jamie Beovich on Bass,Anthony (Chooka) Chapple on Guitar and Andy Thomson on drums.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Why did we call ourselves the Dirty Rats?  Dunno, sounded cool I guess.  It was the 80's after all.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Dirty Rats are based in Melbourne Australia which has one of the most vibrant and energetic rock scenes in the world. Bands to look out for?  Holy crap, where do I start?  Do yourself a favour and look up Tequila Mockinbyrd, She Wolf, Riff Raiders, 4 Wall Circus, Breaking Kebabs, Black Bats, Zombie Motors Wrecking Yard, Drunk Mums, I could go on for ages.

4. How would you describe your style?

Dirty Rats play Pub Rock, that's it.  You might know it as Hard Rock, Classic Rock or blues based rock, but we are Australian, so it's Pub Rock.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We released a 4 track EP in 1987 called “Play it Loud”, another EP in 2014 simply called “Dirty Rats”, our current album in 2017 called “Rock n Roll” (now on Sliptrick Records due for international release soon), and a limited release live EP this year called “Live at the Bendigo Hotel”.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

We are always writing and have songs in the works for our next album which we hope to record at the end of the year.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We have always been a band that prides ourselves on our live performance and we are continually playing at pubs and venues throughout Melbourne and Victoria as well as other States of Australia. Hopefully if the album takes off, we will be able to put together a tour overseas in Europe and possibly the US next year.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We plan to continue to write and perform as often as possible to keep our sound tight and our songs current  Nothing is more important to us than getting our stuff out there, either live or recorded, so that everyone can enjoy what we love to create.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All our music is available through iTunes, Amazon or via our website at www.dirtyratsband.com as well as the usual streaming sites such as spotify and independent radio

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

All we want if for people to enjoy our music and party on.  That's really what its all about, getting together with your mates, having a few bevvies and screaming out along with the chorus.  Rock out in