Interview
with The Dirty Three
Who are the members of The Dirty Three?
Warren Ellis violin
Jim White drums
Mick Turner guitar
How did you come together?
We came together 15 years ago to play background music for a friend who bought a pub, and didn't want to play CD's. Mick and Jim had been playing in a band called Venom P Stinger before that.
Where did the name "The Dirty Three" come from?
Mick thought of it, it was a name for a bunch of people who took magic mushrooms and got very drunk
What city do you claim as your hometown?
I live in Paris France, but I must say I am Australian.
What’s your favorite venue to play both in and outside of Boston?
I like the Middle East in Boston and I like the great American music hall in San Francisco
Why? Just good to play at
Where have you toured in the US and elsewhere?
Pretty much all over the world, been in the states 20 odd times and
played from London to Taipei and everywhere in between
Who are the biggest names you’ve performed with?
Bob Dylan and Hoss
What was the most memorable show you played? Why?
The Bakers Arms in Richmond. It was the first place we ever played
as Dirty Three
What message are you trying to get across to your audience?
None, that way we are not misunderstood
Who do you consider to be your influences?
Everyone and everything I have ever loved and despised
Who produced your latest album? Where was it done?
Casey Rice. It was recorded in Melbourne at Sing Sing studios
What, if any, is the message behind your latest album?
Whatever it is, it is positive.
Who is your current record label and management?
We have no management we are on Touch and Go in the US
Bella Union in the UK and in Australia
Anchor and Hope/Remote Control
Distributed by Inertia
Where have you played before this coming Boston show?
No idea, I am in copenhagen at the moment, and I will play in London
next week with Dirty Three performing Ocean Songs a record we recorded last century
Where are you playing afterwards?
No idea New York maybe
What do you want our Boston Live readers to know about you?
Look out we are dangerous and scary. Approach with caution
