MAGAZINERADIOSHOP
LOG INSUBSCRIBE
2018-08-15
Written by Sofia Martinez
The animated series "Dirty Nice" follows the adventures of a punk rock band as they travel through time and space in their custom spaceship. With its unique blend of humor, action, and heart, the show has garnered a loyal following among fans of animation and music.
The Visual Universe Behind Dirty Nice: A Conversation with Charlie Pelling
As a composer and musician, Charlie Pelling is no stranger to creating immersive experiences for his audience. Best known for his work on the critically acclaimed stop-motion animated series "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared," Pelling has now turned his attention to music with his new project, Dirty Nice. Alongside musician Mark Thompson, Dirty Nice operates almost like a mini-televisual channel, churning out unique shows and music videos that are as visually striking as they are sonically innovative.
In the lead-up to the release of its second album, Surrenderland, the musical duo has been putting out a fair few music videos. Each one is unique in theme and style – one explores ownership and material possessions, another delves into the world of social media obsession, while a third takes viewers on a surreal journey through a fantastical landscape. These videos are not just random musings; they're carefully crafted episodes that flesh out the Dirty Nice universe.
A Universe of Its Own
When asked about the inspiration behind this visual approach, Pelling explained that he's always been fascinated by the relationship between music and television. "I think there's something special about watching a narrative unfold on screen, whether it's through animation or live-action," he said. "With Dirty Nice, we wanted to create our own little world – one that would invite listeners in and encourage them to explore." The result is an immersive experience that feels both intimate and expansive.
Musically, Surrenderland promises to be just as visually stunning as its predecessors. With a sound that's equal parts jangly indie rock and cinematic electronic score, Dirty Nice is set to transport listeners on a sonic journey that's both captivating and unsettling. While details about the album are still scarce, one thing is certain: with Pelling at the helm, Surrenderland will be an event not to be missed.
A Creative Partnership
At the heart of Dirty Nice lies a creative partnership between two musicians who share a passion for innovative storytelling. Mark Thompson brings his own unique musical voice to the table – a fusion of post-punk energy and atmospheric electronica that perfectly complements Pelling's sonic vision. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Thompson described working with Pelling as "a dream come true." "Charlie has this incredible talent for storytelling, but he also has an ear for music that's just infectious," Thompson said. "When we're in the studio together, it's like magic happens – songs start to come together in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable."
A New Era of Indie Storytelling
In an era where streaming services are vying for our attention with their endless playlists and algorithm-driven recommendations, Dirty Nice represents something new: a commitment to immersive storytelling that feels both old-school and forward-thinking. By creating its own little world – complete with its own shows, music videos, and sonic universe – the duo is challenging the very notion of what it means to be an "indie" band in the 21st century.
For Pelling, this approach represents a return to his roots as a composer and animator. "I've always believed that storytelling should be about exploring ideas, not just selling records," he said. With Dirty Nice, Pelling has found a way to share his vision with an even wider audience – one that's willing to immerse itself in the world of Surrenderland.
Looking Ahead
As the release date for Surrenderland draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating what's in store. With its unique blend of sonic innovation and visual storytelling, Dirty Nice is poised to become one of the most exciting new voices on the indie scene. Whether you're a longtime fan of Pelling or Thompson – or simply someone who's always been curious about the world behind a favorite song – Surrenderland promises to be an event not to be missed.
In the end, it's clear that Dirty Nice represents something bigger than just a band – it's a movement. A commitment to storytelling in all its forms. And with Pelling and Thompson at the helm, there's no doubt that this mini-televisual channel will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
The Surrenderland Experience
While we wait for Surrenderland to arrive, one thing is certain: Dirty Nice has already given us a taste of what's possible when music and visual storytelling come together in perfect harmony. With its unique approach to album marketing – which includes an immersive website experience that invites visitors to explore the world of Surrenderland – Pelling and Thompson have set a new standard for the indie scene.
As we count down to the release date, one thing is certain: Dirty Nice will be an event not to be missed. With its unique blend of sonic innovation and visual storytelling, this mini-televisual channel is poised to capture our imaginations in ways we never thought possible.