Artist info
Genre
Hip Hop, Metal, Punk, Rock
band members
Christopher Mackertich - Vocals Jordan McQuitty - Guitar Sam Yates - Guitar Aiden Zovic - Bass Horhay Delalopez - Drums
Influences
Trash Talk, Eminem, Killswitch Engage, System of a Down
Website
Bio
DREGG make powerfully energetic music, driven by themes of fierce individualism, with a sound that hungrily consumes metal, hardcore, and rap, only to heave it back up in a colourful rainbow of bombastic brutality and iconoclastic absurdity, lovingly fed to the audience like mother birds. The Melbourne, Australia fivesome is thrillingly provocative, occasionally disturbing, and filled with hip-hop swagger. The medium is the message, in their music, their tongue-in-cheek videos, and the exaggerated manifestations of each member’s “id” presented via elaborate theatrical costumes.
Imagine Eminem, fronting Mr. Bungle, while sipping absinthe, after an Oscar Wilde binge. Or Hatebreed, covering the Wu-Tang Clan, inside an art installation, curated by Andy Warhol’s ghost. DREGG take the piss out of all of the bullshit, like an episode of South Park set to metalcore.
While there are clearly creative cues taken from hyper-charged outfits like System Of A Down and Rage Against The Machine, DREGG skew neither far left nor far right on the political spectrum. Instead, they occupy a firm place outside of the argument, one of satire and critique.
Painted faces, crazy masks, discordant visuals; no matter how weird, DREGG offers much more than shock value. This is music and art intended to provoke and inspire. If there’s one major takeaway intended for the audience, it’s to unleash the weirdo within. DREGG aim to push the boundaries of self-expression, open up conversations, and the move the crowd while they do it.
“I’ll be a DREGG till I’m dead,” the band declares. Will you?
Get to know our UNIFY comp winners, DREGG.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I guess we just jammed out and talked about what we wanted to create and came to a conclusion after trialling a bunch of different styles!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The power of creativity. Knowing every time we sit down to write, that it's possible for us to create something completely new.
What can punters expect from a DREGG live show?
Something you've never seen before. It's funny, it's serious, it's dark, it's light-hearted. It's a bit of everything. We're there to entertain mentally, musically and visually.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I'm a barber and when I was an apprentice at Culture Kings I was lucky enough to give the Aussie rapper 360 a haircut. I'll never forget him telling me how things didn't start happening for him until he learned to enjoy every success, whether it be small or huge.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Be Like You' by Esoterik.
What Australian track would you play someone to make them cry?
'Tiny Angel' by 360.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Fire' by Ivan Ooze.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Invasion Fest, it was awesome! A whole bunch of homies were playing and it just had the best vibe.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
I'd say it's the scene as a whole. I only moved to Melbourne 3 years ago and one thing I've really noticed here is how all the different music scenes get along. It's dope!
What are your plans for 2018?
Hopefully a bunch of tours! We haven't toured off our new release yet so it would be awesome to get out there and take these songs on the road. Would love to get another song or 2 out as well!
Review
Forget chopped ans screwed, when Dregg get in the studio slice and dice mood it's chewed up! Another incendiary moment for this fearless Australian act.
Forget chopped ans screwed, when Dregg get in the studio slice and dice mood it's chewed up! Another incendiary moment for this fearless Australian act.
Review
Powerful sludgy riffs and chaotic energy. Classically DREGG.
Powerful sludgy riffs and chaotic energy. Classically DREGG.
Review
references to Sesame Street are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unexpected curveballs jam-packed into this in-ya-face anthem.
references to Sesame Street are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unexpected curveballs jam-packed into this in-ya-face anthem.
