The Dirty Diamond is comprised of some of the finest and most sought-after musicians in Los Angeles. Guitarist Fernando Perdomo is a producer and session multi-instrumentalist who has toured and recorded with Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Todd Rundgren, and to name a few. Drummer Shay Godwin tours the world with the amazing Andra Day. Bassist Derek Frank currently tours with Gwen Stefani and the legendary Shania Twain. Underneath the intense outer layer of the music is a massive amount of heart and soul, culled from the essence of timeless and boundless rock songwriting, provided by their frontman, Sam Babayan, and his shaman-like essence in understanding the trials and tribulations of what makes life tick.
As The Dirty Diamond, the band has headlined some of the most notable venues in L.A., including The Troubadour, House Of Blues, The Viper Room, Roxy, The El Rey, and the Greek Theatre, to name a few.
Their new record, From The Stars, was recorded in the legendary Bell Sound Studios in Los Angeles, where icons including Johnny Cash, Stephen Stills and Brian Wilson have created some of their most memorable works. The band’s live sound is captured perfectly, as the basic tracks were recorded live. Vintage equipment was used on every song, giving From The Stars an ageless feel throughout all 10 passionately performed tracks.
Glide is proud to premiere “Death of My Ego” (below) from The Dirty Diamond – their second single off the upcoming LP. Like The Black Crowes, The Dirty Diamond combines emotionally charged lyrics with the blues-based rock that culminates in sublime songcraft.
“This song came from and experience of me going out into the desert, drinking ayahuasca with a very interesting group of people, diving deep and having a major ego death…the dissolving of self,” says Babayan. “I came back home after that epic weekend and this song poured out of me in five minutes sitting on my kitchen floor the following evening. During the recording session for this track, we were joined by Durga McBroom (of Pink Floyd fame) who did the background vocals on this song.”
The band recently released their first single “Going Through Changes,” featuring Andra Day on vocals.
“It was truly an honor and joy to do this song with The Dirty Diamond,” shares Andra Day. “I saw them live first and was blown away, so when the opportunity to do this song with them came up, I was on it. They’re musically brilliant and soulful. I connected to the song right away sonically and spiritually. The lyrics really elicit a feeling of being on a precipice but help to turn falling into a leap of faith. They bring peace to such an uncomfortable moment.”
One Response
This song is so damn good. Sam is a damn fine artist.