Diamond Dust

If classic rock had a love child with a singer-songwriter, you would expect the result to be strange, disturbing even. Somehow, when you listen to Diamond Dust’s debut album, the lines get blurred and what seem to be two completely opposite genres collide and melt into something that is actually quite extraordinary.

Opposites do attract and this is exactly how this story is told; A sweet-voiced singer-songwriter simply named Jo, meets a free-spirited rock n’ roll guitar player, nick-named, Riffer and through the push and pull action they come up with something very magical. The difference in musical opinions has finally settled somewhere near the middle to create Diamond Dust, the band’s first self-titled album.

So Diamond Dust isn’t your typical rock band, nor is it a cookie cutter country, folk or even pop band. The dilemma led the band to consider its very existence from inception. Where can you go if you don’t really fit in anywhere completely, but sorta fit everywhere at the same time? One producer calls it Led Zeppelin meets Sarah McLachlan, others compare them to Edie Brickell, Sheryl Crow or even Jewel but with some “humf”. So the solution? Go everywhere, because you sorta fit in there!

At first glance, Diamond Dust might appear and feel a little retro. Their absolute love for the 60’s and 70’s music is blatantly apparent, and in their opinion, they don’t make music like that anymore and it’s a crying shame. So in the spirit of "real music", all throughout the process of recording their debut album, they used only actual physical instruments with vintage gear to record them. They also categorically refused to have any sort of loops or modern trickery done to their songs. They even went as far as renting a vintage tape machine and buying the required tape rolls to run the entire record through tape to give it an added warmth and vintage feel.

The band has been on tour across North America since the release of their debut album in June 2011.

Diamond Dust's self-titled debut album has made a triumphant entry on the underground music scene being called "A very impressive debut" that "reminds on of peak period Led Zeppelin". The Independent Florida Alligator calls it "reminiscent of classic rock (...) with grooving bass and catchy riffs". New Slang calls it "gritty rock that seems to ooze out the very soul of that famously defining era of revolution, love and peace". The Plainsman Press writes to be: "stunned by this unique voice" and that "With the great combination of vocals and guitar (Diamond Dust) seem to have found the perfect match".

In March of 2012, another big step in the bands music career occurred when Diamond Dust signed a major management deal with Clouddancing Artist Management Company out of Washington State with big plans of continuing extensive touring across North America and abroad and recording a second album in the Summer of 2012.

Opening for Diamond Dust is Melanie Dekker. Canadian born (June 1st, Calgary) Melanie Dekker loves to share her music. She'll tease you, unease you and sometimes play ten more just to please you. You'll never see the same show twice, as they are spontaneous and musically diverse. A variety of very pro accompanists tour with her (from Violinists to Electric guitarists).

She’s performed for President William J. Clinton, shared the stage with Diana Krall, Faith Hill & Bryan Adams, and she was up for humanitarian artist & video of the year at the LA Music Awards 2008. Over Christmas 2009 Dekker went to Afghanistan to sing for the Canadian & US troops. In between touring in 2010 she recorded an uplifting & colourful new album called "Here & Now"; the songs carry messages she pondered throughout her travels. In the past two years (2010/11) she has played about 200 concerts. There were shows in Finland, USA, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Czech Republic and Canada.

Mel energizes her audiences with the way she delivers the playful and potent messages in her songs. Often she is writing about attraction, longing and confusion, and in some pieces you can hear insights about darkness becoming lighter or where comedy can meet tragedy. Her percussive style guitar playing accompanies her most of the time though some of her most touching ballads are performed both a cappella and on piano. With "a voice like chocolate", one can hear some of her influences, which include story-tellers like Tracy Chapman, Emmylou Harris, Billy Joel and Sheryl Crow.

“It feels great to be on the edge of wonder and even better to capture it." ... Melanie
Saturday, September 1, 9pm. At the Red Bicycle, 17618 Vashon Hwy Phone 206-463-5959
 This is another FREE cover show and all-ages 'til 11pm, 21+ after that.