The Ditty Bops
The Ditty Bops | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Genres | Folk, bluegrass, country, blues, western swing, ragtime |
Years active | 2004–2012 |
Labels | independent |
Website | http://www.thedittybops.com/ |
Members | Abby DeWald, Amanda Barrett |
The Ditty Bops is an American band from Los Angeles, California. Though previously with Warner Brothers, they now self-produce. They are noted for their tight vocal harmonies and playful style. They are headed by Abby DeWald (vocals and acoustic guitar) and Amanda Barrett (vocals, ukulele, mandolin and dulcimer). Their music is reminiscent of such artists as Joni Mitchell and Simon and Garfunkel, but incorporates a variety of musical styles such as folk, bluegrass, blues, western swing, ragtime and musical theater. Their live shows are often very interactive, and have different themes and theatrical elements complete with props, costumes, skits, and amusing slide shows.
History
Romantically involved since 1999, DeWald and Barrett met in New York City but formed The Ditty Bops years later after a hunt for a neighbor's lost cat. When they unwittingly crossed into the backyard of a stranger, they discovered that he was a musician and an avid guitar collector. He encouraged them to form a band and start playing.[1]
Their music has been included on the ABC show Grey's Anatomy, including "There's a Girl," which is featured on the show's soundtrack CD.[2] The band has also appeared on The L Word.[3]
The Ditty Bops have appeared twice on Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor: May 7, 2005 from Mitchell, South Dakota[4] and June 18, 2005 from Highland Park, Illinois.[5]
From May 23 through September 2, 2006, the Ditty Bops embarked on a cross-country tour by bicycle to promote the release of their second album, Moon Over the Freeway, while advocating a call-to-action about pollution and energy conservation. They traveled from Los Angeles to New York City, logging 4,502.75 miles.[6]
In October 2008, Abby and Amanda announced their marriage in California via an e-mail message to their fans and MySpace Blog.[7]
Bob Dylan's 2009 Christmas Album " Christmas in the Heart" features the duo.[8]
Discography
- The Ditty Bops (CD) – Warner Bros. Records – 2004
- Moon Over The Freeway (CD) – Warner Bros. Records – 2006
- Pack Rat (EP) – Ditty Bops Music – 2007
- Summer Rains (CD) – Ditty Bops Music – 2008
- Songs for Steve (EP) – Ditty Bops Music – 2009
- The Color Album (EP) – Ditty Bops Music – 2010
- Love Letters (CD) – Ditty Bops Music – 2011
- Jelly for President - Yes We Jam (CD) – Ditty Bops Music – 2011
References
- ↑ Nagy, Evie. "The Ditty Bops". GO! (July 9, 2008). Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ↑ "Grey's Anatomy - Various Artists". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ↑ Levack, Chandler. "The Ditty Bops". The Village Voice (September 22, 2009).
- ↑ "A Prairie Home Companion: May 7, 2005". American Public Media. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ↑ "A Prairie Home Companion: June 18, 2005". American Public Media. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ↑ Billboard Going GREEN
- ↑ The Ditty Bops MySpace Blog
- ↑ This year, Amanda and Abby sang with Bob Dylan on his new album Christmas in the Heart, with royalties from sales being donated to Feeding America to provide meals to millions of people in need.Source: Ditty Bops' Myspace
Interviews
- ThoughtWorthy Media Interview with The Ditty Bops (38:04)
- The Advocate: "Gotta have my Bops"
- "Folkscene", 2005-11-13, KPFK
External links
- Official website
- Official Facebook Page -For most current news and info from the band itself
- The Ditty Bops at The Rock Hard Times, comprehensive discography, music videos, mp3s
- The Ditty Bops collection at the Internet Archive's live music archive
- Interview with music from The Ditty Bops
- The Ditty Bops on Last.fm
- Interview with Amanda Barrett on Sepiachord