EP: “The Nightmare Of The Lonely Bard” by Dixie Dix & Rebel Pixies
Once in a while, an artist comes along on the local scene and shakes things up a bit—full of ambition and a desire to push original artists to the next level. Dixie Dix, with their alternative heart, is a singer-songwriter, promoter, and all-round purveyor of positivity. They have been involved in the music industry from a young age, beginning in musical theatre and classical music before progressing into song writing.
Dixie has been gigging for the last three years after completing an HNC in Music Performance at Bournemouth and Poole College. Their music does not fit neatly into one genre; with acoustic punky riffs and dark, melodic fingerpicking introductions, Dixie shares personal stories of struggles with mental illness, addiction, and gender identity. Though each song is filled with pain, it also carries a hopeful light, looking toward a future of freedom.
Dixie and their backing band, The Rebel Pixies, have released their debut EP The Nightmare of the Lonely Bard. With a mix of catchy hooks and Dixie’s musical theatre roots, Dixie and The Rebel Pixies’ sets are interspersed with comedic and punk-rap-inspired songs, poking fun at aristocracy while shining a light on the issues of today. Dixie and The Rebel Pixies will make you laugh, cry, and sing. Their influences include Frank Turner, The Brobecks, and Queen.
The EP was recorded with Matt Black at Hangover Hill and features a range of musicians from rock, metal, and indie backgrounds, with Dixie playing acoustic guitar and piano to accompany their vocals. The musicians featured are Chris Payn (guitar, bass, and piano), Pip Sampson (drums), Marty Barrett (bass), Ed Lee (electric guitar), and Andrei Dipper (drums).
The EP opens with a simple fingerpicked guitar introduction on a song called Coffee. Dixie’s voice impresses from the outset with its theatrical style. Though simplistic, the track has plenty to offer and showcases their song writing ability.
With the seemingly autobiographical 21st Fucked Up Century Teen up next, things take quite a different turn, with an injection of youthful energy and teenage angst. The instrumentation has a 50s feel combined with an infectious pace. The lyrics come from the point of view of an adolescent, capturing both the thrills and frustrations that age brings.
Track three, Bottle of Wine, returns to the one-musician, one-guitar format that Dixie excels at. Like a troubadour, their voice and guitar work together in beautiful unison, delivering the song right to the heart of the listener.
This style continues with Smoking Kills, where the acoustic guitar is entwined with subtle rhythms as the song euphorically builds and builds. The evocative vocal reminds listeners of the health pitfalls of smoking and drinking, along with the consequences attached to them.
Perfect Girl is a touching track that lyrically explores the struggles of modern life and the challenge of establishing your place in today’s social world. Once again, listeners are treated to delightful vocals and simple plucked guitar work. The final track is a reprise edit of 21st Fucked Up Century Teen, with the explicit language removed to make it suitable for radio.
With The Nightmare of the Lonely Bard, Dixie Dix proves they are an artist unafraid to wear their heart on their sleeve while taking listeners on an emotional and unforgettable journey. Raw, heartfelt, and packed with personality, Dixie Dix and The Rebel Pixies have delivered a debut that leaves a lasting impression. This is a debut EP that showcases an artist with honesty, heart, and plenty of promise for the future.
The Nightmare Of The Lonely Bard is out now on all major streaming platforms
Track-Listing
Coffee
21st Fucked Up Century Teen
Bottle of wine
Smoking Kills
Perfect girl
Bonus track – NFG (21st fucked up century teen radio edit)
Links
https://www.dixiedixmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/people/Dixie-Dix-Music/100083048753130/
Article By David Chinery (Chinners)
