Manchester alt-rock duo Dirty Blonde is composed of Ailis Mackay on vocals and guitar and Hayley Tait on guitar and backing vocals-prove women in rock aren’t just a part of the scene-they’re redefining it.
Since forming in January 2023, this unstoppable duo has quickly risen as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the UK, merging punchy guitar riffs with heartfelt storytelling and an unapologetically bold attitude.
Favourite Record was the title of their debut EP, which shook Manchester’s music scene with a seismic shock upon arrival, reaping critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet refreshingly new alt-rock vibes. Songs such as “Northern Twang” and “Adore Me” showed the ability to craft arena-ready anthemic songs with an indie, pop, and classic rock combination.
This is, of course, no surprise, as the tastemakers at BBC Radio 1 and Radio X have also taken notice; Nels Hylton hails Dirty Blonde as “one of the most exciting bands to come through Future Alternative.”
Now, Dirty Blonde returns with their second effort, the Looking for Trouble EP, due April 17, 2025. The single to lead off, “Polly”, is a grungey sing-along ode to the messiest, most uncontrollable part of falling in love.
The track channels influences such as Pixies and 90s Garbage amidst raw guitar riffs and candid lyrics, which twist in a narrative flair from Taylor Swift. “We wrote “Polly” about that messy, crying on your bathroom floor, unpredictable side of falling in love that no one talks about,” says the band.
The accompanying DIY music video, inspired by Arab-Australian artist Sarah Bahbah, brings the track into focus with yellow lyric captions and intimate visuals. “Polly” cements Dirty Blonde’s place as rising heavyweights in the alt-rock genre, seamlessly blending searing garage punk with vintage rock tropes.
It’s not all studio work though, Dirty Blonde has been tearing it up on the live circuit. Throughout 2023, they ripped through more than 20 festival stages, including the game-changing set at Isle of Wight Festival and stops at The Great Escape, Truck, and Y Not. The live performances of the duo are always electric and tight with heavy riffs, thus making people beg for more.
Not content with just one creative outlet, Dirty Blonde have also unveiled a YouTube series entitled “In Bed With Dirty Blonde”. The series gives fans an insight into the songwriting process and tales from life in the band.
With a UK tour for Independent Venue Week and the album release of Looking for Trouble impending, 2024 is shaping up to be another landmark year for the duo.
Dirty Blonde aren’t making music; they’re making a statement. Classic Rock’s “Ones to Watch for 2025,” this dynamic duo proves authenticity and raw talent are the ultimate game-changers in today’s rock scene.
Check out Dirty Blonde’s new single “Polly” today
#Peace.Love.Polly
