Dye-ing to Be Heard: Kym Gets to Know The Newest Young Band in Newport

A fresh, exciting punk rock band is making waves in Newport, and they’re called HairDye! 

Formed in August 2024, this group of talented young musicians is already carving out their own unique sound and playing high-energy gigs across the city. The band – made up of Dakota (vocals), Penny (bass guitar), Tom (guitar), and Rhys (drums) – recently joined Kym on Newport City Radio for an in-depth chat about their music, their influences, and what’s coming up next for them.

The name HairDye was actually the brainchild of Tom, the band’s drummer, who himself, rocks a funky hairstyle!

 “I came up with the name and threw it out there,” Tom explained. “Dakota has this amazing jade green hair, so it just felt right.” Dakota, and the rest of the band were quick to approve. “I loved it immediately,” Dakota said with a grin. “It just fits the vibe we’re going for.”

Despite being together for only a few months, HairDye has already performed three live gigs, including a memorable set at the 2024 Newport Food Festival on the Sunday afternoon. Their setlist is a mix of punk rock covers from iconic bands like Green Day and Nirvana, as well as their own original material, with Dakota taking the lead in writing the lyrics.

 “I mostly write the lyrics,” she shared. “But the rest of the band is so involved in creating the music – we all bring ideas for melodies, riffs, and rhythms. It’s a really collaborative process.”

The band’s influences are as diverse as their musical talents. When Kym asked them what they grew up listening to, the answers ranged from The Beatles to pop and, of course, punk rock. “I grew up listening to pop and classic rock,” Rys explained. All the band agreed that, punk was an escape. It just always felt so raw and real.

The members of HairDye are currently students, either at local high schools or at Cross Keys College, where they study music and music production. Their passion for music runs deep, and their recent progress in songwriting and performance shows that they are serious about what they do. “We’re still figuring out who we are as a band,” said Dakota, “but we’ve got some great ideas for new songs, and we’re looking forward to recording soon.”

In the New Year, HairDye is planning to hit the studio to record some of their original material, which Newport City Radio is excited to feature. “We’re really looking forward to getting into the studio,” said Penny.  “We’ve got some great ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with everyone.”

Newport City Radio is proud to support grassroots music in South Wales, and we’re thrilled to be following HairDye’s journey. Their energy, creativity, and drive make them a band to watch in 2024 and beyond. Be sure to catch them live at two exciting upcoming shows:

• The Corn Exchange in Newport City Centre on December 5th
• Le Pub on December 20th

Tickets for both gigs are available now, so don’t miss out on the chance to see Hair Dye live in action. It’s bound to be a night full of great music, punk rock spirit, and plenty of energy!

HairDye is a band with a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to hear more of their music. Stay tuned to Newport City Radio for updates and to hear their latest tracks as they continue to make their mark on the South Wales music scene.

Tickets for HairDye’s upcoming shows are available now, so grab yours and support local music!

https://cornexchangenewport.gigantic.com/loud-and-local-tickets/newport-the-corn-exchange/2024-12-05-19-00

By Kym Frederick