The Ditty Bops

The Ditty Bops
Background information
Origin Los Angeles, California, USA
Genres Folk, bluegrass, blues, western swing, ragtime
Years active 2004–2012
Labels independent
Website http://www.thedittybops.com/
Members Abby DeWald, Amanda Barrett
Abby DeWald in 2007
Amanda Barrett in 2007

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

References

  1. Nagy, Evie. "The Ditty Bops". GO! (July 9, 2008). Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  2. "Grey's Anatomy - Various Artists". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  3. Levack, Chandler. "The Ditty Bops". The Village Voice (September 22, 2009).
  4. "A Prairie Home Companion: May 7, 2005". American Public Media. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  5. "A Prairie Home Companion: June 18, 2005". American Public Media. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  6. Billboard Going GREEN
  7. The Ditty Bops MySpace Blog
  8. 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

External links

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