INTERVIEW: The Dip talk Love Direction and Tomato Plants Ahead of Woodstock Show
Photo Provided by Brilliant Corners
“Creating more things, whether you like them or not, is super beneficial to your process and will get you far. Whether it’s making things for yourself, for your friends, for whatever… it’s a big part of being successful.”
If you’ve ever heard any music from The Dip, you already know what kind of night you’re in for: smooth horns, strong vocals, rhythm that makes you want to dance, and lyrics that make you feel. The Seattle-based R&B band has built a reputation for their throwback vibe, stellar songwriting, and live shows that hit in all the right places. The band will be performing at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY this Sunday.
Right now, they’re in a little pocket of calm before the second leg of their tour kicks off, and I had the chance to catch up with lead singer and guitarist Tom Eddy in that sweet in-between.
“We’ve had a pretty chill first part of the year and this will be our first big round of shows, so I’m super excited to play and get out to some other parts of the country,” he tells me. “With touring, balance is key; it’s tough to just keep going, going, going, but I do enjoy the focused nature of it. You’ve got one thing to focus on with taking care of yourself and playing your shows.”
One thing that sets The Dip apart is how tight they are, not just musically but personally. This isn’t some label-assembled group; these guys go way back. Eddy, along with bassist Mark Hunter, and drummer Jarred Katz lived together near the University of Washington and played in an electro-pop band called Beat Connection. Across the alley, the Honeynut Horns–which included Brennan Carter on trumpet, Evan Smith on baritone sax, and Levi Gillis on tenor sax–used to play jazz sets from their balcony. Eventually, the groups merged, and The Dip was born. Jace Holmes-Floyd was added into the mix on keys.
“We’ve been doing it for so long that we know where everyone’s sweet spot is. Socially, we can definitely pick up on everybody’s cues, and that’s very crucial, you know? We get along really well.”
As for how the music actually comes together, lyrically Eddy writes the majority, but song concepts often come from different members. “Usually, people come in with a pretty clear idea,” Eddy says. “From there, it kind of evolves as everyone adds their part. We rarely just get in a room and jam. I think lately people have been really into the craft of songwriting, so things tend to start from somewhere and evolve.”
The Dip has always had a sound that pays homage to the past, but that homage never cages their music in or limits their creativity. I find that they allow themselves to feel and to play, and that’s really where the magic happens.
“In the beginning, we definitely tried to do a retro thing,” Eddy explains. “But now, after chasing that sound in our recording process, I’ve found that people are more into just making music and seeing where it lands, you know?”
Their new album, Love Direction, shows just how much they’ve grown. It’s the band’s fourth full-length record and second on Dualtone; it leans into deeper emotional territory without losing their signature vibe.
“It’s kind of out of left field for us stylistically,” Eddy says, “but we liked it. It’s been cool to see people connecting with the songs and the stories… I also think there’s a whole group of people who didn’t know about our music before, and by the weirdness of the internet they were like, ‘Oh wow I like this song, I like this band,’ and Love Direction gets to be the first thing they’ve heard from us.”
I know what you might think when you hear the name Love Direction, but it isn’t some dreamy, heart-eyed soundtrack. It leans into the weird, complicated space that exists once the honeymoon phase fades; when love isn’t just a feeling but something you have to navigate. It's not about falling for someone, it’s about sticking around, messing up, learning how to show up better, and figuring out what it takes to stay connected. It's honest.
Before we wrap, I ask Eddy if he has any advice for people just starting in music. He pauses, then says: “I think it would be to be more prolific, to emphasize and think about how often you’re making music. Looking back, by creating more and being less precious about those things, creating more things, whether you like them or not, is super beneficial to your process and will get you far. Whether it’s making things for yourself, for your friends, for whatever, it’s an important part, and I think it’s a big part of being successful.”
As for what’s next? “Honestly,” he laughs, “I’m taking it easy, man. I’ve got some tomato plants. I love to garden, and these tomato plants are going crazy, so I think it’s a good start, and I’m excited for the summer.
“We’re always looking to make more music and collaborate more. That’s the direction we’re heading in–-to just keep growing.”
With Love Direction, it’s clear: they’re moving forward, heart first.
You can catch The Dip at The Bearsville Theater Performing Arts Center at 291 Tinker Street in Woodstock, NY on Sunday, April 13. For tickets, visit https://bearsvilletheater.com/event/the-dip-love-direction-tour-part-ii
