Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
The Dirty South, released in select theaters and digitally on November 10th, is a feature film complete with a crime/action narrative. Directed by Matthew Yerby and produced by VP Independent’s Andrew Vogel & Suzann Toni Petrongolo, the film stands as a testament to the power of determination and vision in bringing a unique story to life. But what truly sets this project apart is its independent production and remarkable soundtrack, a musical journey that captures the essence of Southern culture.
Behind this creative endeavor is Tyler Forrest, an artist, composer, and songwriter, who contributed to writing and composing much of the film’s soundtrack. Tyler’s journey in the world of music has been guided by a profound passion. He believes in going wherever the music takes him, a philosophy that led him to the creation of the soundtrack for The Dirty South. Alongside Tyler, Blake Phillips lead the charge as the soundtrack’s Executive Producer. Blake’s connections from LA to Nashville and Mexico City allowed for the soundtrack to be enveloped with talent throughout the tracklist such as Brantley Gilbert, Jelly Roll, Reyli Barba and others. It was important for Blake to equip the project with additional firepower when he signed on to collaborate. “The business is fickle. I knew we had a great product but wanted to turn the screws and make sure we had lasting interest. Reaching out to collaborate with Big Machine Records and some of our other colleagues, we were able to deliver something special. Working with some very talented artists on the come-up like Devan Zorn and Harrison Steele from my hometown was equally rewarding. Very grateful to Tyler, Andrew, Matt and Suzann for trusting me with this amazing project.”
Pictured: Tyler Forrest and Blake Phillips
The Dirty South Soundtrack is a blend of original compositions, licensed music, and songs performed by local artists, making it an authentic reflection of the film’s setting and themes. The collaboration between Tyler Forrest and Matthew Yerby, the film’s director, was nothing short of magical. They transformed a camp on the shores of Lake St. Catherine outside New Orleans into an impromptu recording studio, where the creative process unfolded.
What sets The Dirty South Soundtrack apart is not just the inclusion of established artists but also the opportunity it provides to up and coming talents. The album features a mix of renowned names like Dorothy and Jessta Jamesalongside younger, emerging artists including Kori Lynn, Devan Zorn, Harrison Steele, Mus Gillum & Spencer Brunson. This unique blend of talent adds depth and diversity to the musical experience, making it a must-listen for fans of rock, country music and beyond. Asked how it was possible to garner the interest from so many notable industry professionals, Tyler responded: “The film is so authentic. The music is awesome. But most importantly, the community behind the project is even greater. It also doesn’t hurt to have a rolodex like the one Blake has. He really helped amplify the whole thing.”
The film itself has already garnered recognition, with a recent win for “Best Cinematography” (Jess Dunlap, DP) at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York City. This award surely highlights the dedication and hard work put in by the entire team behind The Dirty South. Not to mention the film took five years from script to completion.
The Dirty South film and soundtrack are a testament to the power of collaboration in independent filmmaking and music production. The soundtrack is a true celebration of the film’s spirit and the remarkable journey of its creators. Alongside the film, The Dirty South Soundtrack was released on November 10th and we invite audiences to embark on a musical journey, where passion and creativity converge to create something truly extraordinary.
What’s Next?
Tyler Forrest has exciting plans for his music career. He is set to release his debut album, “Motherland,” in 2024. His music is a unique fusion of southern country roots with new R&B-inspired sounds, a genre he calls “Neo-Country.” With his distinctive style and dedication to the craft, Tyler’s future in the music industry looks promising.
Be sure to listen to The Dirty South Soundtrack below:
https://ingrv.es/the-dirty-south-zyx-h
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.