How ‘The Dirt Man’ Blew Up on TikTok and Started Some Crazy Trends
If you’ve been seeing a lot of TikToks lately about “The Dirt Man,” don’t worry, you’re not alone. Carter Vail’s 30-second song has sparked covers, jokes, and even its own DirtMan universe. Gizmodo caught up with Vail, a 27-year-old musician from LA, to chat about his viral hit and what it’s like to make music in the age of TikTok.
The Rise of “The Dirt Man”
Vail: I realized “The Dirt Man” was going viral about three days after I posted it. People were asking for it on Spotify and someone even recognized me in public. It was clear this one was doing well.
Gizmodo: Do you have any favorite covers or interpretations of the song?
Vail: There have been so many great ones, like someone made a hilarious video and there’s even a character sheet for Dirt Man. It’s been a blast to see how creative people can get with it.
Musical Style and Influences
Gizmodo: How would you describe your musical style overall?
Vail: For my Spotify records, I’d say it’s indie rock. But for stuff on Instagram and TikTok, I like to play around with different genres. “Dirt Man” is like bossa nova with lo-fi bedroom production elements. It’s funny how those songs I write quickly end up doing the best.
Gizmodo: Who has influenced you musically?
Vail: Bands like Vampire Weekend and Weezer who mix humor with serious music have been big influences. Growing up, Barenaked Ladies was a favorite of mine for their funny songs.
And for those wondering about a national tour, stay tuned. Vail has a show in LA coming up, and you can find his music on (music platform link) and stream his work on platforms like (streaming platforms list).
