This I Dig: The Grit and Groove of Modern Garage Rock

This I Dig is an American garage rock band known for its raw, riff-driven sound and energetic live performances. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, the group broke through with their 2018 album Unearthing, which charted on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and solidified their reputation as a potent force in the contemporary rock scene.

Early career

Formed in 2013, This I Dig emerged from the fertile Detroit rock underground, a scene historically known for its gritty authenticity. The founding members, vocalist/guitarist Ray Vance and drummer Leo Shaw, bonded over a shared love for 60s garage and 70s proto-punk, initially playing DIY shows in basements and small clubs.

Their self-released debut EP, Static Fade, arrived in 2015, catching the ear of local independent label Motor City Sound. This led to their first proper studio sessions and a growing regional following, built through relentless touring across the Midwest.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of their first full-length album, Unearthing, on Motor City Sound. The album's lead single gained traction on college and alternative rock radio, driving Unearthing to number 12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and moving over 10,000 units in its first year.

This success was amplified by a support slot on a national tour with established rock acts, exposing This I Dig to wider audiences. The album's raw production and anthemic hooks were praised by critics for capturing the spirit of classic garage rock with a modern urgency.

Key tracks

Rusted Gears — This breakout single defined their signature sound with its driving rhythm and catchy, distorted guitar hook.

Motor Mind — A fan favorite at live shows, this track showcases their dynamic range, building from a tense verse to a explosive, feedback-drenched chorus.

Concrete Bloom — Featured in several television sports segments, this instrumental cut highlighted the band's tight musicianship and groove-oriented side.

Unearthing — The album's title track became a staple of their setlist, known for its extended, psychedelic-tinged bridge during concerts.

Following their breakthrough, This I Dig maintained a steady output, releasing the EP Short Circuit in 2020. They collaborated with producer David Kessler, known for his work with raw rock acts, who helped refine their sound without sacrificing its essential energy.

Their sophomore album, Voltage Flux, arrived in 2022, debuting at number 8 on the Heatseekers chart. The record featured a guest vocal appearance from fellow Detroit rocker Marianne Cole on the track Two-Way Mirror, adding a new texture to their sonic palette.

Fans of This I Dig's high-energy, riff-centric approach also frequently enjoy the work of The Stooges for their foundational proto-punk aggression. The blues-inflected rock of The White Stripes shares a similar minimalist intensity and Detroit pedigree. Listeners are also drawn to the modern garage revivalism of Ty Segall and the driving rhythms of Radio Mosquito.

The music of This I Dig maintains a strong presence on rock radio formats, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven music. Their tracks are regularly featured in rotation alongside both classic and contemporary rock acts, ensuring their gritty anthems reach dedicated listeners.

You can hear the powerful garage rock of This I Dig on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography and experience the raw energy that defines their sound, broadcast directly through our curated selection of rock-focused stations.