HIGHSPEEDDIRT was formed in 2001 by Marco Maraschi (vocals), Federico Dick (bass), Stefano Motta (drums), and Domenico Santoro (guitar).
The band cut their teeth on the local circuit, paying homage to their heroes with high-energy covers of hard rock classics from Deep Purple, AC/DC, Skid Row, Iron Maiden and Rainbow, while developing their own distinctive sound influenced by powerhouse acts like Gotthard, Van Halen, and Scorpions. Some of their teenage punk roots also flow into the river of their influences.
After years of perfecting their craft on stage in small clubs, HIGHSPEEDDIRT took their first step into original territory with their debut full-length album 'Playing Hard' in May 2012. The album earned acclaim in the local scene, establishing them as more than just a cover band.
Life, including weddings and the arrival of nine children between the four members, brought new inspiration to the band's creative process. Despite the challenges of balancing family life with music (proving more prolific in parenthood than record releases, as the band jokes), HIGHSPEEDDIRT's passion for hard rock never wavered. This determination led to the release of the EP 'Unbearable' in 2016, showcasing their evolution as songwriters and musicians.
Building on this momentum, the band released their second full-length album 'Modern Slavery' in 2018, further cementing their reputation in the hard rock scene.
Now, HIGHSPEEDDIRT is poised to release their most ambitious work to date, 'Lighthouse', scheduled for late 2024.
Through marriages, parenthood, and life's various challenges, HIGHSPEEDDIRT has remained committed to crafting authentic, powerful hard rock. Their journey from playing covers in local venues to creating their own musical legacy proves that genuine passion for music knows no boundaries.
The band continues to channel the spirit of their influences while forging their own path in the modern hard rock landscape, demonstrating that great rock 'n' roll is as much about perseverance as it is about talent.
Rock on,
Marco, Ste, Dome, and Fede
HIGHSPEEDDIRT