Durry: From TikTok Spark to DIY Rock n’ Roll
- Bobby Shoes
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
When a casual recording from a 2020 lockdown unexpectedly goes viral on TikTok, it can amplify the creative destiny of an entire band. That’s exactly what happened with Durry—a group formed during turbulent times that has transformed into a tight-knit collective of family, passion, and DIY ingenuity.
In a recent conversation with WaterWave TV, Austin Durry opened up about the band's rapid ascent into the spotlight, the importance of genuine self-expression, and a peek into the vision behind their DIY ethos.
An Unexpected TikTok Moment
Durry’s journey began with what many might have dismissed as a fleeting social media moment. The brother and sister duo- Austin and Taryn Durry casually recorded a demo for the song Who's Laughing Now during the lockdown—a time when creative projects sprouted as a much-needed outlet during isolation. But when it exploded on TikTok, the effect was instantaneous and profound.
“We never saw it coming. One moment, we were simply experimenting, and the next, our track was being shared by thousands. We had to record and release it within 24 hours,” recalled Austin, capturing the urgency and raw energy of that moment.
Following the virality, they realized things were really starting to happen right away, so with Austin's wife Ashley having recently learned to play bass during the lockdown, and their drummer Dane Hoppe joining the ranks, they evolved from a sibling duo into a full-fledged band. The virality had amplified their momentum. Helping them push toward an unconventional music path they had already been shaping. It led to fast-tracking management deals, the assembly of a dedicated distribution team, and ultimately paved the way for their debut album in 2023. From that chance moment on, the band was propelled into the realm of seriousness—and they were determined to honor the energy that propelled them forward.
Crafting Identity Amid the Chaos
Many might assume that skyrocketing success on social media would define a band's identity, but for Durry, it was merely one chapter in a carefully curated story. Since before the TikTok explosion, the band had been shaping their brand.
“We already had an identity, built on simplicity and a cohesive aesthetic. The color yellow, for instance, has been a simple yet powerful emblem of our vibe,” explained Durry. The previous musical chapter—reflected in the echoes of Austin’s former band, Coyote Kid—laid a foundation that enriched the authenticity of what Durry would become.
This independent spirit permeates every part of the band’s narrative. It’s a story of balancing chance with preparation—of being ready for destiny when it shows up on your digital doorstep. And while the social media moment was the catalyst, it was the careful attention to image and sonic value that serves as the cornerstone for their ongoing journey.
In the past, Austin Durry's experience with Coyote Kid built immersive, cinematic worlds—he describes it like crafting the films you want to watch. In contrast, Durry flips the lens inward, focusing on raw, personal storytelling. In a way it is as if he is stepping outside the traditional arc of a struggling musician's grind to comment on the experience in real time.
A Family Affair with a DIY Soul
At the heart of Durry is a family—a collective of siblings whose bond extends beyond blood to become the secret ingredient behind their unmistakable sound. In our interview, Austin emphasized how familial ties provide both a natural cohesion and a disciplined creative process.
“We’ve always been musical. But coming together as a band was a new, exhilarating experience driven by necessity and passion. Our DIY approach isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about sharing a unified vision in its rawest form,” he shared.
This DIY ethos is evident not only in the music but in every creative decision. Living in their parents' basement in Burnsville, they embraced DIY techniques, ensuring that every project—from recording to live performance—carried the unmistakable imprint of their collective soul. It’s a creative path marked by resourcefulness and the sincere pride of handling every aspect themselves, proving that great art doesn’t require a lavish studio, just relentless dedication.
Creativity Without Compromise
True to their independent spirit, creative control remains firmly in the hands of the core members. The interview revealed that decisions are made collectively, with key artistic influences directed by the siblings—especially when it comes to maintaining the authenticity of Durry’s sound.
This authenticity shines through in their latest single, More Dumb. The song wrestles with the weight of existential overthinking, exploring the tension between spiraling thoughts and the longing for ignorance as relief. With lines like "If ignorance is bliss, I wish I could get a little more dumb," the lyrics capture a universal frustration—wanting to escape the noise of modern life and surrender to simplicity.
Durry’s songwriting thrives on honest reflection, raw energy, and a touch of humor. Instead of drowning in existential dread, More Dumb frames it with wit, using surreal imagery—lightning bugs in meat suits, space dust, and skeletons piloting their own bodies—to highlight the absurdity of existence. It’s this balance of thoughtfulness and accessibility that makes their music deeply relatable while still engaging on a philosophical level.
More Dumb delves into confronting uncomfortable truths while recognizing society’s occasional longing for ignorance. The music video features creatively designed puppets against a backdrop of a spaceship in a garage, Durry’s visual storytelling is as inventive as their musical journey.
Themes, Tours, and the Road Ahead
Music, for Durry, is about more than just sound. It’s a vivid narrative about resilience and raw human emotion—a narrative they strive to share with every track. When asked which song would serve as a musical ambassador to extraterrestrial beings, the answer came naturally: “Losers Club,” a tune that encapsulates themes of struggle and unlikely triumph.
Modern pop often feels like a glossy, unattainable fantasy crafted by artists living in exclusive worlds of wealth—leaving listeners disconnected from the everyday realities we all face. In contrast, Durry fills that gap by channeling the raw, lived experiences of adulthood through anthemic harmonies influenced by the likes of Weezer, Foo Fighters, and The Killers. Their music isn’t about escaping into a high-budget dream; it’s an honest, unfiltered reflection of life’s triumphs and struggles, a declaration of “this is me” that speaks directly to the listener as opposed to being performed for them.
It was no surprise that when asked which three words he would use to sum up the band, Austin Durry replied simply and directly: "Rock 'n' Roll."
Beyond the Stage
Offstage, there is a sense of humor and love for retro gaming—especially their playful wish to create a functioning Durry 64 game—that further reinforces their retro DIY spirit. Austin and I even dove into our favorite Super Smash Bros. 64 characters, reminding us that Durry isn’t just a band—they’re storytellers crafting a world that fans can truly step into.
Tour plans are equally ambitious, with acoustic shows having just recently taken place in Europe. The band’s penchant for blending unique partnerships into their events—even a Papa Durry’s Pizza collaboration—is a testament to their flair for creative reinvention.
Durry’s journey from an unassuming TikTok post to a fully realized musical enterprise is a story of serendipity and careful curation. With each creative venture, whether on stage, in the studio, or even in the playful realms of record pressing, puppetry, VHS, N64 cartridges, or even curating a Papa Durry’s pizza menu, every detail is a brushstroke in a larger, evolving story of the band's identity—a story that continues to rewrite the rules of independent artistry.
With More Dumb shaking up the scene and tour dates looming, Durry stands on the brink of their most defining moment yet.
This Movie Sucks drops on June 27th, 2025. This isn’t just an album—it’s a statement, a celebration, and a battle cry for every dreamer refusing to fold under the weight of expectation.
Armed with raw conviction, unshaken vision, and an unstoppable DIY ethos, Durry isn’t just making music—they’re reshaping the landscape. And if history is any indication, this fire is only getting bigger.
Catch them on tour, grab tickets, and follow their journey at Durry’s official website.
Follow them across social media for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and all things Durry:
Instagram: @durrymusic
Facebook: /DURRYMPLS
Twitter: @Durrymusic
Youtube: @Durrymusic
