is Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared composer Charlie Pelling’s musical project, with Lisbon based artist Mark Thompson. Pelling is fast becoming the go to composer in the UK comedy scene working with the likes of 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Sam Campbell and BAFTA winner Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, Fleabag).In an age where every band/artist has to also be a content creator Charlie & Mark decided to lean into their interests of cartoons and comedy. In the last year they have amassed a cult online following into the hundreds of thousands across Tiktok and Reddit for their creative animations, further expanding the weird and wonderful world of Dirty Nice that all began with the music.

Leaning into their instincts and interests, with both the cartoon visuals and the music influencing each other’s processes Charlie & Mark wanted to follow the fun with their new music, not overthinking and naturally letting their love for noughties indie influences creep in. The body of work this led to is a vibrant and joyous celebration of acceptance in one’s self, exploring themes of growing up without stifling the inner child and giving yourself over to the people around you wholeheartedly.

In 2021, Dirty Nice's debut Lobster  won the band fans across all media, with synchs on Playstation games (Pro Evo, Gran Tourismo) and TV programmes (Love Island, Made in Chelsea) backed up by critical acclaim at press and radio (Jack Saunders on Radio 1, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6 Music). Even Florence Pugh has come out as a fan of Dirty Nice while speaking on the VOGUE podcast.

Tours with Dâm Funk, Elder Island, Cousin Kula and collaborations with Desta French, Wet Leg and Bad Sounds have also expanded their horizons along the way.