Spotty Dogg
It’s interesting to catch a quality band in their infancy, and while Spotty Dogg has been writing and recording seriously for about two years, their CD efforts did not immediately attract a label. From their own studio in the Scottish Highlands, Spotty Dogg attempts to introduce “a new generation of music,” according to the band Web site. They make a point of not trying to fit a genre, though the all-inclusive indie handle has to fit (since they are looking for a label).
But this does not mean that Spotty Dogg is not worth a good listen. Included in the Top 100 Unsigned UK Bands list, the five-member band features Jamie Fraser –lead vocals; Alan Greer – keyboards and synthesizers; Gary Lee McKinney – lead guitar and vocals; Darren Mackenzie – rhythm guitar and vocals; Callum Chisolm – drums and percussion.
Gigs so far have been biker rallies, Highland games and other festivals, though some local indoor venues have been on the calendar as well. Spotty Dogg completed a small Scottish tour with other Scottish groups and now attracts fans from around the globe through the Web. Group members list Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Midge Ure and others among musical influences and some of this is evident in the sample music.
For the uninitiated, Spotty Dogg features a crisp, uncomplicated sound, with straightforward drumming by Chisolm. Fraser’s vocals and lyrics are not complex, but the story is expressive nonetheless. Recorded efforts so far included the 2005 CD single that features “High Heels” and “Juno.” The full-length 2006 Unleashed also includes “High Heels,” “Let’s Go To War” and “Words From The Past.” Spotty Dogg’s 2007 CD single features an instrumental version of “U & Me” along with a live version of “Juno.” New tunes on the latest recording are “Lying Alone” and “Clocks.”
Tags: indie, spotty dogg, indie music, independent music, music
I first heard of spotty dogg about 1 year ago and since then i think their music has excelled, These guys will hit the big time no doubt
This is a great review of the Spotty Doggs!!!!!!
These guys are great and have a great sound!!!!!!
Kudos for noticing the best kept secret in Scotland….
Again and again, bands with terrible band names. Do they release that their band name is what they will be known as? However this band seems to be in the stage that many bands struggle to get out of. That stage is the simple act of only playing at local festivals and other close by venues. They need to pull together and get some publicity!
Hi Shading-Scars,
Thanks for your comment, we take all criticism on the chin
But sometimes you have to dig a bit deeper below the surface to maybe explore the possibility of meaning being behind the name aswell taking it from a marketing point of view.
The band name to be honest does sound a bit silly but then again what other successful bands don’t have a name that doesn’t sound stupid at first glance
Pink Floyd, Snow patrol, The Beatles, The Troggs, Hot Chocolate, wet wet wet, Spandeau ballet, black eyed peas, though don’t sound stupid now as they are all big bands but im sure people thought the same when they where in their infancy and unsigned.
Your quite right about getting out there and playing all over the place, But these things cost money aswell as having the right contacts and without that you are limited. So if we get a deal that helps fund these sort of things then we can concentrate on our music more.
We have also spent a small fortune on new equipment for our studio to get a more professional sound rather than basic demos, going for 2 years through the good and the bad, Had radio airplay, 2 albums,2 singles, 50 gigs, won competitions,reviews and interviews on the go, aswell as having our fingers in several other pies and more avenues to explore, I think for a band of almost 2 years that have done all this off their own back is pretty dam good going by anyones standards.
Very nice review of the band, many thanks. I can’t really add anymore to what Alan said to Shading-Scars, he pretty much said it all. Hopefully he or she will use a little forethought before posting asinine comments in future.