Dog Is Dead

April 2009



ONE of our best bands will launch their debut EP next week with a gig at The Bodega Social Club. And it's because of a show at the Pelham Street venue last year that led to Dog Is Dead getting to this stage after just 18 months.
The five-piece indie/jazz/pop teens are now managed by DHP, the Nottingham promoters behind Rock City, the Rescue Rooms, Stealth and The Bodega.
"After that gig they put us on at Splendour," says bassist Rob Milton.
"They've been helping us out with support slots since and now it's got to a proper management agreement."
It was at last summer's Splendour Festival in Wollaton Park, where they appeared on the second stage in the courtyard, that I first saw Dog Is Dead. They deliver a tight mix of choppy indie guitars, effortless harmonies and the novelty of a saxophone.
"The people I listen to when I write are The Police, Paul Simon or Mystery Jets but it's just pop music really."
They're all just 17/18 years old. Four are mates from West Bridgford, while the fifth is from Stapleford and going under a pseudonym. His actual name is Rob White, featured in the Post recently after landing a role in the Mod Crop musical.
But in the band he's 'Paul Roberts'. Eh?
"The condition on joining the band was that he change his name," laughs Rob Milton, insisting he remain the only Rob in the band.
"We decided to give him the most common name we could."
Over the past 18 months they've supported One Night Only, Cajun Dance Party and Iglu & Hartly.
"The obvious benefit is getting support slots," he says of the management deal with DHP.
"I think we appeal to a wide enough audience to be able to support quite a lot of bands.
"They'll also hopefully hook us up with industry people as well. I know they've quite a lot of connections."
Four of the band are approaching A level exams this summer so there'll be pressure to go to university in the autumn. What future Dog Is Dead?
"We're going to take a clear year off to see how its going. By the end of that we'll have a good indication of where were are."
The new EP features three tracks: The Zoo, Board Games and Clockwork.
"We're giving it away free at the gig so people have something to take away. We're not releasing it fully because we want to build up the local support as much as possible first, then hopefully get some industry people down.
"For example, the Arctic Monkeys had 1,000 people at a show before they were even signed. The industry couldn't ignore that."
Admission is £4. Support from fellow locals Vaarlets.
"They're like an ambient Interpol with The Kooks' singer," says Rob.
"They're one of my favourite Nottingham bands at the moment."

Dog Is Dead, Vaarlets, The Bodega Social Club, Pelham Street, Tuesday April 7, 8pm, £4.