I recently had the pleasure of discovering some new music from a Canadian band hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dog Day‘s been around for almost a decade but I’m discovering them for the first time through the release of their latest album Fade Out. I am never really sure what to expect when listening to new music, but I will say that I enjoyed listening to Fade Out from start to finish.
Some of the songs on the album have this throwback vibe to the days of The Guess Who and Neil Young. The album is very reminiscent of 70’s rock, with some blues, rock, some folk and, at times some very psychedelic overtones which I loved. Being a musician myself I have come to appreciate the ideas and efforts by many successful musicians in the industry and what it takes to stand out among so many bands out there, they have accomplished this in my opinion.
Wanting to know more, I organized a Q&A with Seth Smith, leader of the band, who graciously answered with a mix of good humour and cynicism.
Apt613: Who are some of your influences, and why?
Seth Smith:I find I tend to get more influenced by films and visual art. As far as music goes, during this record I guess we had been spinning some Dovers, Byrds, Fewyck, Flamin’ Groovies… Bowie. Nance [Smith’s bandmate and wife] has been a big Zep head. Classic rock is kinda how we got into music in the first place. For some reason it feels like a good time to revisit it.
Apt613: What are some goals you hope to see from this project?
SS: We’re hoping to rule the world someday. Aside from that we don’t have any goals. We just do it for kicks.
Apt613: What is the tour for the album looking like?
SS: We’re doing a special little tour. First one in some time. Last one for some time. We’re playing with some other musicians – Seamus Dalton from Monomyth and Mark Grundy from Heaven For Real. We found them in a dark alley and decided to take them in.
Apt613: What was the inspiration and thought process for the album?
SS: It was a real casual recording experience. We’ve had a lot of projects on the go (Lowlife – Seth’s first foray into movies, the Outlier film festival, the Obey Music and Arts Convention, YORODEO, Seth’s screen printing studio ) and these songs came together in our spare time over the course of the year. There was no plan or unifying theme. It was more like jotting down entries in a diary or a scrapbook… or playing video games.
Apt613: Where was the album recorded, and were you happy with the final product?
SS: We recorded ourselves at home. It was out of convenience. When I’m feeling lazy, or sick of my own production, I like to record at studios with others. But for the most part I feel like the production is the character of the music. Why wouldn’t you do that part too? Yeah we’re really happy with it. More so that it’s finished.
If you’re looking for something new, but with classic tones that will influence you, then I suggest downloading their album, or do one better and go check them out live. They’re playing at Pressed this Thursday, December 12.
Tickets for this All Ages show are $8. Show starts at 8pm. Heavy Bedroom is opening.
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