Song Dogs

Philadelphia folk band Song Dogs are beginning to make noise in some of the country’s biggest music hubs.
The Americana six-piece started off 2013 with the release of their first studio album, “Wild Country,” a ten song LP of smooth and funky rock music with a strong prairie twang. Each member of the band contributed to the writing on the album, creating a tight knit sound that the band thrives in, singer and guitarist Ryan McCloskey said.
Song Dogs brought in producer Bill Moriarty after hearing his work with Dr. Dog and Sheep Dogs.
Moriarty unleashed the band’s highest potential in the studio with his unique recording process, McCloskey said.
“One thing that we loved about recording with Bill is that we could really get a live sound,” he said. “Our drums were in the same room as the guitars and bass at all times, so we could really vibe off of each other. [Bill] has a great knack for putting everything together.”
Song Dogs used support from their fans to fund the LP by fundraising online via Kickstarter.
The band considers their audience a crucial part of the record and hopes to expand its audience reach in 2014, singer and guitarist Mike Southerton said.
“With this year, we’re trying to get more people out to our shows,” Southerton said. “We’re aiming to increase exposure.”
Strong acclaim from the media for “Wild Country” scored Song Dogs several big opportunities, including a spot in a concert ran by Mumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett due to a feature article in the New York Times.
Though the band has made big moves independently, singing with a label is a possibility on the horizon, Penn State graduate and Song Dogs’ drummer Dan Cooper said.
“The goal is not necessarily to stay independent,” he said. “If the right situation comes along, I think we would consider signing with a label or management, but as of yet the right situation hasn’t come along.”
During his time at Penn State, Cooper played drums for an experimental hip-hop group titled Audio Imagery.
Through his involvement in the college independent music scene, Cooper learned the most crucial aspects of being self-successful, he said.
“You need to put yourself out there,” he said. “I think that one thing we did that a lot of other bands haven’t done is really promote ourselves, and that allowed us to get some of the huge opportunities that we’ve had.”
The band plans on recording and performing in 2014 after releasing a single titled “Anyway,” which can be found on the Song Dogs Bandcamp profile. - The Daily Collegian

Classic rock lovers in and around the city will be happy to hear the new single titled “Anyway”, released by Philadelphia band Song Dogs on Nov. 19.

The song, which the band was able to release as part of a contest they won with WXPN Beta Hifi, was recorded with Chris Cotter at Tribe Sound Studios in West Chester this past fall. “The studio is fantastic, and Cotter is a monster, so we are really pleased with the resulting single,” said Ryan McCloskey, a founding member of the band who grew up in Downingtown and graduated from Bishop Shanahan.

Song Dogs was founded in 2008, by McCloskey, Michael Southerton and Sam Conver. At the time, the three of them were rehearsing together for a talent show at South Philadelphia High School where they all worked.

After the show, the three men continued to play together until 2009, when Mariama O’Brien joined and they began playing roughly four shows a month in Philadelphia. Two years later, in 2011, the band made their first trip out of state, to do a show in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This was around the same time they released their first EP, “Song Dogs and the Nightjar.”

The next year, in Jan. 2012, Dan Cooper joined the band as a drummer. “His powerful John Bonham drum style really took the sound to an unbelievable level,” said McCloskey. Finally, in 2013, the band was joined by Michael Southerton’s sister, Emily Southerton.

Although McCloskey says the band identifies primarily as Americana and Classic Rock artists, he added that their strength comes from their ability to play a wide range of genres. “Our strength is in our diversity of sound, our song craftsmanship, harmonies, and energetic interplay on stage,” he said.

With six members, all from different walks of life and all of whom write and sing for the band, diversity is not difficult to achieve. O’Brien, who primarily handles percussion, conga, and rhythm for the group’s music, came to Philadelphia from Africa, where she first learned to play the drums from watching the men in her village. “I had to hide to play because women weren’t allowed to play traditional African drums,” she explained to Erinn Fortson in an interview for That Mag.

McCloskey explained that Song Dogs draws from a wide range of influences, including O’Brien’s experiences and knowledge of the drums from Africa, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young. In the end though, the group stays true to their roots. “Our original material really appeals to classic rock lovers,” said McCloskey, explaining that every member of the band writes music that they play.

Song Dogs will also be playing in a traveling concert series called Communion on Dec. 5. The series, organized by Mumford and Sons’ member Ben Lovett, will be stopping at Underground Arts in Philadelphia. Song Dogs will be accompanying the Americana band, Rosco Bandana, at the venue.

To learn more about Song Dogs, or to hear some of their music, visit wearesongdogs.com. - Daily Local News

Stopping into drummer Dan Cooper’s house for a Song Dogs practice is an experience in itself.

After being greeted by Cooper’s own song dog, Rilo, a guest might be offered a beer or water, seeing that they are only two drinks in Cooper’s house, while the bandmates joke about the day’s triumphs and tribulations.

Or maybe they’ll talk about the sports memorabilia lined against the walls and Mariama O’Brien, the band’s percussionist, will relay tales of her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter and Cooper, a 2013 Temple law graduate, will discuss his law job – but briefly, because each case is confidential.

Upon organist Emily Southerton’s return from Los Angeles, she might fill the band in on her experience promoting the Poet Warriors Project she founded as a part of Teach for America.

But eventually, they’ll start practice.

Song Dogs is a Philadelphia-based band gaining recognition. After starting in 2008, the band has since produced one EP and a full-length, entitled “Wild Country,” that was fully funded by Kickstarter and produced by Bill Moriarity, who also produced albums by Dr. Dog and Man Man.

However, Song Dogs isn’t one of the typical grungy, in-your-face bands that seem to be pouring into Philadelphia. Instead, members go back to their roots. Listing Neil Young, The Band, Jackson Browne and other iconic folk musicians as its inspirations, the band ties together the twangy, bluesy sound associated with it into its Americana-rock feel.

“I really immersed myself when I was in school into the ‘scenes’ I guess,” said vocalist and guitarist Mike Southerton. “That’s when everybody had a first– or second-generation iPod and stacked it with as much stuff as they possibly could, and I think that after a while there was something kind of disingenuous about that. You lost a sense of roots or your own personal purpose in doing that. A lot of life is about that exploration, but if you’re able to bring it back to a place where you started and you’re able to make those connections, then you’ve really done something good for yourself.”

After a write-up by music blogger Val Haller published in the New York Times and a nod from WXPN’s blog The Key, band members said they have seen a rise in popularity that has added more credibility to its name.

“[Haller’s write-up] provides a legitimacy factor,” said Sam Conver, the band’s bassist and vocalist. “Which is annoying, but at the same time, is absolutely true. Everybody on Facebook, at the time I put this out there, if any of my college friends had never listened to me play music and they saw it, they’d be like, ‘Oh, maybe I should actually check this out.’”

The band said the series of write-ups, radio plays and more have attracted some familiar faces at its shows. Every now and then, band members said they peer into the crowd and find an old high school or college friend who just stopped by to hear what Song Dogs is all about.

It’s those same people, and others, who helped “Wild Country” come into fruition by donating to its Kickstarter.

“[The Kickstarter] was probably the most humbling experience I’ve had with the band, even aside from the New York Times – that’s awesome, but the people that came out of the photo album of your life to support you, it was incredible,” Mike Southerton said.

“It’s very humbling to see the different feelings, how much [money] we were going to get, if this is going to work,” O’Brien said. “It’s also like, how many people believe in us and are able to stick with us and believe that we can do this and support us all the way through.”

In addition to its sound, Song Dogs said its stage presence is to thank in part for its success.

Ryan McCloskey, on vocals, guitar and harmonica, said the band strategically puts O’Brien in the middle for her dynamic stage presence. From her, he said, the band and audience are able to feel a special kind of energy.

“Sometimes I’ll find the next day that we’ve head-banged so much that I can’t move my neck, and I feel so stupid a lot of the times because I feel like every time it happens, I say it’ll never happen again, and then we go out on stage and we just lose it, and then I’m like, ‘Man, I’ve never learned anything from any of those times,’” McCloskey said.

O’Brien’s dedication to the band is admirable. It’s apparent in her stage presence, but also in the fact that just nine days before giving birth, she was onstage playing with the band at the North Star Bar.

“I also think it’s the authentic-ness of the songs – we have passion for the songs,” O’Brien said. “When you write a song, you believe in it or else it doesn’t work, and I think all the songs we write, we really take to heart.”

“We’re always, always working on being more expressive onstage,” Cooper said. “We played a Talking Heads set recently, and they’ve always been my idol for stage performance, that’s kind of what I’m always trying to make the show visually. I want it to be a visual show as much as a - The Temple News

When the song “Take Me to the River” comes to mind I think of David Byrne and the new wave ‘80s band Talking Heads. Fact is, Al Green (and his guitarist Mabon Hodges) wrote and recorded it in 1974. Talking Heads made waves when they released it as a single in 1979. Variations ensued with covers by Levon Helm, Foghat and Annie Lennox, to name a few. A new Philly rock band that caught my attention in the summer, Song Dogs, just released their take on the song. Reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, The Band and Neil Young, the group includes six members, three of whom share the lead vocals, offering lots of variety from track to track on their debut album “Wild Country.” It seems that classic rock is in their blood: their website blog entries almost read as if they were written by a boomer, paying homage to their rock heroes from the past.

Below, after the “Take Me to the River” covers, you’ll find two original songs by Song Dogs. On Tuesday the band is releasing a new single, “Anyway.” (It can be heard on Soundcloud here.) Meanwhile, David Byrne is planning to perform at a special benefit on Nov. 25 at Terminal 5 in Manhattan for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. - The New York Times

Those who wanted to extend their Halloween festivities into the weekend were in for a treat this past Friday. Milkboy invited three local bands to cover well known artists. And this wasn’t just covering a band – it was completely embracing it. Song Dogs as Talking Heads; Ross Bellenoit as Elvis Costello; and Val De Val as Alice in Chains.

Americana folk rock taking on punk pop? Drummer Dan Cooper had told me they wanted to choose a band to cover that their fans wouldn’t expect. It was a set they took seriously and prepared for some time. And for this performance, the band invited their friend Matt Chicci from Gavilan to join in on guitar. As much as they embraced the Talking Heads, including singer Michael Southerton’s oversize suit and Matt’s wig and very colorful pants, they showcased their own sound as well. Emily Southerton took on lead vocals for “Road to Nowhere” and kept “Take Me to The River” closer to it's original soul/R&B roots. Song Dogs had everyone dancing and singing along. For their finale, the audience was treated to Lou Reed 's “Sweet Jane” in light of his recent passing which did not disappoint. Overall, Song Dog's outside of the box risk paid off big time.

Set List - Song Dogs as Talking Heads
Psycho Killer
Life During Wartime
Wild Wild Life
Take Me To The River
Heaven
And She Was
Once In A Lifetime
Road To Nowhere
Sweet Jane* (Lou Reed)
Burning Down The House - Root Down in the Shadow

After Utah band Desert Noises wrapped up their national tour set, locals Song Dogs took the closing set spot. Playing a majority of new songs, the six-piece was able to keep the attention of the crowd despite the late slot.

Song Dogs were able to mix in a lot of new songs, with the best of their self-titled Song Dogs. New songs started off the set, featuring 'You Are My Rock' a heavy rocker and 'Grandaddy's Gun' which had Clutch-like riffs, solos by Mike Southerton and Sam Conver taking over on vocals. Song Dogs totally shredded 'Two Stars' their Neil Young-ish classic rock song, with a harder edge.

They briefly came back to fan favorites, such as 'Buffalo Crossroads' featuring a cool little choir-like intro, while Mike Southerton told a story about the genesis of the song.
An even older song 'Holy Ghost and Run' is text book classic rock; it had guitar riffs by Ryan McCloskey, cranking it up one more notch each time. Another new track, 'At the Foot of your Love' also featured Sam on vocals, while Dan Cooper took a rare drum solo. After Dan's rockin' solo, they played 'Song Dogs' I was a little stumped at first with the choice of the slower song for what I thought was the finale, but watching it unfold they clearly knew what they were doing. Ryan McCloskey was very animated to watch and Mike replaced Emily Southerton's trumpet part from the album with an incredible solo.

At the crowd's demand Song Dogs played one more, taking 'Careless' for a stroll as their encore song.Song Dogs:
Sam Conver: Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Dan Cooper: Drums
Ryan McCloskey: Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Mariama O’Brien: Percussion, Vocals
Emily Southerton: Keyboards
Michael Southerton: Guitar, Vocals,

Song Dogs Set list 8-9-2013
Track RELEASE
-You Are My Rock unreleased track
-Grandaddy's Gun unreleased track
-Two Stars unreleased track
-Buffalo Crossroads Wild Country
-Anyways unreleased track
-Wild Country Wild Country
-Holy Ghost and Run Song Dogs and the Nightjar
-Catch A Tiger Song Dogs and the Nightjar
-At the Foot of your Love unreleased track
-Song Dogs Wild Country
ENCORE
-Careless Wild Country - Root Down in the Shadow

After Utah band Desert Noises wrapped up their national tour set, locals Song Dogs took the closing set spot. Playing a majority of new songs, the six-piece was able to keep the attention of the crowd despite the late slot.

Song Dogs were able to mix in a lot of new songs, with the best of their self-titled Song Dogs. New songs started off the set, featuring 'You Are My Rock' a heavy rocker and 'Grandaddy's Gun' which had Clutch-like riffs, solos by Mike Southerton and Sam Conver taking over on vocals. Song Dogs totally shredded 'Two Stars' their Neil Young-ish classic rock song, with a harder edge.

They briefly came back to fan favorites, such as 'Buffalo Crossroads' featuring a cool little choir-like intro, while Mike Southerton told a story about the genesis of the song.
An even older song 'Holy Ghost and Run' is text book classic rock; it had guitar riffs by Ryan McCloskey, cranking it up one more notch each time. Another new track, 'At the Foot of your Love' also featured Sam on vocals, while Dan Cooper took a rare drum solo. After Dan's rockin' solo, they played 'Song Dogs' I was a little stumped at first with the choice of the slower song for what I thought was the finale, but watching it unfold they clearly knew what they were doing. Ryan McCloskey was very animated to watch and Mike replaced Emily Southerton's trumpet part from the album with an incredible solo.

At the crowd's demand Song Dogs played one more, taking 'Careless' for a stroll as their encore song.Song Dogs:
Sam Conver: Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Dan Cooper: Drums
Ryan McCloskey: Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Mariama O’Brien: Percussion, Vocals
Emily Southerton: Keyboards
Michael Southerton: Guitar, Vocals,

Song Dogs Set list 8-9-2013
Track RELEASE
-You Are My Rock unreleased track
-Grandaddy's Gun unreleased track
-Two Stars unreleased track
-Buffalo Crossroads Wild Country
-Anyways unreleased track
-Wild Country Wild Country
-Holy Ghost and Run Song Dogs and the Nightjar
-Catch A Tiger Song Dogs and the Nightjar
-At the Foot of your Love unreleased track
-Song Dogs Wild Country
ENCORE
-Careless Wild Country - Root Down in the Shadow

Is it wrong to get giddy when I come across new bands like Song Dogs? Well, if it is, I don’t want to be right. Ok, I admit that was a cheesy lede, but the sentiment it expresses is not facetious. Song Dogs’ throwback brand of true Americana blues elicits visions of The Band, The Allman Brothers, and Neil Young. The music is as pastoral America as Hardee’s and Apple Pie. By the time you are finished listening to Song Dogs’ debut LP Wild Country, you will be fully satiated and Americanized!

At first listen to the whining guitar in “Buffalo Crossroads,” you may be inclined to think that the 6-piece rock band resides in Missouri or Tennessee, but the dogs of song reside in the City of Brotherly Love. Yes, the Song Dogs have brought the open prairie sound to the Liberty Bell. The band successfully blends southern blues, western twang, and northeastern rhythm into a smooth sound that carries each of the album’s 10 tracks.

One of the most impressive aspects of the band is the talent of each member. With three lead vocalists, every song has a particular style – both vocally and musically – and this establishes variety. The band features Michael Southerton (vocals/guitar), Ryan McCloskey (vocals/guitar), Sam Conver (vocals/bass), Dan Cooper (Drums), Mariama O’Brien (Percussion), and Emily Southerton* (Keys – Emily is currently away from the band as she is traveling the country teaching poetry) “Careless” immediately strips the pop feel with the opening bass riff and the granular vocal that is so southern soul it’s scary. While the classic blues vocal clearly carries this piece, the electric riff, intelligent percussion, and effective soloing allow the song to thrive. Let’s be frank. The song kicks ass. It’s Allman blues at its very finest.

Make sure to keep tabs on Song Dogs by following the band’s Facebook and Twitter. You can buy the full album on the band’s Bandcamp - The Music Court

Is it wrong to get giddy when I come across new bands like Song Dogs? Well, if it is, I don’t want to be right. Ok, I admit that was a cheesy lede, but the sentiment it expresses is not facetious. Song Dogs’ throwback brand of true Americana blues elicits visions of The Band, The Allman Brothers, and Neil Young. The music is as pastoral America as Hardee’s and Apple Pie. By the time you are finished listening to Song Dogs’ debut LP Wild Country, you will be fully satiated and Americanized!

At first listen to the whining guitar in “Buffalo Crossroads,” you may be inclined to think that the 6-piece rock band resides in Missouri or Tennessee, but the dogs of song reside in the City of Brotherly Love. Yes, the Song Dogs have brought the open prairie sound to the Liberty Bell. The band successfully blends southern blues, western twang, and northeastern rhythm into a smooth sound that carries each of the album’s 10 tracks.

One of the most impressive aspects of the band is the talent of each member. With three lead vocalists, every song has a particular style – both vocally and musically – and this establishes variety. The band features Michael Southerton (vocals/guitar), Ryan McCloskey (vocals/guitar), Sam Conver (vocals/bass), Dan Cooper (Drums), Mariama O’Brien (Percussion), and Emily Southerton* (Keys – Emily is currently away from the band as she is traveling the country teaching poetry) “Careless” immediately strips the pop feel with the opening bass riff and the granular vocal that is so southern soul it’s scary. While the classic blues vocal clearly carries this piece, the electric riff, intelligent percussion, and effective soloing allow the song to thrive. Let’s be frank. The song kicks ass. It’s Allman blues at its very finest.

Make sure to keep tabs on Song Dogs by following the band’s Facebook and Twitter. You can buy the full album on the band’s Bandcamp - The Music Court

Song Dogs, a Philly Americana 6-piece, are playing a show at the North Star Bar. The bluesy, prairie-themed rock band released their first full-length album in January, titled Wild Country. You can stream and download it off of their bandcamp page (check it out below). They’ll be playing along with Stallions, Grip of the Gods, and The Parachuting Apostles. Tickets and information can be found here. - The Key

Local Americana / rock outfit Song Dogs play MilkBoy Philly tonight. The six-piece released their debut full-length Wild Country in January after working with Bill Moriarty at Waking Studios in East Falls. Part Neil Young, part Jackson Browne, Wild Country is a collection of songs blending rock, folk and blues with a focus on storytelling. Tickets and information for tonight’s show with Joshua Popejoy and Music Box Dynamo can be found here. Listen to the title track of Wild Country below. - The Key

Song Dogs returns to the Local Shots Podcast with a song off their full-length album Wild Country. That song is "Law Of The Land", and you can stream it right now. Like them on Facebook - every day they share music from other artists they enjoy [pretty cool!], as well as posting band news and upcoming show info. - 93.3 WMMR

At the end of last year, Song Dogs, an independent prairie-heavy roots rock band from Philadelphia released their debut ten track LP, Wild Country. The band consists of inner-city high school teachers, a poet, a law student, and a Liberian immigrant who, because of gender stereotyping, was not allowed to play drums in her homeland. The writing process consisted of four of the band members which in turn made Wild Country a musically diverse release, encompassing everything captivating of this unique genre.

With harmonica stylings and overdrive distortion hooks the songs are reminiscent of the rock and roll giants like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. The album was produced by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog) at Waking Studios in Philadelphia and mastered by Brian Lucey (The Black Keys) at Magic Garden Mastering. You can stream and download the album from their Bandcamp Page and for more information you can go to their Facebook Page and website. Tell us what you think in the comments below! - Lost In The Sound

Song Dogs are a rock band who sound like they've been locked up in a cupboard for 40 years or so. The influences of Neil Young and The Band loom large over their debut full-length Wild Country. The Philadelphia based sextet are into melodic rock with an edge, branching out to Tex Mex and Americana. Their secret weapon is percussionist Mariama O'Brien. Born on Liberia, where she wasn't allowed to play music at all, she brings swing to the tracks. Like the legendary Seventies predecessors they are blessed with a wealth of lead singers (three of them) and songwriters (four). Each voice uses another palette, adding another feel to the overall sound.

This band is a hidden gem. All they need is a bunch of classic rock DJ's who are looking up for something else for their playlists. The songs are new, but old as the hills at the same time. Wild Country is an album that was already somehow. Produced by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Sheep Dogs) this prairie rock is full of life and space. - Here Comes The Flood

Song Dogs are a rock band who sound like they've been locked up in a cupboard for 40 years or so. The influences of Neil Young and The Band loom large over their debut full-length Wild Country. The Philadelphia based sextet are into melodic rock with an edge, branching out to Tex Mex and Americana. Their secret weapon is percussionist Mariama O'Brien. Born on Liberia, where she wasn't allowed to play music at all, she brings swing to the tracks. Like the legendary Seventies predecessors they are blessed with a wealth of lead singers (three of them) and songwriters (four). Each voice uses another palette, adding another feel to the overall sound.

This band is a hidden gem. All they need is a bunch of classic rock DJ's who are looking up for something else for their playlists. The songs are new, but old as the hills at the same time. Wild Country is an album that was already somehow. Produced by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Sheep Dogs) this prairie rock is full of life and space. - Here Comes The Flood

About a month ago, this LP from emerging Philadelphia Rock band Song Dogs was brought to my attention.

I haven’t gotten a chance to properly write about it until now.

The LP is described as having the sound of “prairie-heavy rock and railroad tones” which is a highly accurate description.

I have to admit that I am not as well-versed in Rock music as I am with Hip-Hop, Soul and other genres. However, the feeling of knowing when you are listening to a talented artist or band with strong, solid material is universal.

And that’s what they have displayed here.

After I got through the first few tracks, I immediately conjured up images of open roads, country landscapes and (dare I say it) Lynyrd Skynyrd.

If you like the type of music that could be the soundtrack to your upcoming road trip or set the backdrop of your summer vacation, you need to download and stream this LP.

Song Dogs has a “pay what you want” option on Bandcamp. I suggest that you give them well over the starting price of $1.

They deserve it. - Four Six Seven

About a month ago, this LP from emerging Philadelphia Rock band Song Dogs was brought to my attention.

I haven’t gotten a chance to properly write about it until now.

The LP is described as having the sound of “prairie-heavy rock and railroad tones” which is a highly accurate description.

I have to admit that I am not as well-versed in Rock music as I am with Hip-Hop, Soul and other genres. However, the feeling of knowing when you are listening to a talented artist or band with strong, solid material is universal.

And that’s what they have displayed here.

After I got through the first few tracks, I immediately conjured up images of open roads, country landscapes and (dare I say it) Lynyrd Skynyrd.

If you like the type of music that could be the soundtrack to your upcoming road trip or set the backdrop of your summer vacation, you need to download and stream this LP.

Song Dogs has a “pay what you want” option on Bandcamp. I suggest that you give them well over the starting price of $1.

They deserve it. - Four Six Seven

Mariama Koroma has just put her 11 month year-old daughter to sleep when I reach her by phone on a Tuesday night in March. She later tells me that her first performance with Song Dogs was only two weeks before she delivered her baby. I imagine that motherhood is incredibly challenging for female musicians balancing their careers with raising children. “It’s tricky,” says Koroma. But like many other women in the industry, she makes it work.

Koroma considers herself lucky to have such supportive band members, which she credits for being a big reason she can multitask as an artist, mother, and wife. “I had a wonderful experience being pregnant with my daughter and performing as a musician,” says Koroma. My band mates were very supportive and helpful. It’s sort of like a family. They carried me all the way, so I owe those guys a lot.”

It’s been nearly fours years since Ryan McCloskey called Koroma and asked her to join Song Dogs. The band formed in 2009, recruiting the female drummer after watching Koroma perform on stage. “At the time I was playing as a percussionist in an all girl band,” says Koroma. “But that group started to fade out and then Ryan contacted me to ask if I wanted to play with his band. I said, sure, and haven’t looked back since.”

Song Dogs released their debut full-length album in December of last year. “Wild Country was produced by Bill Moriarty, who has also worked with such groups as Man Man, Lotus, and Dr. Dog. Song Dogs have upcoming shows scheduled in the next few weeks at local venues North Star Bar, The Legendary Dobbs, and Milkboy.

Mariama Koroma didn’t grow up listening to Led Zeppelin, Santana, and other similar artists Song Dogs name as influences. As a child living in Africa, Koroma’s interest in music was sparked by the sound of drums. She would watch male percussionists perform in her village, which then inspired her to explore this world of instruments further. “The men played the drums and the women danced,” says Koroma of her community. “So, I would go dance with the other women, but I was really interested in watching the male percussionists; how they moved their hands. I listened very well to the rhythms of the drum and picked it up just by watching the men play.”

It was taboo for women to be percussionists in Koroma’s village, so she had to keep her playing a secret when she began experimenting with these instruments first hand. “I had to hide to play because women weren’t allowed to play traditional African drums,” explains Koroma. To this day, I haven’t really seen African women play an African drum. “So, it was hard because I had to figure out how to do it. The only person I trusted to hear me play was my uncle. When I was with my friends, I would just bang on big bowl or something that made a lot of noise.”

Koroma has been in the states for a number of years now, immigrating to America as an adolescent. After she left Africa, her country was involved in a civil war that especially took a great toll on Liberian women. Koroma fled her homeland at a decent time and was able to physically avoid the tragedy that the war produced. “I look at life so differently than most people,” explains Koroma. “When you come from a situation like this, it opens your eyes to how joyful life really is. It teaches you a lot about how your life can be different in a second.”

Coming to America is what gave Koroma more liberty to pursue her passion in percussion. “When I came to the United States, that’s when I realized that I was free to play the drums; my whole world opened up. It was a journey and it’s still a journey. When I play now, it reminds me of this freedom, my homeland, and how I grew up. So, I have a strong bond with drums.”

Attending open mic nights in the states boosted Koroma’s confidence in her drum playing even more. Watching other singers and songwriters perform on stage inspired the musician to make her own mark and share the talents she was given with any audience interested in listening.

Koroma especially felt empowered by the female artists she watched on stage, because of the lack of female musical influence she experienced while living in Africa. “I didn’t have women musicians as role models growing up because men played the drums,” says Koroma. “When I went to these open mics nights, I would see a lot of different talents. I would watch the women who came to play, mostly young girls, that were original songwriters and think wow, this is great.”

As a successful and accomplished drummer in an all male band, Koroma can be considered a mentor herself, as her drive serves as inspiration to young girls chasing after their dreams. She has gone from covertly playing an African drum in her village to visiting classrooms and sharing her musical gifts to students. “One of the wonderful things about being a female percussionist is seeing all the women and girls who come out to my gigs,” says Koroma. “I want them to see that you can be a fantastic - That Music Magazine

From the City of Brotherly Love and the music scene that spawned the likes of everyone from Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell to rockers like Marah and The Walkmen comes Song Dogs. This band displays a range of eclectic styles that is sure to please any music fan. Blending sounds that show the diverse influences that combine to create a prairie-heavy roots rock/Americana sound this band cooks. They’re playing in the Philly area now and their debut release has been on my stereo all afternoon!
- The Eclectic Ear

When I saw the lineup announced for the recent Country Mice show at North Star Bar, I had to go. First a national Indie band I kinda dug, two local bands I really wanted to see live, and a local musician that suddenly was in my radar. I had to go, it was a must see. Despite a crappy experience the last time I went to North Star, and despite a complete fail on my part the last time I tried to see the Song Dogs, I had to go. If it took going early just to get a parking spot, so be it, it was going to happen. I had to see this show! Seriously how often do you get four acts out of four that you want to see?

Song Dogs were third on the bill, and it soon became clear that the crowd was a Song Dogs crowd. The Philly newcomers started off with the new 'You Are My Rock' for the very receptive crowd. Folk with lyric, but classic rock by sound, they made it clear there was a new player in town.

They gave the crowd the full Song Dogs treatment as they continued to play a few songs from their deeper recesses of the Song Dog catalog, before slowing it down a tad for favorite "Buffalo Crossroads'.

Ryan McCloskey tore it up on guitar during the introspective 'Wild Country', matching the passion of Mike Southerton's lyrics and vocals. The guitar stayed heavy and Dan Cooper tore up the drums for another Wild Country track, the power ballad 'Wrong Side of the Town' showcasing the whole band jamming away. A Live album might really be necessary as I was not prepared for how much these guys rocked. I was severely disappointed I didn't get to stick around for them at their release show at the Grape Room, a month or so back. - Root Down in the Shadow

It’s Saturday and I share a cab with a fellow Watchtower writer to see Song Dogs, a “prairie rock” quintet at the North Star Bar, a music venue tucked away in Fairmont. There’s a wicked, biting wind at our backs as we smoke one last cigarette and the massive doorman is pretty clear that butts were not appreciated in the vicinity of the door. Once inside we are met with warm mustard tinted walls and frat boy inspired decor that includes cheap strings of party lights and oddly placed handcuffs. We arrived early and the band was still setting up so I order a shot of whisky and a beer and take a seat on the exposed radiator basking in its warmth. I’m really excited to see this band live as their album, Wild Country, has swiftly made its way to the top of my playlist.

North Star is set up up so that the bar and the The band is playing on a small stage that appears to have been transported straight out of Haight Ashbury complete with red trimmed Oriental rug, cracked brick walls, and a monochromatic tapestry hanging from the ceiling. Michael Southerton in his jean and plaid ensemble conjures up classic rock circa 1970, with beautiful honey burst Les Paul strung around his shoulder. After playing a track from their EP, Song Dogs and the Nightjar, the band launches into something a little slower, Buffalo Crossroads a track that tells a story with a nice country alt rock feel. The highlight of the set was Wrong Side of Town, is my favorite track on the album, definitely the most aggressive, guitar driven and reminiscent of Neil Young. It's so much rougher around the edges live. There is a moment in the song where band showcases Dan Cooper’s faultless dexterity on drums and it couldn't be more perfect.

Contrary to her demure demeanor, Mariama O’Brien plays with her whole body, the pulsating spiritual center of the band. Her back story is the most interesting, in her native Liberia as a woman she was not permitted to play the drums. She’s channeling freedom at the North Star tonight and watching her I feel liberated, I feel every bang on the djembe, each shake of the tambourine on her hip and it’s beautiful seeing real life themes tie into the album’s central theme of freedom and new frontiers, because Mariama definitely belongs to the stage, planted behind a drum. She is a goddess of rhythm and it’s impossible to tear your eyes away.

Wild Country was produced by Bill Moarity (Dr. Dog, Man Man and Toy Soldiers) who the band cannot rave enough about; touting his focus and honest approach to the project. The band describes their song writing process as a deliberately collaborative effort, indeed all the tracks on the album credited as written by Song Dogs as a collective. The lyrics are poetic but not cliche authentic and gritty enough to still feel honest. The juxtaposition of the album theme of the wildness of the country in contrast to the wildness of the city and it’s a nice layering. Some of the songs on the album have been written and introduced by a single member but the final track has everyone’s finger print. This works I think because of the contrast in styles. For example there is such a contrast in the styles of playing; Southerton who plays with a sloppy, blues inspired, soul infused enthusiasm. Watching him during most songs he doesn’t even open his eyes he’s so in the pocket, breaking into a peculiar shuffle when he’s really feeling a riff. In contrast the Ryan McCloskey is precise, very technical and engages the crowd, a performer often playing back to back with the bass player. It’s easy to see they feed off of each other’s energy, encouraging each other to a better presentation.

I was able to catch up with the band after the show, actually Southerton approached me after the show and we were able to chat briefly before the music from the next band steals him away and he is lost in the sound. McCloskey and bass player Sam Conver pick up where he left off, giving me the back story of the band formed in 2009 where most of them met as educators in the rough Philly school system. As they gear up to support the band playing I’m overwhelmed by the fresh sound with an old vibe, a nostalgic longing that we all have for untamed frontiers. Mentally replaying the scorching guitar riffs, subtle Latin inspired rhythms and a nod to classic rock n roll. I almost expect Greg Allman to emerge from the bathroom after a line of coke and take the stage, that’s the caliber of this band. I’m excited for what this band means to the Philadelphia music scene.

A band hailing from Brooklyn, Country Mice takes the stage for their sound check, the blonde front man a dreamy Cobain lookalike in a grungy red flannel with a sweet arch top semi hollow body and I’m in love. We’re able to catch a few songs from their set in the balcony, until a beer can slips to the stage below, crashing dangerously close to the stage, the reverie is broken and it’s time to catch our cab.Song Dogs’ prairie rock style is about to blo - The Watchtower

? VIDEO: Christie Lenee
SONG DOGS
Posted on March 25, 2013 by Your Local Note| Leave a comment
Rock/Americana/Blues


This week’s featured podcast is with Song Dogs! With their debut album, “Wild Country” out now, we discussed how it all began. You’ll learn about each of their influences, their songwriting styles, and the most interesting part was finding out about the concepts behind the four songs you’ll hear. They have a bunch of upcoming shows scheduled so make sure to check them out at a venue near you! Let’s get the conversation going about Song Dogs! Leave your comments below. - Your Local Note

Song Dogs music will remind you of some classic bands, but you will also notice their impecable use of modern country and americana music. - The Insomnia Radio Network

Song Dogs music will remind you of some classic bands, but you will also notice their impecable use of modern country and americana music. - The Insomnia Radio Network

“Wild Country,” the title track off of Song Dog’s December 2012 LP, harkens back to an earlier day in America’s past. Song Dogs have been hunting this sound down since 2009, when the band formed and worked on material until the release of 2011's first self-titled EP. Influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, and the Allman Brothers, Song Dogs have brought a new sound to Philadelphia with an old vibe, building support in the northeast. As word spreads on Wild Country, it’s only a matter of time before that support spreads nationwide. - ourvinyl.com

Who are the Song Dogs?

Ryan: Song Dogs are the duality of the ruthless Wild Country and our collective longing for a world less tamed. Song Dogs are Buffalo Crossroads, a quiet valley town settled where the world once rumbled beneath the stampede of hooves and horn. Song Dogs are new giants with ears to the ground, listening to the old prophets: the sky is falling, the West is calling.

Mike: I like to think that we are all Song Dogs; when we sing the lines, “We are Song Dogs”; we’re not just singing about ourselves, but about the shared experiences of the band, our family, friends, fans, the people who have shaped our lives and the people yet to come.

Mariama: The Songdogs is a band that I belong to that plays original music. The music tells stories of the wild country and the yearning for freedom and companionship. Most people would recognize the image of the coyote singing in the night, but our Latin riffs and our rock-n-roll rhythms take it to another level. This band is where the coyote finds satisfaction. We are the Songdogs.



How did you guys come together to create this band?

Ryan: Formed in Philadelphia in 2009. The musical vision of singer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Southerton ignited with the dynamic energy and enthusiasm of Sam Conver (bass), Mariama O’Brien (percussion), Dan Cooper (kit), Ryan McCloskey (guitar) and Emily Southerton (keys) . Most of the band met while working at tough inner city schools in Philadelphia.

Dan: I joined the band in late 2011 as they were releasing their debut EP.

Mike: Ryan, Sam and I were playing in a band called After School; we all worked at South Philadelphia High School, and after school we and some friends at Southern would meet up and jam. Learned a lot from that experience, and when it disbanded, Ryan and I started re-tooling some old songs I had lying around. That band became Song Dogs, and Sam joined the process about a year later. Mariama came into the mix one night when a former band of hers was sharing a bill with us; we were in the middle of a number and she hopped on stage with us. We loved it. When the song was finished, we had her improv a rhythm line on the djembe, and we improvised a jam. It was exciting; we could sort of feel a bunch of new ideas coming out of that experience, and we jumped at the opportunity to have her join the group officially.

Sam: After School was the result of a bunch of us playing a talent show at South Philly High, I was still fresh on the bass so when we all decided to rent out a practice studio, I was glad to do be a part. Same when Ryan and Mike asked me out of the blue to play a gig after a year hiatus, I haven’t put it down since.

Mariama: Before I joined the Songdogs, I was playing in a girl band that attracted a lot of guys to our shows. One of those guys was Ryan. Ryan and some friends caught our show at Dawson Street. The next thing I know, Ryan gives me a call to see if I wanted to join this thing that he and Mike had going. Sam had already joined them and I was going to fill out the sound with percussion. We added a kit-drummer, Scott, who played a few gigs. Then Dan took over the kit when we started to get regular gigs. Wow, we have really come a long way with our music!



What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Ryan: Originally founded by Michael Southerton, the band was called Factory Girl, but then moved to Song Dogs to channel the spirit of the lonesome howling coyotes of the barren night. Song Dogs and the Nightjar became the moniker when the band took on new members in 2009, then back to the present – Song Dogs in 2012.

Mike: Factory Girl just didn’t fit; it was a little too ironic, lacked honesty. I wrote Song Dogs during one of those fever-kind of furies when an idea sort of exorcises it’s way out of you. The song represented everything I wanted to say and hoped the band could represent, and that night Factory Girl was finished.



What are your music influences?

Ryan: Both nostalgic and forceful, the Song Dogs sound is reminiscent of the rock frontier forged by Neil Young, The Band, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers; but also pioneers the new American sound in the vein of Band of Horses, My Morning Jacket, and Kings of Leon.

Dan: Neil Young is my musical hero, which is probably one of the main reasons I decided to join the band and have fit in so well. I look at David Byrne (Talking Heads) as being someone who I aspire to from a performance perspective. As far as drummers, I am influenced greatly by the jazz drummer Gene Krupa, classic rock drummers John Bonham and Keith Moon, as well as Dave Matthews drummer Carter Beauford.

Mike: Definitely bands like Crazy Horse, Drive-by Truckers, Zeppelin, Magnolia Electric Co / Jason Molina, Skynyrd. A lot of our songs have a harder edge to them, too. I’ve been really influenced by bands like Christiansen, Recover, White Octave and Criteria, Owls; stuff I guess people would con - Vents Magazine

It's Jaxon's Local Shots Podcast! Here's one from a band called Song Dogs and the Nightjar. It's Catch a Tiger - track 5 off of their self-titled album. Check em' out at the Green House Tavern in Telford, PA - June 27th and at LOVE Park in Philly on August 2nd (from noon to 2pm). For more info or to hear more, check out www.songdogsandthenightjar.com. Enjoy! - WMMR 93.3 FM

"I've been driving around listening to these guys all week..." Mark Rogers - WSTW 93.7 Hometown Heroes - WSTW 93.7 FM

"One of my favorite bands.." Dan Herman - Radio Crystal Blue - Radio Crystal Blue