I’m Bruce Erik Brauer, Guitarist for Dog Society
We have been pushing our new project called EMERGE and lucky enough to receive alot of positive feedback.
You guys have been active and known on the indie scene for a long time. What keeps you going after 20 years of making music?Being known, Being remembered in our case and being active are two different things. We were signed to Atlantic Records, toured and dropped. We took a break. We had a substantial hiatus before regrouping and recording our “followup project”. To keep Dog Society going or to revisit the Dog Society project comes down to the songs. Collectively, we love what we do and achieve together. It’s a good chemistry and I personally love to play with these inspiring musicians who happen to be a set of my closest friends.
It makes this a whole lot easier.
What are some changes in the indie “game” that give you hope for the future?
Hope is used when you don’t have a plan, or you wait for something to happen. We are doing things ourselves that replace the dependency of a record company.
As a group, we take charge and control of our song writing, our marketing and our overall complete presentation. Luckily, we have the resources and many times, that sets a band apart from the conception of an ” indie” band. We use all of the social media stuff to our advantage getting the music out there with everyone else. Cutting through the white noise of a million bands on ReverbNation [ed. that’s over 3 million] and Bandcamp is the challenge. The music and band needs to be interesting and have a real story in order for people to gravitate to that project.
Are there things that cause you to worry for the future of independent musicians?
No. If they are truly independent musicians and songwriters then there will always be a venue for “them”. CoffeeHouse, Street corner or a campfire. We are all independent musicians. The trick to having as many people as you can like and buy your material is simply having a good song. How many times have you actually stopped to enjoy a street musician? A stronger take on that is you actually pulling five dollars out of your pocket to buy that performance. It all comes down to the song.
Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?
Every experience triggers a response or memory and when it’s powerful enough then pen goes to paper and we begin to formulate a song.
What kinds of things do you get into in the “Emerge” LP?
Love, Life and Death. Life events and things we’ve seen.
What do your families listen to?
All of families listening to a wide spectrum of music. (Our singer) Brian’s oldest son is all about Progressive rock like YES and RUSH. My kids are in the music scene immersed in the Brooklyn sound and showing me what’s relevant there….(Our Drummer) Joe’s daughters turn us on to New Direction and they also listen to old school Depeche Mode.
Are you touring? Are you gigging?
We are not touring. We are “gigging” the New York City tri state area.
Playing at The Beacon Theater with The Fray and Daughtry this month should be fun.
Where can fans catch up with you?
Google Dog Society and you’ll see us. . Bandcamp has all of material as well for sampling.
Any advice you’d like to offer to “youngsters” who would like to be able to sustain a 20 year music career?
Practice and master your technique.
Play what you want to play.
My dad always told me,” Do what you love to do and what you do will never feel like work.” Rock On!
http://dogsociety.tv/
