DOGSHARK aka ‘The Blues Rock Antidote’ Dogshark Interview
18th April 2025Alright, come a little closer—we’ve got something special for you. We sat down with a band that blends the heart of the blues with the punch of rock in a way that’s all their own.
This isn’t a throwback or a tribute act. Dogshark brings a raw, unfiltered energy that hits hard and lingers long after the last note.
They dropped by HQ for a drink and a conversation about their debut album, Earth Is Not Room Enough—and we got the story.
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with us today.
Your debut album, Earth Is Not Room Enough, was released on October 18th of last year, and you’ll soon be releasing it on 12″ heavy-duty vinyl. This edition will feature full-colour printed disc labels, along with a full-colour printed inner sleeve with lyrics, album notes, and custom artwork.
Hoping to release it this Month, it’s been a battle to get this to vinyl. We’re hoping for a late April release, but looking more likely early May.
Fingers crossed it’s released soon for you guys!
Certainly exciting times ahead for you!
Hopefully. We’re emerging from oblivion.
How would you say the album has been received by your fans so far?
The reaction to it has been so rewarding. That so many people, in so many countries, appreciate what we’ve done enough to grab a copy is beyond anything we expected. It’s humbling and at the same time so validating. We’re very grateful.
Releasing a debut album is a monumental moment for any band, a culmination of years of hard work, shared dreams, and countless hours of honing your craft.
For some, I guess it’s a wave of pure exhilaration, a dream of finally getting the chance to share your music with the world.
Is this how it felt for you when your debut album was finally out there for the world to hear?
Honestly, we had no expectations with this album beyond satisfying our own wishes to have a “Dogshark” album on record. We were under no illusions that we were starting from complete zero. Total obscurity. If we never sold a copy, it would have been ok with us, as long as it sounded good to us. But once it was done, we were all surprised at how good it sounded. So, we wanted to share it. We released it to CD and then to digital and streaming. And it sold so well, and we got asked so many times for it, we’re now releasing it to vinyl. None of us have had an album on vinyl before, so we’re all ticking off a bucket list item. It’s so much fun.
Was it a mix of excitement with a little vulnerability thrown in, wondering if people are going to like it or not?
Truthfully, we didn’t care. That’s not to be disrespectful of anyone who appreciates what we do. We made two rules when we started this band. Everyone focuses on their instrument. And if it’s not fun, we don’t do it. So, all of what we do is firstly about making it the most enjoyable it can be for the three guys making the noises. But the upshot of that is, if the band is having fun, then so is the audience. As long as they like bad ass blues rock.
I guess when your music is released, it’s like exposing a deeply personal part of yourself to the scrutiny of critics.
Our lyrics are our truth. We write about what is real in our lives. Our song “Cliché” speaks about how we feel about bands that write songs without connecting their lyrics to their reality. Too many artists, especially in the Blues genre, resort to clichés rather than speaking from experience. And a lot of them get away with it. Blues is a largely a borrowed form of expression for many of the artists performing in the genre in 2025. Without them ever really understanding what its original purpose was. As long as they wear the right sort of hat and tasselled suede jacket they get a pass. That’s not us. We’re the anti-dote to Blues Rock Cliché.
Have you had any negative feedback about your album, and if so, how have you received this?
Honestly, very little negative feedback. But we did see one comment that criticised us for writing songs about cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence instead of whisky and women. To be fair, we do have songs on the album that specifically describe our indulgences in whisky and women. But apparently, for some people (who probably didn’t listen to the whole album), blues rock can’t exist in the reality of 2025.
I guess there’s also that sense of relief; all your hard work has paid off as your music is finally created and you are able to hold the finished physical product.
I bet that was like a dream for you.
Beyond our expectations. Especially to have it released to vinyl. To be fair, it’s been a lot of hard work getting the album out and heard. And we’re under no illusions; we still have a long way to go. But for every single CD, vinyl, or T-shirt we ship to Germany, France, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, we’re grateful to every single person who has taken a moment to listen to us and enjoy what we’re doing.
Ultimately, it’s a pivotal step for any band, marking a new chapter in their music career.
What’s next for Dogshark?
It’s a bit of an oddball year for us with regards to live shows as we’re “emerging”. Transitioning from pub covers band to “original artist”. Promoters don’t know what to do with us. Blues promoters think we’re too Rock. Rock promoters think we’re too bluesy. But we’re lucky that we have some lovely people at some lovely venues who really get what we’re doing. We’ve got a lot of great shows already booked for this year. Details on our website. But we suspect there’ll be a few more we’ve not yet announced.
What’s your favourite midnight snack?
Kebabs. Bit of an after-show ritual.
Thanks again for getting in touch and chatting with us today at All About The Rock HQ !
Love you!xxx
