Tracing the Street Dogs' story is no easy task. One thing that all parties can agree on is where it all started. At a time when the music scene teems with mediocrity and fashion-oriented bands that are simultaneously from nowhere and of everywhere, maintaining a sense of roots, politics, and place has become this band's calling card, a way of demonstrating to the world that they most decidedly stand for something.
The Street Dogs, it is somewhat of an understatement to say, are from Boston. Mike McColgan's name was already indelibly linked with the city, as he had already made his name at the helm of the Dropkick Murphys, the standard-bearers of Boston punk during the late '90s. McColgan paired with bassist Johnny Rioux to record what was to be a one-off album of new material, Savin Hill (2003). Upon arriving at the venue for the album release show, however, the band discovered a sell-out crowd with lines stretching around the corner. "Everybody was singing the songs," Rioux recalls, while McColgan adds, "the feedback we got from the very first show was electrifying." After releasing that first album on Crosscheck Records, the band embarked on a regional tour alongside the likes of Flogging Molly. It was in a conversation at a truck stop during one of these tours that McColgan and Rioux decided to make the Street Dogs a full-time endeavor.
Four more albums, numerous U.S. and international tours, a deal with Hellcat Records, and a few lineup changes later, the Street Dogs have grown from a local band with a small but dynamic following to a nationally-recognized act with a sizeable fan base in both the US and abroad. With each subsequent release (2005's Back to the World, 2006's Fading American Dream, 2008's State of Grace, and 2010's Street Dogs), the band has employed an increasingly broad range of songwriting and content, emphasizing evermore that this is a group of musicians who adamantly and unapologetically have things to say. The Street Dogs are ready to graduate into the major leagues of headlining tours and high-profile albums ... if they haven't already. Watch out.
With over eight years of touring internationally and 1000+ shows, the Detroit based Koffin Kats new home is on the road. This trio kicked it off in June of 2003 with the mission to not stop for anything. Vic Victor (Lead Vocal, Upright Bass) would join forces with long time friend Tommy Koffin (Guitar) and start laying the ground work for the sonic assault known as The Koffin Kats.
Roll the Tanks may be the most ambitious band in LA. In a scene with bands on every corner, the RTT guys set out to get the world to notice their Replacements-y, Kinks influenced rock and roll sound by building a studio in a garage in Valencia by hand, where they aimed their sights on making a big unapologetic rock record. They recruited the sometimes-touring drummer of Frank Black and the Catholics and all-the-time drummer of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Joe Sirois, to round out their sound and then, with the help of a big-time metal producer who secretly had been following the band for over a year, they cranked out fifteen tracks of guitar heavy, bombastic rock and roll that somehow recalls the very best of Hold Me Up era Goo Goo Dolls with enough modern energy to keep it fresh and new sounding.
Not bad for a couple of guys who’ve been known to sit at the bar until after midnight until their paychecks cleared so they could afford to pay their bar tabs, hence the title of their upcoming full length, Broke Til Midnight.
DOWNTOWN STRUTS were formed in 2008 in Chicago with two members hailing from Northern California and two from the Midwest. Setting out to create honest music stemming from punk and Americana influences, the songs are passionate and melodic at heart but delivered with drive and aggression. Influence from THE CLASH, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, and THE REPLACEMENTS is evident in their carefully constructed songwriting and powerful live show.
DJ Sid "Da' Kid"
A lot can be said about Sid "Da Kid". He's been a small staple in the New York Hardcore Punk community for many years. Like most he found his niche spinning the best bands new & old in venues and clubs all over the city, he's stayed true to the roots but always shows respect for the new breed of today.
![DJ Sid "Da' Kid"](http://www.rocksoff.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/support_artist/artists_photo/Picture%20091.jpg "DJ Sid "Da' Kid"")
