The Golden Dogs: CMW '09 Special

03/13/09 3:44pm

by Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

The Golden Dogs have been lying low this winter recording a new album. It's still untitled, but a few gag names have been circulating in the studio, including: Horses For Courses, My Sonic Template, Jet Sounds, Tusk Of The Tanman, Cruise Control To Major Tom and Epohotomous.

What's no joke is The Golden Dogs are one of the most sticky-fingered bands in Canada. Singer/guitarist Dave Azzolini gave CHARTattack the scoop.

Hometown:
Toronto

Members:
Dave Azzolini (guitar, vocals)
Jessica Grassia (keyboards, vocals)
Taylor Knox (drums)

Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/thegoldendogs

CHARTattack: So, you're about to play the big industry event that is Canadian Music Week. What's the most shameless thing you've ever done to promote your band?
Dave Azzolini: Well, my sister tried to get one of our CDs to Paul Shaffer at The Late Show when she went to the show.

What's the hardest part about being an up-and-coming band?
Finding a good $3.99 breakfast on tour.

How important is it for your band members to circulate and flirt with the audience before or after the show?
Holy fucking shit — so important.

Have you ever stolen from someone else's rider? If so, who was it and what did you take?
A banana from Bloc Party, a few beers from Thurston Moore, Chris Murphy's air drumming sticks. Generally, we take everything we can get our greasy little paws on.

Have you ever been graded before according to CHARTattack.com's Rock 'N' Roll Report Cards?
We've done very nicely in the past, thank you very much. I think we've had almost straight As. [A 95 per cent at CMW 2007 is their most recent]

Have you done anything new or interesting this week?
Got a wicked sweet tattoo of John Oates' moustache on my clavicle and Darryl Hall's mullet on my scapula.

The Golden Dogs play the Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday at 12:10 a.m. as part of the annual CHARTattack/Horseshoe/Canadian Music Week showcase.

Check out CHARTattack's official CMW microsite here.