Introducing Dogs Are Cool, The Band Making Music Fun Again

Dogs Are Cool has a smashing time at their debut show at the Whisky A Go Go.

Dogs Are Cool at the Whisky A Go Go // Maria Weyne

You know the feeling of opening up a present but having no idea what’s inside? That is what discovering new music and artists is like to Bassline Magazine. And on Wednesday, March 15, Christmas came extra early. Call it a St. Patrick’s Day miracle, but Bassline was graciously invited to watch the debut show for “Dogs Are Cool.” 

WHO ARE THE DOGS?

Dogs Are Cool was initially founded by Austin Isshac, whose main goal was to have an act that was not as clean-cut as the others.

“It was kind of a joke,” he said. “I feel like everything is so serious nowadays and everything is so overproduced.”

He continued explaining that this project is meant to pose as an antithesis to the majority of the music scene, with less flashy production and more focus on the audience having a blast. 

The band is now a three-piece act comprised of vocalist and bassist Solon Daily, g drummer Major Wynn, and Austin on guitar. Despite not having any music out, the band seems excited about what they have in stock, hoping people can come to their shows just to have fun. 

“Every song has pretty much been done, it’s all about the energy now,” Solon said. “It’s all a representation of your brand, and the brand is to entertain people.”

Austin resonates with the feeling, adding that he’s excited to just perform for people. 

“We just love music,” Austin said. “We would be happy to play in an elevator” 

He added that their debut focused on ensuring people could just come in and forget about the world outside while dancing to their songs. 

DOGS ARE OUT

En par with a new wave of musicians, this project mixes influences from all genres but mainly focuses on fast punk at the moment, according to Solon.

“Pop Punk, Punk Rock, anything,” Austin said. “We have a lot of influences [...] we go from like Frank Sinatra to like Lil Uzi Vert.”

Although Dogs Are Cool appears complex, seemingly pulling inspiration from all sides of music, when asked to describe their music and project in three words, the members agreed on “dope as fuck.” 

“Energetic, uplifting, and catchy,” Solon added. 

Nearing the beginning of the show, Solon and Austin are informed by the crew at Whisky A Go Go that the interview needed to be continued outside where both members greeted a myriad of friends and soon-to-be fans. 

As we waited in line for my ticket that sat on hold in the box office, Austin, Solon and a few friends continued hanging out while I asked for an elevator pitch of their band. 

“If you enjoy having a good time and enjoy music in general this is for you,” Austin said. “It’s not a one genre kinda thing.”

THE SHOW 

After getting my bag checked and a faded stamp on my hand I waited to see the Dogs jump on the stage. While friends trickled in, Austin and Solon shuffled around the venue to prepare for their set. 

Once all the details were ready an announcement came on, telling the now-full-pit Dogs Are Cool was about to come on. The announcer also urged the crowd to clap extra hard for the new band, especially since Austin and Solon work at the Whisky. 

Solon stepped on stage with a pink ski mask on his face, while Austin had now added a leather jacket to his outfit. The three men told the audience to “get the fuck up,” and they listened. As the first song began, a new atmosphere filled the Whisky, with the people around me whispering the band sounded great already. 

Halfway through the set, the audience was still enthralled, moving closer to the stage and several phones coming out to record the band. Solon and Major Wynn retrieved two inflatable dogs that proceeded to be tossed around the venue. 

Somehow, despite being completely new, Dogs Are Cool managed to control the audience for an entire 30-minute set with songs that most did not know the lyrics to. The whispers and head nods filled the air as people became more and more interested in knowing who the Dogs were. 

Their sound was fun, energetic and somewhat nuanced. Despite being very drawn to punk, even those who might prefer classic rock or pop sounds could find themselves liking their music. The show felt effortless and made you feel like you were just having fun with a large group of friends. 

The verdict: Dogs Are indeed Cool!