Them Damn Dogs
In 2013, UAH student Jerome Villarreal, Jr. banded with drummer Brandon Holmes and bassist Chris Salib to form Them Damn Dogs. The continuation of Huntsville, AL’s musical legacy. Their mission was to bridge the early rock sounds of Chuck Berry and Ramones with personal heroes Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Strokes. The group became local underdogs with their awkward charm and driving live performances. Huntsville locals were treated with fun upbeat original rock n roll anthems filled with poppy melodies and dance-worthy rhythms. In 2015 the group released their debut album Let Loose, a collection of dance songs combining alternative, punk, and funk-rock.
The Dogs soon found a new fourth member in Russ Savage with bluesy guitar solos reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn and John Mayer. He was needed because for their next album the group was compelled to deliver something of the highest quality. They turned to Clearwave Studios to reach their next evolution and created an album that blends surf rock, new wave, and soul. In 2020 they released tracks “Memories” and “I Wish I Was Dead” in preparation for the release of their upcoming album Unpoetic Flavor.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!!
Fun, Timeless, Interesting
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
Songwriting and recording are a personal favorite aspect of being an artist. I love the world building and creating tones for stories and melodies. Doing research about the business side has been cool lately. We're really working on being our own self sustaining business.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
It's so much fun! Getting everyone together to create gives me such a joy. Joking around with each other and the producer or engineer, getting everyone hyped like let's bring it dudes. We all record some backing tracks then layering everything to make songs sound round and produced. Listening back and coming up with different ideas, it's a delight.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Well hanging out with friends and jamming with other musicians is always great and fun. Going out hiking or bike riding is something I like to do but we also love playing video games and riding dirt bikes. Disc golfing is fun and collecting records or comics. Talking with a good friend is always the best.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
Right now we admire our friend Wanda from our hometown of Huntsville, AL. She came out with this awesome record One Hit Wanda and it's literally one of the best albums. Every song hits and her band is amazing. Getting to hang out with her to chill, jam, or joke is always a delight.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
I guess a song we released about a year ago called "I Wish I Was Dead" off our upcoming record Unpoetic Flavor. It's a track about heartbreak and the feeling that you can't live without someone who has left you. It kind of came out of nowhere one night when I was just playing guitar. The moment I wrote it I was like oh damn that needs to go on the album. I really wanted to get the feeling of desperation and pure loneliness. We have a music video for it coming out on May 27th. Find our YouTube channel at Them Damn Dogs!
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
As a matter of fact we are working on some new things here and there. After we release our album on June 11th we're gonna do some shows in the south east region then hopefully work on some new stuff.
Tell us where fans can access your music.
Everyone can find our music on Spotify or on our website.
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