Dog Party – Operator [Q&A + 5 Quick Questions]

Dog Party are a two-piece punk band made up of sisters Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles, and they’re currently touring with CJ Ramone. (Check out the CJ Ramone post for all of the dates.)

They released their debut album in 2009, and since that time, they’ve released an additional five albums, including their latest release, Hit & Run in 2018.

I had the chance to ask Lucy and Gwendolyn a few questions via email, and of course, I had to get them to do a round of 5 Quick Questions with us.

Dog Party are playing The Horseshoe Tavern on August 15th, and you can get your tickets here.

Dog Party Q&A

Q1) I feel like we’re seeing an increase in 2 piece bands, what are your thoughts, and do you have a favourite 2 piece band?

Dog Party) We are sort of a 2 piece band by default! We started the band when we were super young, 8 and 10 years old, AND we are sisters!! It was easy for us because we lived under the same roof, and we don’t have any other siblings (haha). When we were young, we were super inspired by the White Stripes. They are still our favorite 2-piece to this day!

Q2) Your last album, Hit & Run, came out in 2018, are you working on new music?

Dog Party) Yes, we are working on new music!!! We are looking to record it soon. We are extremely excited about this batch of songs. We think it’s some of the best work we’ve produced!

Q3) Talk to us about the new video for Operator, i.e. concept, who was involved, etc.

Dog Party) The song Operator is about being frustrated about a boy who is dodgy about communication and only occasionally being able to catch them on the phone. It only made sense to have an “older” type phone because it is crucial to the theme of the song and phone operators.

We wanted it to look like we were in a teenage girls bedroom- with music posters all over the walls. She could be out having fun with her friends, but instead, she’s cooped up in her room and going crazy over a lame guy :p Filmed and edited by Andrew Hooper.

Q4) What’s the punk music scene in Sacramento like?

Dog Party) I feel like the Sacramento punk scene does best when there are more all-ages venues. We were lucky to have a lot of these spots while we were growing up. Around the time we left for college, there was a decline, but I am optimistic about the recent rise of all-ages venues and its impact on the Sacramento punk community.

Q5) Can you tell us the story behind your band name?

Dog Party) Lucy has always been obsessed with dogs to the point of memorizing a dog encyclopedias in elementary school. When we started the band, she insisted “dog” be a part of the name. I started listing off names, and Dog Party stuck!

5 Quick Questions

Q1) If you’re on a road trip, what’s the one album you can listen to on repeat?

Dog Party) The Beatles: With The Beatles never gets old!!!

Q2) What can fans expect from a live performance?

Dog Party) We like to describe ourselves as good, fun rock n roll with a twist of pop and a dash of punk. The set is crafted to take the audience member on an electrified journey. Our live set is a pretty even mix of Hit & Run, Til You’re Mine, and Vol. 4 with one or two songs off Lost Control. People have also described us as “sugary rock n roll” as well as “surfy.” There’s a point where we tone it down in the middle, but we quickly ramp up the set for a fiery finish!

Q3) Is there a band or artist you think people should be paying more attention to?

Dog Party) If you haven’t heard of Orville Peck – check him out. 😍😍😍

Q4) Tell us something about you, that even your fans wouldn’t know.

Gwendolyn) Lucy is starting up a false eyelash company!

Lucy) Gwennie wishes she could watch scary movies, but they are just too scary.

Q5) Is there anything you want to share with our readers?

If you like Taco Bell… try ordering a Crunchwrap but sub out the beef for beans and potatoes. 😄

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Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger