Sheepdogs...well..I Don't Know

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be able to go to Sonic for one of their intermittent "Sonic Sessions", where a band, usually playing a venue later on that night, will come and perform in their "Listener Lounge" for about 40 audience members. The room is tight, the fans are eager, and the band usually sounds great for such a small space.

This time, however, the buzz band, the Sheepdogs, had no notes, riffs, or raspy vocals for us to enjoy. Not quite clear exactly why the band, out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was not able to play (something to do with "all the promotion around the night's show....they weren't allowed to play prior...or something to that effect), but it was disappointing, to say the least. I'm not sure about other people who attended, but I was there since I didn't get tickets to their sold-out show at the Starlite Room later on that evening. I was there to hear them play. Sure, they signed the free EP vinyl that they gave away (named "Five Easy Pieces"), and sure they did a longer than normal interview with one of the DJ personalities that regularly hosts the Sonic Sessions. But really, for an up and coming band, no matter how talked about they are, it was not the best first impression. Tons of major bands and artists have played in the lounge before, and yes, I know they're restricted by their record label, but doesn't mean that it doesn't irk me (for lack of a more appropriate word). I hope this really was the fault of the label, and has nothing to do with a stereotypical "Rock Star" status that tends to appear when a new band reaches fame so quickly.



It was also strange, for such a young band to do a longer than normal interview set...since...after the few standard questions there wasn't much about them to know, really. Audience members got to ask a few questions as well, but for the most part it just seemed like some were rewording what others had asked, to fill time.

The band did mention that they will start recording again beginning January 2nd, 2012, and even let slip (accidentally, I'm almost positive) that they'll be collaborating on a new "project" with a major band/artist. They of course weren't too specific, but something to look forward to, if you're a fan of the '70's throwback rock influenced band (take a listen to their single "I Don't Know"). (The 3/4 members that were in the lounge actually did look like they walked straight out of the '70's era dressed in a denim shirt, a denim jacket faded jeans with a slight flare, and even a puffy vest coloured brown, beige, and orange...you know which vest I mean).

I heard from a friend that their show was still great, and they played fantastically. However, after this less than stellar encounter, we'll have to wait and see how long they last.