Dog Waltz has been playing in Wichita Falls for going on 5 years, and in 2016, new drummer Sean Biggs brought a flare of unpredictability that has started a new writing phase with no particular genre in mind. While the band reveals an elaborate story that they formed based on a Craigslist ad, posted by an anonymous account, there is another story that Michael Hitt (Guitar/Vocals) and Taylor Slusher (Bass), formerly of The Disco Rico, a popular local act described as retro-pop rock that won the Falls Fest Battle of the Bands in 2011, brought in friend Charles Bridges after the departure of then vocalist Justin Cowheley. Dog Waltz was born, embracing Hitt as their new lead vocalist. With twenty plus years of classical training in guitar and keys, Michael Hitt’s professionalism and leadership has molded their sound into a modern indie band with radio play-ability that doesn’t compromise musicality. This new writing phase has the guys incorporating more keyboard into their music so fans of their previous more melodic grooves should get excited. I met with Dog Waltz at a jam pad they share with Leddit Ride, before a practice, to pick their brains a little bit about what makes this dog bite…
Q- Last year the group joined forces with local rap artist, Kroe, to create Bird Dawg, so would you say Hip-Hop has influenced Dog Waltz?
A- When Bird Dawg performs, we’re never sure what is going to happen. We bring our style to the performance and hope people dig it. But the rumors are true-we are starting our own Hot Dog label! – Hitt
Q- If Dog Waltz was a beer, what kind of beer would it be?
A- Bourbon. -Taylor Slusher
Q- Taylor’s height, advantage or disadvantage?
A- Disadvantage, wind.- Bridges
A- Well, all he has to do is turn to the side.- Hitt
A- I think its good thing because I can spot predators or prey from far away.-Slusher
A- The dog isn’t necessarily an apex predator. -Hitt
A- We’re not Shark Waltz!…. Can we change our band name? -Slusher
A- We are no longer Harambe Waltz… -Bridges
Q- Dog Waltz was voted one of the four most popular bands in Wichita Falls in a poll conducted by The Hub. How do you react to this accolade?
A- I demand a recount! -Bridges
A- We were really surprised.
It’s super flattering. -Hitt
Q- DIY gets mentioned a lot on social media and counter culture. Do you feel like your efforts have helped develop a stronger scene in Wichita?
A- We started throwing shows out of our jam pad on 8th street back in 2013, with friends (Dr.) Philgood, and it would be cool if that inspired other groups to get out and perform. The music scene was here before us, so we maybe innovated by helping start WDE (Waste Deep Entertainment). We all put down our differences and came together to start something. Not everyone stuck around in the end, but that’s ok, I think we created a way to bring about and expose new talent. -Hitt
Catch Dog Waltz June 24th at the Summer Concert Series in the Park.
-Ryan Thomas
