A Dirty Dozen with JOHN PAPE from WHITE DOG – September 2020

According to a recent press release: “In a world full of fakes and clowns, nothing quite hits the spot like a band that walks it, talks it and rocks it for real. Born amid the musical and cultural whirlwind of Austin, Texas, White Dog already sound like the perfect antidote to plastic sonic bullshit and sanitized radio fodder. In fact, as guitarist Carl Amoss explains, White Dog are the bastard sons of their city’s entire underground scene /and/ the spirit of rock ’n’ roll itself. Alongside drummer brother John, bassist Rex Pape, co-guitarist Clemente De Hoyos and singer Joe Sterling, these old school troublemakers are on a clearly defined mission.” We get drummer John to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

We felt like the first record would be the only opportunity to do something on the raw side of you will. Raw in a sense that we have everything to gain and nothing to lose so we stuck with our guns. Good amps, good instruments and tape machines is what you’re hearing. There were hardly any effects or gimmicks involved.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

From the age of about 4 my twin brother Carl and I were obsessed with early Aerosmith. My mom had a vhs from an old concert and we couldn’t get enough. And here we are!

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Everything Duane Allman ever did!

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Allman Brothers, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, and Neil Young just of the top.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Maybe Joe Walsh. James Gang is huge for me and I love his time with the eagles. The solo stuff too! He’s up there at the top in my book.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s our best interpretation of good rock n roll. We are lovers of listening to music and our influences rub off on our musical taste and tendencies. Fortunately we have a condition where we can’t hear haters. Really though everyone’s been very supportive!

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Well we are hoping to get back to playing shows and hitting the road for our first real tour when all the smoke clears with the COVID situation. Until then we have been writing new tunes for album number 2 and enjoying each other’s company.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Clay is definitely the acoustic man and we all cook but Rex has to cook his own grub cuz he’s a vegan boy and he don’t trust me with his food lol!

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Kirsten Dunst.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Baseball umpire.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

It’s hard to say but I guess hindsight is always 20/20. We are very excited about the future and I don’t think any of us have any major regrets looking down the road that’s led us here.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Personally I would say the Stones in the south of France for Exile on Main St or maybe Skynryd at Muscle Shoals! Maybe even The Band’s Songs From Big Pink. Anyone would do just fine!

Category: Interviews