Bedfordview-based band Indie Dog took a bite out of the airwaves with its fastest-rising release to date, Fly High. Filmed on top of Bedford Centre with the silhouette of Johannesburg as the backdrop, the music video pays homage to the band’s home town and its roots.
To learn more about the band and how its latest single came to be, the NEWS caught up with the creatives. The four-piece indie rock band consists of friends Sebastian “Seb” Howarth (lead vocals), Kian “Scoob” Murray (lead guitarist), Dylan “Yak” Anceriz (bass guitarist) and Marc du Plessis (drummer).
Formed in August 2018, the band focuses on playing music ranging from rock, blues, funk and folk. Hoping to become a household name, the band has gone on tour and played at a variety of festivals such as White Mountain and Misty Waters alongside SA bands such as Satanic Dagga Orgy.
“When they make contact with Amazonian tribes, they will be wearing Indie Dog T-shirts,” joked Seb. “We want to create music that talks to people not just through the lyrics but through the instruments. We want to create music that generates a response from people.”
The band played its first show at a jam-packed venue at the historic Radium Beerhall, the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg.
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“Playing our first show in front of such a large crowd at the Radium gave us the confidence to keep going,” said Seb. Kian explained: “Listening to a variety of music and having equal input in what we produce contributes to our unique sound.”
Although most of the band’s listeners appear to be between the ages of 20 and 30 years old with some outliers who grew up in the era of rock and roll, they try to reach as many people as possible who have a passion for good music.
Seb said Fly High was created when the band tried something as an improvisation during their KwaZulu-Natal tour. The song speaks about being passionate and having a drive for working hard to achieve certain goals in your life.
“When you hear the chorus, you can hear that energy the song is trying to convey, to go out in life and get it,” said Yak. “It started as an encore at Crusaders in Durban North. Originally, we didn’t have a title for the track and just gauged the audience’s reaction and took it from there,” explained Seb.
When the band returned to Johannesburg, the song was almost complete, with only a few final touches needed. The band members explained they wanted to convey the same energy they felt during their live performances on tour to give viewers a similar taste of that experience.
The song was an immediate hit and the fastest rising release from Indie Dog so far, taking not only the local airwaves by storm but going international too. On April 22 it was the number one track of Australia’s Valley FM 89.5. Advising aspiring creatives and musicians, the band said one must never be afraid of taking the first step.
“Have fun but treat it seriously. If you want to make a career out of music you have to take it seriously,” explained Marc.
The band advised aspiring musicians to hone their craft and try and play in front of people to build their confidence. Before starting the band, each member had played in front of crowds at some point in the musical career. Marc encouraged musicians to create their own shows if there aren’t any happening.
“Don’t be afraid of approaching people and asking for playtime. Try to actively get in touch with people. The worst they can say is no,” said Yak.
Seb highlighted that when speaking to people it is important to be polite and genuine.
“So many people ask me how we got into the Radium as a young band because it’s such a prestigious venue. I was just being honest with the owner,” said Seb. “That is how we managed to film on top of Bedford Centre. I was honest with the right people at the shopping centre.”
Indie Dog’s Music is available on all major streaming platforms alternatively visit their website.
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