EMQs with The Groggy Dogs
EMQs With The Groggy Dogs
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Spanish Punks, The Groggy Dogs. Huge thanks to their guitarist, Mauro, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
I’m Mauro. I play guitar and handle most of the songwriting and production. The band started as a group of friends who loved Celtic music, sea shanties and Punk Rock, and we thought it would be fun to mix everything together and make it louder and faster. What began as a small experiment quickly turned into something serious. Since then we’ve been touring across Europe, playing festivals and releasing music that keeps getting faster, dancier and more chaotic.
How did you come up with your band name?
We knew we wanted something related to grog, with that fun, pirate, Monkey Island kind of vibe. One day I turned around and saw my dog completely knocked out on the sofa, looking super groggy. That image was perfect. The name just clicked.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We’re from Seville, Spain. The Rock and Punk scene here is very passionate and DIY. It’s not huge, but it’s very loyal. People really support local bands and shows feel close and intense. There’s a strong underground spirit, which fits us perfectly.
What is your latest release?
Our latest release is our new album “No Grog No Glory,” coming out on April 23rd. The first single, “One Last Toast,” drops on February 13th. The new material is faster, more danceable and packed with Pirate Ska Punk energy.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Bands like Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Ska-P, The Skatalites and The Dubliners. We love that mix of Folk melodies, Punk attitude and music that makes you want to drink and dance at the same time.
What first got you into music?
Discovering music as teenagers. That feeling of “I could actually do this too” changed everything. From then on we just never stopped playing.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
Sharing a song or a stage with Dropkick Murphys would be a dream. They’ve been a huge inspiration for us since the beginning.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Probably Boomtown Fair. The vibe fits us perfectly — crazy costumes, wild crowds and lots of genres mixed together. It feels like the kind of place where our Pirate Ska Punk party would really belong.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Once a fan gave me a ring with our band logo engraved on it. It was totally unexpected and really special. Definitely one of the coolest gifts we’ve ever received.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for every show, every stream and every crazy moment in the pit. Just keep singing, dancing and being loud with us. That’s what this band is all about.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Probably Freddie Mercury. His voice, charisma and stage presence were unreal. Seeing him live must have been something magical.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The best part is playing live and feeling that connection with the crowd. Nothing beats that energy when everyone is singing and jumping with you. I wouldn’t say I hate anything about being a musician, but the office work, emails, logistics and paperwork are definitely the least fun part.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I’d love to see festivals give more opportunities to small and medium bands. Sometimes you see the same big names every year, and there’s so much new talent out there that deserves a chance. A bit more space for upcoming artists would make the whole scene healthier.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden. That’s one we can all agree on. Absolute classic from start to finish.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?
Whatever suits you best. Vinyl is great for the artwork and the experience, downloads and streaming are easier for everyday life. Everyone has their own taste and that’s totally fine.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Playing at Castlefest in the Netherlands was incredible. Thousands of people in costumes, singing and dancing with us. It honestly felt like being inside a movie.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’m also a sound engineer, so I’d probably still be working in music anyway, just behind the desk instead of on stage.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My five bandmates. We always have the funniest moments together and we absolutely love eating, so it would probably turn into chaos and laughs all night.
What’s next for the band?
The new album release, more singles and a lot of touring across Europe. We just want to play as many shows as possible and keep growing.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroggydogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegroggydogs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegroggydogs
Website: https://www.thegroggydogs.com
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a bap, a barm (or barm cake), a batch, a bun, a cob, a muffin, a roll or a tea cake?
After a very serious band debate, we’re going with “bun”. It just sounds the most Punk.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks a lot for the interview and for supporting underground music. Check out “One Last Toast” on February 13th and the new album “No Grog No Glory” on April 23rd. See you in the pit.
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