Dog looks to live up to his most recent project’s name, Popstar, with cutting edge production, vibrant, and emotional vocals. While he doesn’t exactly fall in the range of hip hop or pop, he fuses genres to bring together an intimate experience for his fans. Get to know more about Dog below.

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Take me through what got you started with music.

I have always been into music, and my parents have always been into music. I grew up around a lot of music. They would take me to concerts. I would also take music lessons. I grew up playing drums and the piano. I started making beats then started singing over my beats.

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When was it time to take the next step and when did you know it was time to do it for good?

I moved to LA for college. I went to fashion school and I thought it sucked. I didn’t think it was for me. I just started making a ton of music at my apartment. This is what I want to do and what I love doing.

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You said you started producing, how important is it as an artist being able to produce and be versatile?

I think it is super important. All of my favorite artists produce their own music. I feel like if you aren’t able to produce a little bit, you are kind of doing karaoke. If you are producing, you are really getting your message across.

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Your music has deep lyrics behind them. Take me through your writing process and what you want fans to get from your music.

I try to write what I really live and where my life takes me. I just want my fans to know the stuff they go through sucks, but they aren’t alone. Anyone can get through it, and it will be okay. It will all workout.

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How therapeutic is it to be able to write what you live and how you feel?

It’s super nice. I really enjoy it. It is really nice because I have been working with a bunch of artists and it has been helping me properly convey my message. They haven’t lived my exact life but have been through something similar. They connect with my art so they help me get the point across.

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Your album, Popstar. Take me through the process of that and the direction you wanted to take with it. What does it mean to you?

I wanted it to be viewed as what it is like being an underground pop star and artist. It’s not glamorous. It is super tough. It’s a a grimy industry. It’s not as pretty as it seems.

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Take me through you single, “The Last Time.” It is my favorite song you’ve put out. How did the collaboration with Goner happen?

My buddy Goner and I met because I did a show in LA and we just clicked. He just sent me and open invite. He was making a song and wanted me to get on it. I recorded it in like an hour. It was super easy and a fun song to make.

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Who inspires your sound?

A lot of artists. The Speaker Knockerz, Corbin, Yung Lean, and Lil Tracy. Those are my biggest inspirations. Right now, my biggest inspirations are Nicole Dollanganger, and the weird Indie-pop people.

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Where do you see yourself in a decade?

I want to be huge. I want to be on some Justin Bieber success. I want to sell out the Staples Center.

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When you’re not making music, what do you like to do?

I like to watch a lot of movies. I like to read a lot of poetry, or go on walks. I like to be outside and just observe my surroundings. I like to spend time with friends, talk, and be present in the moment.

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