Intro:
NYC trio Dogs of Winter are a smarmy yet lovable bunch of hard rockers as you’re about to find out. Here are the results of an email Q&A that two-thirds of the unit took the time to answer regarding their new disc FROM SOIL TO SHALE and about being a NYC band.

A conversation with Brian Grosz (Guitars, Vocals) and Dave Valle (drums) of Dogs of Winter. Ryan Dowd (Bass, Vocals) recently became the father of a healthy baby boy, so it's assumed that he was breast-feeding and therefore unavailable for comment.

E.C.: How did you come up with the band name?

Dave Valle: It wasn't my idea.

Brian Grosz: No, it was my idea. I wanted to be sure that I would spend the rest of the band's career correcting people who pronounce the word "Winter" as "War." Who knew there were so many people who have read Julius Caeser?

E.C.: Describe your music to someone who never heard you before?

Brian Grosz: I describe to it as "stoner-metal for math-geeks."

Dave Valle: Who hasn't heard of us?

Brian Grosz: Good point. Go with that answer. Next question, please.

E.C.: How does FSTS compare to your prior releases?

Dave Valle: The title is different and my bass drum is bigger.

Brian Grosz: It's also 9 minutes and 18 seconds longer, which is the equivalent of endowing it with a penis long enough to snake a toilet. Plus, we make way more nerdy sci-fi references this time around.

E.C.: How does a DOW song get written?

Dave Valle: I look at the boys right between the eyes and tell them to "just fucking listen to me". Hits Galore.

Brian Grosz: And then Ryan and I finish the song on our own and secretly devise a way to convince Dave that there have been other - and better - albums since AC/DC's "Back In Black."

E.C.: Do you prefer stage or studio and why?

Dave Valle: Stage; I like to wow everyone with my "mad skillz."

Brian Grosz: I prefer the studio. There's a much smaller chance that you'll get arrested in the studio if you decide to get naked and nudity is the key element to my guitar tone.

E.C.: What can we expect from a DOW show?

Dave Valle: Blood, sweat, tears and hopefully an empty wallet.

Brian Grosz: And please keep in mind that those are tears of joy and spiritual enlightenment. Those are not "Leaving-Las-Vegas-Crying-Hooker-In-The-Shower" tears.

E.C.: What sets DOW apart from other bands?

Brian Grosz: Our impeccable dental hygiene and unhealthy obsession with the work of Harold Ramis.

Dave Valle: There are no other bands.

Brian Grosz: Nevermind. Dave is right again. Go with that answer. Next question...

E.C.: When I'm not in DOW, I'm...?

Dave Valle: Fondling myself in the mirror while wearing my combover wig.

Brian Grosz: In the Wendy Williams Experience live, studio audience. HowYOODoin?

E.C.: What's some of the advantages and drawbacks of being a NYC band?

Dave Valle: Pro- cheaper studio rent…con- the drive in from Westchester.

Brian Grosz: Advantage: You live in the greatest city in the world. Drawback: NYC bands.

E.C.: What's your favorite summertime song?

Dave Valle: "Summer Girls" by LFO.

Brian Grosz: Anything by Bone Thugz 'N' Harmony.

E.C.: What would make 2009 a banner year for DOW?

Dave Valle: To get a huge following.

Brian Grosz: Getting Dave's name deleted from the Sex Offenders database... and getting mine added.

E.C.: Any final words?

Dave Valle: Niente.

Brian Grosz: Omega.