So, here’s how your perfect Saturday should sound: Head on out to the Milkhouse Summer Jam to see Jack Funk, Big Hoax, The Milestones, Cheshi and Lilac Daze. When that concludes in the early evening, head on back to Cafe Nola in lovely Frederick, Maryland, to check out Miss Lonelyheart and Dot Dash. Why? Because they are awesome. That’s why. We recently caught up with Terry from Dot Dash to talk about being associated with the independent record label The Beautiful Music, what he believes is the perfect song ever made, and what’s next for the D.C. rock outfit. The fun starts at about 9:30 Saturday night. Guitarist Steve Hansgen was once in Minor Threat, people. This is serious stuff. Rock and roll.
Let’s start with some history of the band. How did you get together? How did the band form and how long have you been at it?
We formed in the front part of 2010 as friends/friends of friends/ex-bandmates, etc. We played our first show in summer 2010 and since then have kept playing live as often as we can. We have had five albums come out.
Did you guys have any goals when dreaming up the band – perhaps stylistically or otherwise?
Not really – just to have fun, and play shows, and hopefully get some records out.
I see you are signed to The Beautiful Music. How did that relationship come to be and what can you tell us about that imprint?
Well, we’re not really “signed” — it’s more casual than that, but The Beautiful Music is pretty much the whole reason we exist. They’ve put out five albums by us in less than five years (the first came out in September 2011; the new one — the fifth — called “Searchlights” came out in June), and that kind of support/enthusiasm is kind of inspiring, if that doesn’t sound too corny. It’s a small label, based in Ottawa, and it’s been around a little over 10 years. They’re a total labor of love, but that’s what we are, too, so it’s a good fit. Check out their other bands out at www.thebeautifulmusic.com.
What’s your perception of the local music scene in and around the DMV area, as well as Maryland as a whole?
I’d say it’s really good. Like anything else, it’s in the eye of the beholder, so why not be positive?
Who are some of your major influences?
Terry: The Jam, The Velvet Underground, The Replacements
Steve: The Beatles, Brian Wilson, The Who
Hunter: Burt Bacharach, The Jam, Motorhead
Danny: Killing Joke, The Kinks, The Stranglers
Can you give us names of some artists we need to check out?
Check out Miss Lonelyheart!
Who are you listening to these days?
I was going through a box of old, discarded CDs this morning and I pulled out one by a fairly obscure mid ’90s band called These Animal Men. They were kind of a glam-y take on the Buzzcocks; it’s awesome. It didn’t deserve to be in there with the cast-offs.
Where are some of your favorite places to play?
The Black Cat, Rock and Roll Hotel, DC9, Comet, IOTA, Songbyrd, Velvet Lounge, Fort Reno — and we’re looking forward to checking out Café NOLA.
What does the rest of 2016 look like for Dot Dash from here on out? New music? Shows?
Just keep ambling along I suspect. The next show after Aug. 6 at Café NOLA is Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Washington D.C., at National Building Museum/”Icebergs Late Night” event.
What do you think is the most perfect song ever written?
Hhmmm. Maybe “Louie, Louie” by The Kingsmen or “Outdoor Miner” by Wire.
And finally, what can we expect from your set playing with Miss Lonelyheart and Tina on Saturday
Some glitter, some dry ice and repeated exhortations to “Put Your Hands Together.”
