DOG RACE: “YOU CAN DO MORE THAN JUST STAND ON STAGE”
Ahead of their set at Truck Festival this summer, VOCAL GIRLS caught up with Katie Healy, vocalist and frontwoman from London-based four piece Dog Race. Wearing a beautiful, flowing red gown (which she later reveals she bought for £20 from eBay), we discussed the band’s beginnings, influences, writing style, and their upcoming show at the VOCAL GIRLS event at the Shacklewell Arms this Sunday.
Credit: Meg Atkinson
Dog Race have built quite an enviable word of mouth reputation in recent years. Their gothic, Bauhaus-y sound fused with the electronic pulses of German bands like Kraftwerk has turned many heads. The band – formed of Katie (vocals), James Kelly (guitar), Jed Finkelstein (drums), Dillon Willis (keys), and Will McNabb (bass) – actually started about five years ago, and have been slowly gaining traction on the live circuit thanks to their DIY shows across London. “We just took a while finding what kind of sound we wanted and where we wanted to go with it,” Katie explains.
But, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. After writing what would become their first single ‘Terrors’, a change in the band’s lineup caused them to go on a hiatus - unsure of whether they’d make a comeback. “We were such an early, young band, we didn’t know if we had it in us to pick it back up,” Katie admits. But then, the pandemic hit. “It was at that time that we thought, ‘fuck it, let’s release the single and see if anything happens.” ‘Terrors’ is a spooky, The Cure-esque track which tells a story of broken sleep - which Katie wrote when she was struggling with DPDR (Depersonalisation Disorder) and anxiety episodes.
Indeed, a lot of Katie’s songwriting is inspired by her own experiences and struggles with mental health, relationships, and identity - which she explains can be intense to share with the others. “It’s very scary to bring [my lyrics] to the band – a bunch of boys as well!” She laughs, but admits they’re actually very supportive. “They’re all amazing and they really look after me.” Despite her self-consciousness, Katie finds the process of songwriting valuable. “It’s very cathartic. It’s all personal to me – and I then try to translate metaphorically,” she explains. “It’s getting a little bit easier every time, and it’s very easy to distance myself from it. It can affect me, but then I kind of just switch off.”
Writing is also something Katie has struggled with in a creative sense, experiencing a serious bout of writer’s block during the COVID lockdown. “I don’t think I’m particularly poetic or good at telling stories, so I really struggle with it,” she says modestly. “I don’t play an instrument either. I grew up playing violin – but you can’t fucking write with a violin!” She laughs. “When the creativity comes, I need to quickly jump at it.”
Originally from Bedford, the four-piece are now based in London, and have spent a lot of time immersed in the city’s music scene. “I’ve been going to gigs since I moved to London when I was 21,” Katie recalls.“I don’t think we’d be nearly as good as we are if it wasn’t for the people around us. They’re constantly inspiring us and everyone seems really nice, which helps.” Katie cites The George Tavern as a key space for the band thanks to its quality of sound, but makes a point to give a special mention to Bedford Esquires back home. Katie and her brother, Jed Finkelstein – also the band’s drummer – grew up playing there from a young age.
Indeed, the band’s reputation as an exhilarating live fit could be put down to Katie’s years performing - her stage presence is commanding, taking inspiration from iconic figures like Siouxsie Sioux. She almost becomes someone else, like a character possessed. “I think it’s just a lot of adrenalin, and performing in bands previously and having the urge to do more,” Katie explains. She recalls watching a band called Yonaka at a festival some years ago, which struck as a particularly inspiring moment. “She goes fucking wild,” she says of the frontwoman Theresa Jarvis. “It was the first time that I thought, ‘oh my god - you can do more than just stand on stage!’ It adds so much to the performance and the story.”
Dog Race are also unique in terms of their influences. Paying regard to Krautrock and the German music scene of the 70s/80s, Katie cites artists such as the operatic Klaus Nomi, Kraftwerk, and Can as particularly important to them. “I think it just feels authentic to us despite me being born in England. I don’t know why I’m drawn to German culture from that time, but it just feels very natural.”
She also mentions another major influence - her dad. “My dad is our biggest critic and our biggest fan at the same time. If he likes something, then I know it’s good. If he doesn’t, we know we’ve got to work at it. We’ve got a really good relationship, and the majority of that is based on music; so I trust him wholeheartedly. He’s a Radio Six music dad. I love Radio Six music dads.” She laughs. “A lot of them come to the gigs, and I think that’s a good sign. It’s Radio Six music dads and young girls, and I think that’s the perfect crossover of people.”
Dog Race play this coming Sunday at the Shacklewell Arms, as part of VOCAL GIRLS’ sold out show in celebration of the venue’s 20th birthday (all profits to Medical Aid for Palestinians). “Oh my god, I’m so excited!” Katie says. “It’ll be so nice for everyone to come together for such a great cause.”