It sounds like this album is going to be pure gold.
Benjamin Tod, the frontman of the Lost Dog Street Band, is riding a high from the praise of the group’s latest album, Survived. The Lost Dog Street Band revived the classic country sound while intertwining the melodies with intentional lyrics detailing depression, addiction, love, and loss. The songs are sad to the core but outline the harsh reality many face that occupy the Appalachian region of the United States.
During our latest Whiskey Riff Raff sit down with Tod and his wife, the two detailed many aspects of their musical career and what has influenced their sound as a band, but Tod also touched on a new album that is in the works with his solo career.
Tod brought up his forthcoming honky tonk record when talking about the difference between his songwriting for his work versus Lost Dog’s work, and he noted that it is all based on a feeling. Naturally, though, when we heard him say “new record,” we wanted to learn more about what was in store.
“I wrote that record where each song is from a different production era in country music history, spanning from the mid-50s to the mid-90s.
And obviously, it has the bias of what I particularly like in country music. Different production eras set between particular artists…. as you know, this tune production style is Randy Travis’s late ’80s Western Swing tune. This one’s a mid-70s Merle Haggard waltz kind of sad country tune.
So, uh, it was incredible to make, and actually, the honky tonk record was recorded before this Lost Dog record. And honestly, without the Honky Tonk record, I don’t know if the Lost Dog record would’ve happened. Because I was kind of… I was psychologically on the outs with Lost Dog.”
The Tennessee native has a traditionally different sound than honky tonk roots, so I am very excited to see what is in store for this forthcoming record. Tod noted that the album is slated for a fall release. Given the approach to this album as well, I can’t wait until the name of the record is disclosed.
Until then, we will keep blaring Survived by Lost Dog Street Band, as the record is a masterful piece of work.
While you’re here, check out the full Whiskey Riff Raff episode with the Lost Dog Street Band.
