Toby Leaman on Music, Philadelphia, and the Band’s Evolution
Indie-rock band Dr. Dog has been a local musical fixture for more than a decade, and a player on the national music scene since a 2004 tour with My Morning Jacket. Here, founding member and bassist Toby Leaman talks about why he still calls West Philly home.
On Dr. Dog’s Sound and Creative Process
Can you describe your sound? It’s sort of unspecific—we don’t go for a particular thing. We try and play songs that we want to hear.
Your upcoming album, “Shame, Shame,” is the first album produced outside of your home studio. What does that mean for the band? It’s different. We’ve been recording on our own for years, but we hit a wall, and had to get someone in with a little more [technical] knowledge. Overall, it was a good experience.
Dr. Dog’s Philadelphia Roots
You and vocalist/guitarist Scott McMicken both grew up in Philadelphia. How have you seen the city change over the years? When we were coming up in the music scene, you cut your teeth in Philly, then moved to New York and hoped for the best. Now, bands are incubating in Philly, and staying in Philly.
What about Philly inspires you as a musician? There’s a good energy here. It is inspiring to see people doing their own thing.
What are your favorite Philly music venues to play in? The best of the small bars to play in is Johnny Brenda’s. They opened about five years ago, and really set the standard for what that kind of place should be.
Where do you tell your friends to go when you have visitors? Probably a Phillies game or the Art Museum. There are some great bars in Philly: Dahlak and Dock Street.
—Interview by Kristina Jenkins
