Interview With Mike McColgan From Street Dogs

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass, Mike. It's been close to a year now since the last Street Dogs album was released. Has the band started kicking around new songs yet? Or are you guy's enjoying a much deserved break at the moment?

Mike McColgan: We have tours set up for the US, Europe, Austrailia and Japan.The idea of taking a break is a distant dream! We have been touring around the world since 2004 and with our most recent self titled release we have touring scheduled everywhere.The reception to the self titled record has been huge.

CM: It's been almost 10 years now since Street Dogs formed. Can you give us a little history on how you got the band going?

MM: The band got going with some friends just looking to have fun in 2002 and from there we just got interest and opportunities that we never ever anticipated. We have been able to record five albums and tour all over the world. It all started in the city of Boston and we all consider Boston to be the Street Dogs home.

CM: So many of your songs focus on the blue collar workers and fighting for the union workers rights. This is obviously a subject that's near and dear to you. Did you grow up in a household with union working family members?

MM: I grew up in a union household and around a union family. My neighborhood growing up was a union neighborhood. Clearly that rubbed off and fundamentally and in accordance with human rights and democracy I just really feel workers should be able to bargain with their employer.

CM: What are some of your personal musical influences? And how do you infuse those influences with the blue collar worker of today mentality?

MM: I like a bunch of different artists and different genres of music. Some of the artists I think that have influenced me are Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, AC/DC, U2, The Clash, The Ramones and Stiff Little Fingers.

CM: Fans may remember you as the original frontman for Dropkick Murphys. You were on the early 7" records as well as the "Boys On The Docks" EP and "Do Or Die" album. Why did you leave the band after such powerful releases?

MM: I left the group to pursue a position as a Boston Firefighter and I had that job for four years and the guys in DKM were very supportive of that decision. I guess ultimately I missed music too much and hence here we are today, five albums in with yet another Warped Tour run staring Street Dogs down. Life is good and we are grateful.

CM: I'm guessing you're still somewhat close with your former DKM band members. You actually had Ken Casey and Al Barr sing with you on "Stand Up" from the Street Dogs debut album "Savin Hill". Any plans for a DKM/Street Dogs tour?

MM: Yes, Street Dogs and DKM are very close. Since our earliest days DKM has been very supportive of us and "Stand Up" is just one example of that. Also a DKM/Street Dogs tour is inevitable and will happen.

CM: I have a copy of Street Dogs original demo. Some of those songs from that demo made it onto "Savin Hill". Are there any plans to release the other tracks like "Locked And Loaded" or "Mystery Box" later on?

MM: A release of our demo down the line will happen. Probably as part of a retrospective release.

CM: Are there any plans for any festival shows for Street Dogs this year?

MM: Right now there are some US and European festivals in the works for SD.

CM: Is there a website where fans can get up to date news on new releases, shows and merch?

MM: Our Facebook page is the best place to go

CM: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass, Mike. I'm really looking forward to hearing some new songs and seeing the band live in Chicago again. All the best to you and the band. Thanks again.

MM: We will be in Chicago on Warped Tour and on some very,very special shows in the near future.