Dogstar is back after a two-decade hiatus, and their reunion feels like a long-lost friend returning home. The band, featuring bassist Keanu Reeves, guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose, and drummer Robert Mailhouse, is reemerging at a time when their blend of alternative rock feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. In a recent interview with Kyle Meredith, the band members reflected on their journey, the unexpected magic of their songwriting sessions, and how the current world climate played a role in their creative resurgence.
Having formed in the early 1990s, Dogstar's return is both a surprise and a welcomed revival for fans who followed them through their early years. The band's hiatus, spanning over two decades, was largely due to the members' individual pursuits, with Reeves becoming a Hollywood superstar, Mailhouse delving into acting and music, and Domrose continuing with his own musical projects. However, the pandemic era provided a unique catalyst for the band to reconvene and rediscover their shared passion for music.
Their new single, "Everything Turns Around," symbolizes this fresh start, offering a reflection on the passage of time and the continuous evolution of their sound. While the song wasn’t originally intended to mark a new beginning, it has organically taken on that role, resonating with both the band and their fans. This idea of reconnecting with the past while embracing the present is a recurring theme as the band revisits old tracks with a renewed perspective.
Interestingly, the band admits that playing their older material now feels a bit like trying on old clothes—they still fit but maybe don't reflect who they are today. This sentiment is evident in their approach to live performances, where they're focusing on new material that excites them, even if it might evoke echoes of their earlier work. Dogstar’s music continues to be influenced by the sounds they grew up with, including nods to 80s bands like Echo & The Bunnymen and Jesus and Mary Chain.
As they prepare to hit the road again, including a performance at the iconic Roxy in Los Angeles, Dogstar is set to remind the world of the raw, unfiltered energy that only a band with their history can deliver. Their return isn’t just about rekindling the past—it's about celebrating where they are now, and where they’re heading next.
Watch the interview above and then check out the video below.
