The lively Los Angeles-based artist shares how he’s using his newfound notoriety to do good deeds
Dog is the epitome of creating an impact online from your bedroom. With the words FABULOUS ALL THE TIME etched across his forehead, it’s pretty easy to tell what kind of character he is, and how he chooses to project himself onto the world. Indeed, he intends to be a star. With interest in his work climbing over the past few months, it seems he is on the essential trajectory to becoming exactly that. Life in Los Angeles can be difficult for some, which he acknowledges in his music and social media. Nevertheless, he consistently promotes positivity to all who will listen. Despite his vulnerable lyrics and often aching voice, Dog’s music is emotional, but in an uplifting fashion. The pop melodies he belts out are curated with enchanting Autotune. While many pop artists are currently taking over the internet, Dog sets himself apart through his style and demeanor.
I feel that I’m almost required to ask this: why did you choose the name Dog for your music career?
I wanted to be like Future, you feel me? You know how you can just Google the word future, he comes right up? I wanna be Dog.
What’s your favorite kind of dog?
I don’t know. I like the dogs with curly hair and dreadlocks, you feel me? Small dogs are cool because they can sit on your lap, but big dogs are cool because you can hug them like a person.
You’re constantly changing your hairstyle and getting tattoos in extreme places. What’s the next look for Dog?
Fuck, man. For my hair, I think I’m gonna grow it out. I want to get Popstar tattooed on my eyebrow.
Your lyrics are all pretty heavy despite the instrumentals sounding cheerful and pop. You sing about social rejection, relationships, drugs, loneliness and depression. What are some honest experiences you’ve had involving those subjects?
I’ve had learning differences. I can’t read very well. In school I had to work extra hard. I was into music and not into sports. I felt misunderstood. All my best friends dropped out and I stayed in school. Then I moved to Los Angeles. It is really isolating. Hella people come and go. It’s not for everyone.
Something that makes your music stand out is the visual appeal. Your cover art is so unique and engaging. Do you come up with the ideas for the cover art of your songs, or does your artist?
I do. My artist is Colburn. She’s a talented girl from Hawaii. I like to incorporate the dog that has my face tattoo’s and then me, Samuel. The lines getting blurred between the two people. Sometimes it’s hard to tell between who’s Dog and who’s Samuel. I need to take care of myself. So many people are calling and texting me wanting shit from me. It’s overwhelming and I’ve been distancing myself.
It’s hard to chill for a little as Sam and get your phone blown up as Dog.
I don’t even like to look at my phone sometimes. People treat me like I’m famous when I’m just a normal person. I won’t take it for granted. I’ll do it for them.
I believe there is always a motive as to why someone would pick up music. Whether it’s just interest from hearing other artists do it, to wanting to know how other artists do it, what led you to becoming Dog and making all the music that you make?
I was a drummer when I was child.
Back when you were a puppy.
[Laughs] Yeah, when I was a puppy. I just wanted to play music. When I was 13 I discovered SoundCloud and decided to make beats. When I decided to become Dog I was bored as fuck and I’m gonna go crazy. I was hella inspired by Chief Keef, Wicca Phase, Tracy…I wanna be a legend. I want to change the rap game.
I noticed that your music is almost entirely all self produced.
No one would sing or rap on my beats, so I started using them for myself.
What can you say about your upcoming mixtape All Dogs Go To Heaven?
It’s almost all out. There’s four songs that aren’t out yet, I’m just rolling it out. I’m dropping another mixtape in the beginning of next year. I’m just rolling out hella shit. I’m tryna feed the streets, you feel me?
Are you going to start performing once the pandemic is over?
I really want to perform. I want to. People need to book me. I’ve never done a show.
What are your ultimate goals as an artist and the public figure that you’re becoming?
I have a nice life. I just try and flex being me. I wanna just be me 100% and get away with it. I want to do more charity work. I donated $400 for black transgender folks. I want to do it again soon. I have a god baby. I want to do a lot for him. I want to do a lot for the culture. Unity in the community.
Any closing remarks?
Shoutout to all my friends, family, and supporters. I want to shout out Colburn, Noah, OG Stank, Gabe, and my god baby.
Listen to Dog’s recent single “Let It Go” below.