‘Three friends with a passion for music that set off for adventure in the wonderland of bands!’ It sounds like a description for an obscure book for boys, but the truth is sometimes simply… the truth. In the meantime the boys have become men and the wonderland of bands holds fewer secrets, but the passion, friendship and craving for more is ever present. “We formed Dog Called Phenix in May 2006, but we’ve been playing together in various bands/groups for around ten years now. With Dog Called Phenix, all the pieces to the puzzle fell into place for the first time. We aim to achieve the maximum result using minimum resources. And what is the maximum result? Numbers written from the heart that are then penetrated into the hearts of others virtually in their raw form. We come from Amsterdam and play rock/alternative. Of course, that is a term that encompasses a broad spectrum of music. Our trade mark is compact, but powerful numbers, catchy refrains, fierce vocals and energetic live shows. After seeing us perform at the Melkweg, a journalist metaphorically described us as being ‘Rigid, razor-sharp and fast like an escalator running out of control’. We could relate to that. Bands that inspire us include Foo Fighters, Bloc Party, Queens of The Stone Age, Maximo Park and Danko Jones, so expect something on those lines. Being authentic and making it work together, that’s what we’re all about. And when we’re performing ... that fantastic feeling of letting it all hang out.” (DCP) Some facts about Dog Called Phenix: Guido Vrouwe (bass guitar), Keimpe Bloem (drums), Robin Verkaik (vocals/guitar) - Debut CD ‘Someone’s gonna love me’, released end 2008 - Promo CD ‘Dog Called Phenix’, released early 2007 - Participants in Popronde 2009 and Grote Prijs van Nederland 2009 - Amsterdamse Popprijs on Tour (2008), 15 shows with T.if.T and Alura - Finalists in the Amsterdamse Popprijs 2007 and Emergenza 2007 - Support group to Dirty Pretty Things (Melkweg), Hallo Venray (P3) and Electric Eel Shock (LVC) - Airplay on radio 3FM, KinkFM and various other radio stations with the single ‘Give her a go’ - Excellent music and concert reviews in Dutch music publications including LiveXS, FRET, Musicfrom, 3voor12 - Venues: among others, Paradiso, P60, Stairway to heaven, Het Paard, Atlantis, Waerdse Tempel - Festivals: among others Zwarte Cross 2009, Bevrijdingsfestival Amsterdam 2008, Uitmarkt 2008