Like many great bands before them, Hey Bulldog began as a germ of an idea of main man Rob Manton. The multi-talented Manchester-based musician, who named his venture after the last song that the Beatles recorded in a room together, recorded the debut EP, New York City Blues, by himself with the help of a drum machine.
Before turning the project into a fully fledged band, Manton subtly started to create a buzz with the help of Myspace and a variety of fanzines, leading Manchester’s Designer ‘zine to say that, “At the time of going to press Hey Bulldog isn't a fully fledged band, haven't played a gig and we're already naming him one of the Best New Artists to look out for”.
As word spread, Steve Lamacq named Hey Bulldog his Unsigned Band of the Week on his BBC Radio 6 music show and the band became favourites of XFM djs Clint Boon and John Kennedy.
Now, the band really is a band. Manton has found himself a set of like-minded cohorts, continued to write songs and has developed an enviable following thanks to consistently exciting live shows all over the UK. Those Beatles influences along with the likes of the Kinks and the Kings of Leon are evident all over Hey Bulldog’s music, from the catchiest of melodies to guitar hero-esque riffs that Hendrix and the White Stripes would be proud of. This is, to all intents and purposes, a rock ‘n’ roll band, yet their wings spread far further than that.
Hey Bulldog is that most rare of beasts. The music is as personal as it’s possible to get, and yet the songs are so good that they’re accessible to anyone and everyone.
As I write, the band has just released their first professional studio recordings. and is readying itself for the summer festival circuit. By the time 2010 arrives, you’ll know the name and you may well be singing the songs along to the radio as you drive to work.
Catch them live now, while you can still get to the front without getting crushed.
Brett Callwood
Contact/Bookings/Press Email <a href="mailto:heybulldogmusic@hotmail.co.uk" target="_blank">
heybulldogmusic@hotmail.co.uk</a>
