Scroungy Dogs: From the Kitchen to the Speakers
Scroungy Dogs: From the Kitchen to the Speakers
Sometimes the most authentic music emerges not from expensive studios or carefully mapped-out career plans, but from friends gathering together to chase a great song. Enter Scroungy Dogs, a Southern California collective featuring musicians whose resumes include bands such as Centershift, Bemus, and collaborations with an impressive range of artists throughout the years. Their debut single, “Midnight Blue,” introduces a project built on creativity, camaraderie, and a genuine love for making music on their own terms.
In this interview with Highwire Daze, bassist and primary songwriter Ted Wenri discusses the origins of Scroungy Dogs, recording much of their music in his kitchen, working alongside producer Jose Alcantar and OneSideZero drummer Rob Basile, and the band’s refreshing philosophy of prioritizing songs over expectations. Ted also reflects on his years touring with acts such as Dredg and Trapt, the lessons learned from past projects, and what listeners can expect as Scroungy Dogs continue building momentum following the release of their debut single.
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Scroungy Dogs, and how long the band has been together.
I’m Ted. I play bass mostly, but when I write, I will play guitar, bass, and keys and try to capture an idea, then pass it off to my friends. The parts I come up with I generally look at as placeholders and let everyone have the freedom to do their thing. It’s kind of fun to see where things go.
Where is the band based, and what is your local music scene like there?
Well, we are from all over LA, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, but if I had to pick a location, I would say mostly my kitchen. That’s where we tracked most of the vocals, bass, and some guitar. Ventura and Santa Barbara do have a small live music scene with some cool, small venues.
Is there any overall story or concept behind the debut single, “Midnight Blue”?
Matt wrote the vocals on his way to my house, and we recorded them in my kitchen. He’s a great songwriter and has that vocal tone that just makes everything sound good. In short, the song is about taking a break from your cell phone and enjoying life.
Who produced “Midnight Blue,” and what was it like working with them?
My friend, who’s more like family, Jose Alcantar, and I produced this song. Jose has pretty much worked on every project I have been a part of. He has amazing talent when it comes to recording.
How close are you to releasing an EP or album?
We have enough songs for two EPs. We just need to find the time to complete them. I think we are ready to get started on three more, hopefully soon.
Has Scroungy Dogs ever played live, or is that something you would like to do in the future?
Not live on stage yet. It could happen in the future, but we aren’t worried about it since most of us have done it. The songs are more important to us at the moment. Matt Clark plays a lot of solo acoustic gigs, and we just take things as they come. That said, we have gotten a few show offers from friends in the music scene since we launched our single.
Looking back on your time in Centershift and Bemus, what do you think of it now in retrospect?
It’s been a privilege to play and create with some amazing musicians, and each one has taught me something new about music that has kept me looking for new ways to create.
You and Bemus toured alongside bands such as Dredg and Trapt. What was that experience like?
Touring is a lot of work, loading in, soundchecking, breaking down, and traveling. But after listening to bands like Dredg every night, you really get to learn their music and gain a deeper appreciation for their songs. Sometimes Rob and I will drink a lot, stop playing, and just put Dredg on and talk about how awesome they were.
What has it been like working with Rob Basile of OneSideZero on the Scroungy Dogs project?
Rob’s a beast on drums, but he is also just a super laid-back, no-drama guy. I love jamming with that guy. He knows just what to play, and we always lock in on a groove. We have been hanging out and jamming for years now, so it was only natural that we ended up doing something creative together.
Are you currently involved with any other bands or projects outside of Scroungy Dogs or any of the other bands we’ve mentioned?
I have been lucky enough to perform on a lot of projects. Most recently, Jane Jensen has some new songs in the works. Melee Fairy—amazing youngsters and a lot of fun. Possibly look out for some new songs from Mamas Moustache.
What’s up next for Scroungy Dogs?
Most likely some new music, but we are independent, so it’s basically getting done when we can afford it. Until then, we will continue to drink good whiskey and jam until the sun rises.
In Conclusion
With “Midnight Blue” serving as an impressive introduction, Scroungy Dogs have already demonstrated a knack for crafting music that feels organic, heartfelt, and refreshingly unforced. What began as friends collaborating between kitchens, jam sessions, and late-night songwriting has evolved into a project with real potential and a growing catalog waiting in the wings.
Whether or not live performances become part of the immediate future, the focus remains exactly where it should be: on great songs and the creative chemistry shared by the musicians involved. As Ted and company continue writing, recording, and refining new material, Scroungy Dogs appear poised to deliver much more than a single standout track. If “Midnight Blue” is any indication, this is a band worth keeping firmly on your radar. Until the next release arrives, they’ll be doing what they do best: creating music with friends, enjoying a good whiskey, and jamming until sunrise.
(Interview by Ken Morton)
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