Interview: Puppy – Inside the Mind of Indie Metal’s Rising Stars
indie metal trio Puppy released their debut album Goat and embarked on a UK tour in April 2018. Their unique sound fuses metal, pop, and indie, drawing comparisons to the likes of Weezer, Ghost, and At The Drive-In, with hints of Iron Maiden and Muse. Way Out Radio’s Paula Frost caught up with frontman Jock during the band’s European tour to discuss their journey, influences, and creative process.
On the Road: Europe Tour Highlights
Speaking from the tour van en route from Denmark to Hamburg, Jock shared, “It’s our day off. We’re a bit disheveled after six days on the road. We might hit a karaoke bar in Hamburg. Last time, I did Freak on a Leash—it wasn’t a heavy metal night, so it was pretty strange but fun!”
Puppy has been honing their craft for over four years, evolving from singer/bassist Jock and drummer Billy’s previous band Polterghost. Guitarist Will joined shortly after, completing the lineup. Jock noted that their collective experience has matured their sound:
“We’ve known each other since we were 12, and we’ve been in bands together since we were kids. Will brought in a doom/stoner vibe, while Billy and I leaned towards indie rock. Together, we’ve created something melodic yet heavy.”
Influences: Indie Metal with a Twist
Puppy’s influences range from Dinosaur Jr., Swervedriver, and Hum to the legendary Blue Album by Weezer. “We love how Weezer channels classic rock and metal through their unique lens,” said Jock. The band also draws on vocal harmonies inspired by The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and Teenage Fanclub:
“Having harmonies softens our metal sound and creates depth. With just three of us, it’s a way to expand our live sound.”
A Headline Tour to Remember
April marked a milestone for Puppy as they embarked on their first headline UK tour, hitting venues like Southampton’s Joiners and London’s Camden Underworld. Jock admitted, “We’re always nervous no one will show up! Headlining feels great because you’re not trying to win people over as much.”
The band consistently tours and has shared stages with acts like Grove Street Family. But headlining in their hometown of London is particularly special:
“The Underworld is huge for us. We’ve played there before as support, but this is our first headliner. It’s a big moment.”
DIY to the Core: Videos, Artwork, and More
Puppy’s DIY ethos sets them apart. From cover artwork and merch to directing their music videos, the band handles it all:
“It’s born out of necessity—you can’t afford to hire others. Plus, we enjoy being in control of how we’re visually represented.”
Their quirky, viral video for World Stands Still follows a graffiti-spraying werewolf, inspired by American Werewolf in London. The makeup was done by their talented friend Tabatha, who also created the creepy goat-man from Black Hole.
Their latest video, Bathe in Blood, shifts gears with a chilling occult theme, featuring robed figures in Gloucestershire’s forests and Clearwell Caves. Jock revealed, “We actually got actors for that one. The location’s weird history added to the atmosphere.”
Behind the Music: Crafting Goat
Puppy’s debut album Goat took time to perfect, recording with two producers: Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, Ghost) and Neil Kennedy (Creeper). “It was important to blend different sessions into a cohesive sound, and Neil really brought it together,” said Jock.
The album combines intricate song structures with introspective lyrics. While Jock typically writes solo, the band collaborates to refine their parts. As for lyrics? “I usually leave them to the last minute,” Jock laughed. “I’ve got RhymeZone bookmarked on my laptop!”
Standout Tracks and Proud Moments
When asked about his favorite track, Jock chose Poor Me: “The chorus pops, and it just feels right. We hadn’t listened to the album in a while, but revisiting it on vinyl was amazing. We’re really proud of it.”
Looking Ahead
With Goat earning praise and their fan base steadily growing, Puppy has big plans for the future. Their headline tour promises to be a highlight, particularly the Camden Underworld show. “It’s our home turf, so it’s a big deal,” said Jock.
From their unique sound and DIY approach to their relentless touring schedule, Puppy is carving out a distinct place in the indie metal scene. As Jock summed it up:
“We’re just here to put on the best show we can, every single time.”
