About

            Originally put together as a jazz-folk band to play a friend’s music event in 2020, Mississippi Dogfish quickly realized their potential, found a drummer in the alley, and began pursuing a more ambitious sound. Honing their chops by entertaining close friends during the pandemic, the Dogfish began recording in January of 2021. The resulting E.P. combines pop-rock music forms with the more-grooving sounds of the world, with influences including Paul Simon, Hank Williams, Ali Farka Toure, the Grateful Dead, and The Pogues.

            The four tracks were recorded over three months at guitarist Droopy Thomlinson’s vibrating apartment on the Macomb Square. “Artificial Rain” is a rocking western swing tune featuring tight call-and-response harmonies. “Misery and Mysticism” is a punk take on a talking blues, combining indie-rock instrumentation with West African polyrhythms. Though electrified, the traditional song “Worried Man Blues” was recorded live in mono to emulate a Sun Records feel. “Hi, My Name is Ben” is Ben Clemmens debut songwriting effort, a lively psychedelic-rock song that gives way to a solo section and crescendo emulating the guitar and vocal arrangements of the 1970’s.

            In addition to their E.P., Mississippi Dogfish has been recording their weekly podcast, “Mississippi Podfish,” providing a humorous and irreverent take on small town band life and greater musical topics.

            Mississippi Dogfish started as fun among friends but is quickly establishing itself as an entertainment tour de force in the roadhouses of the Midwest.