Doghouse

Doghouse is a name used by more than one artist, including a Serbian punk band, a UK hard rock act, and a minimal techno project. The Serbian punk band forms in Belgrade in April 1998. The original line-up includes Dejan on vocals and guitar, Boka on bass and vocals, and Nikola on drums. Later that summer, Petar joins as a second guitarist so the group can record its first demo.

Early releases and live activity

By early 1999, the band enters the studio to record six more songs, which become the basis of its first album, Trax. Near the end of those sessions, Petar is replaced by Aref, who has played in several hardcore bands. Towards the end of 2000, Doghouse signs to a label and releases its first album, which receives positive responses from much of the hardcore and punk scene. During promotion in Belgrade, the band fills the venue and leaves some people without tickets.

The track “My Best Friend” is used in the film Land of Truth, Love and Freedom and becomes a favourite with fans and critics, receiving radio and television play. Around a year after the album’s release, the band plays a concert to nearly a thousand people at KST.

Promised Land and later lineup changes

After a number of shows in Serbia, including performances connected with Exit festival and NS Concert of the Year, Doghouse records another 12 songs for a follow-up album. Promised Land is released in January 2002 on the same label and again draws favourable responses. The band also plays a Belgrade concert for 650 people, but becomes dissatisfied with the label relationship. After a video is made for “Lil' Ann”, the band ends its ties with the label.

In 2003, Aref leaves and Milos, from Tea Break, joins the band. With this line-up, Doghouse continues to play concerts across Serbia and Macedonia, including EXIT04 and EXIT05.

October and hiatus

In October 2004, Doghouse releases an EP titled October on SHCP Records. In May 2006, the band plays its last show in Belgrade and then goes on hiatus. The members look for other musical directions after that point.