Pet Sounds #84: Still Bones Frontman Can’t Live Without Music – and Coda, His Gorgeous Pooch
Roughly a month ago, emo-ish punks Still Bones unveiled a new EP. (Listen to it here.) Start/Stop is something of a blink-and-you-will-miss-it release, as the band barrels through its three songs at breakneck speed, with the entire release totaling only about eight minutes.
That said, Start/Stop captures the essence of the Baltimore band, which consists of John Gamble (vocals, guitar), Vinnie Burke (drums), Jake Butler (bass) and Ethan Salem (guitar). Gamble actually originated Still Bones as a solo project during COVID. He called it “a way to finally organize all the bits and pieces of songs I had written over the years. But the vision was always to be a full band, because being part of a scene and building community is what it’s all about.”
The band has stated that the light speed at which the release proceeds mirrors the urgency of modern times, with the world undeniably changing at an ever-increasingly rapid – and frightening – pace.
“There’s a lot of fucked up shit happening, and it’s hard to see any meaningful way to create change, so instead we just feel angry,” Gamble said. “This I want to rebel but don’t know how energy mixed with a one step forward two steps back sense of malaise is at the heart of Start/Stop.”
Helping keep Gamble stable and calm during these perilous times is his trusty dog Coda. Judging by what Gamble told us in his Pet Sounds submission, he’d be faced with a Sophie’s Choice were he forced to pick between Still Bones and Coda. Look at the below photos, and you’ll see why: Gamble has raised one very happy dog with a huge smile to prove it.
We recently caught up with Gamble to learn more about Coda and the crucial role she plays in his life.
For starters, introduce us to Coda.
Coda is an 8-year-old mutt. Her DNA test showed, like, a dozen breeds. The top three were pit bull, golden retriever and cocker spaniel. She has only a small amount of border collie blood, but that’s actually what she resembles the most in my opinion (just with shorter hair).
How did Coda enter your life?
My wife [Cara] and I always wanted a dog, but we lived in a row home with no yard. In 2018, we moved to a house with a fenced-in yard, and two weeks later we got Coda. We found her on Petfinder and went to see her at the shelter. She was so scared because the place was full of barking dogs and it was storming outside. As soon as we got her home, she was running around all happy like, “I love my new home!”
In terms of training, what came easiest to her and what was most challenging?
The shelter told us Coda was a border collie mix, so we wanted to give her the proper training. Most things came easily to her, except for pulling on the leash. We tried for years to get her to stop pulling, and the only thing that works is a steady supply of treats during walks. My favorite tricks are spin and figure 8 (between my legs).
Did you throw a party when opening her DNA test results?
We did not throw a party, but we were surprised to find out that border collie was only a small percentage of her genetic makeup. But, to be fair, all of the breeds were a small percentage. She’s a total mutt.
What’s the most amusing habit/routine she has – or, if those are inapplicable, can you share a particularly amusing anecdote involving her?
When she was a puppy, she used to play fetch with herself by dropping a ball down the steps over and over again. She doesn’t do that anymore, but she’s still ball-crazy. She would play fetch until her heart explodes, if it was up to her.
Does Coda like people more than dogs?
Coda has two distinct personalities: inside Coda and outside Coda. Inside Coda loves people and getting petted. Outside Coda couldn’t care less about people, unless they’re throwing a ball or giving her a treat. Outside Coda just wants to wrestle with every dog she sees – and chase squirrels, of course.
What are her favorite foods?
If Coda hears you open a cheese stick, she’ll be there in a flash. Coda really loves meat, yogurt and pumpkin puree. When she was a puppy, she used to eat carrots and other veggies. But now she has no interest in that.
What’s the scariest incident in which Coda got herself into?
Coda is actually pretty cautious and, in general, a good listener. So she hasn’t really gotten herself into scary situations. But scary situations have been thrust upon her. Once, a dog got off its leash on a walk and came at Coda hard. Coda got bit (not hard enough to draw blood) while cowering between my legs, and then I had to kick the other dog in the face several times until its owner got control of it. Coda was fine, but she’s definitely not a fighter.
Has Coda made any appearances on Still Bones songs or inspired any lyrics?
The song “Depression Dog” [on Still Bones’ 2021 debut LP, Dopeful] is named after her. She’ll sometimes hear a word like “walk” or “dinner” and get excited. But then, upon realizing that she’s not getting either at the moment, she’ll go lay on the couch with a deep exhale and give us sad eyes. We’d jokingly call her “depression dog.”
She’s also featured in the lyric video I made for “Dopefull,” which consists of footage from a trip to the Pacific Northwest and this Instagram post where she plays a Still Bones song.
What’s the secret to Coda’s longevity?
I think she’s just got good genes. But we also try hard not to give her too much “people food.” It started because we didn’t want her to beg for food. But now that she’s older, it seems like a good thing to do for her health. And plenty of sunshine and exercise!
Do you think Coda will ever get a brother or sister — or do you have your hands sufficiently filled with her?
Well, we have a 3-year-old son, so – between the two of them – we do have our hands full. But they get along well, more or less. Coda is a relatively easy, low-maintenance dog, so we’re grateful for that.
Check out Still Bones on Bandcamp for much more info on the band and its releases. And gorge yourself on more editions of Pet Sounds on its hub page. If you enjoyed Still Bones’ installment, here are a few that should be right up your alley:
• Pet Sounds #80: ‘Dogs Are Like Tattoos … You Get One and You’re Hooked,’ Saetia’s Tom Schlatter Says
• Pet Sounds #75: Brokedowns’ Drum Kit Player Can’t Get Enough of His Kitty Cats
• Pet Sounds #64: Emo Musician Andrea Neuenfeldt Derives Emotional Support From Her Kitties
• Pet Sounds #61: Jeromes Dream, Deadguy Give Rescue Dogs ‘Hope’ on Iodine Benefit Comp
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