Kü Dog + Friends

Kü Dog + Friends is an original band that is based in San Luis Obispo County, on the Central Coast of California, USA.  Led by songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Kurt "Kü Dog" Lindgren, the band performs tunes from Lindgren's packed catalog of original Americana/Multi-Genre music that includes doses of Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Bluegrass, Surf, Folk, and more.  A proud married father of 3, Lindgren's original songs were created over decades of life experiences.  These diverse influences include growing up in the small, rural San Joaquin town of Porterville; working as a "Hotshot" on wildland fire crews; as a world traveler, and as a school teacher (current).  

While Lindgren's original songs form the foundation of the band's set lists, Kü Dog + Friends is truly a collaborative effort.  The band's regulars include multi-instrumentalists Jim "Hippy" Heintz (bass/vocals/drums) and Ben Musson (drums/vocals/guitar).  Meanwhile, the band's tracks and live performances go next-level with Lindgren's uncle John Goux on lead guitar and pedal steel.  Goux is a legendary session musician whose discography reads like a history lesson in modern music, having performed and recorded tracks with greats such Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, and Lady Gaga.

Kü Dog has performed and recorded some of his original tracks on albums with prior acts, most notably The Wadsworth Bluffrats (2008-2010) and Occasional Mustache (2010-2016).  Occasional Mustache laid tracks across the Central Coast, performing at venues small and large in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.  OM released a self-titled album in 2011, with Goux's hands all over the arrangements, production, and lead guitars. In 2013 the band received positive reviews as the opener for The Doobie Brothers at Vina Robles, the largest outdoor ampitheatre in SLO county. Occasional Mustache attracted further attention and built a loyal fan following with 2014's "Hard to Keep a Good Man Down".  Lindgren's songs from the OM period continue to receive appreciation and airplay with "Sweatpants Romance", "Yard Sale", and "Real Hotshots Don't Take Showers" among fan favorites.  In 2016 Lindgren's longtime friend and bandmate Chad "Chancho" Schmid was diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading to the breakup of the band. Lindgren continued to perform his songs with various local acts like The Dunegrass Boys, before assembling Kü Dog + Friends.  All music from The Wadsworth Bluffrats and Occasional Mustache are available for download on itunes, and various streaming sites like Spotify, as well as being available as videos on youtube. 

Kü Dog + Friends has been busy in the last few years, playing venues small and large along the Central Coast region.  A dedicated father and provider, Lindgren's focus has been on performances in recent years, with recording taking a backseat.  However, a Kü Dog + Friends album is in the works for 2023, with potential for multiple projects to be dropped.  Among these is "PROJECT 52", a benefit album for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF), and a Hip-Hop collaboration featuring Lindgren's infectious "Fanny Pack" track.  The coming years hold big promise for Kü Dog + Friends in recording and performing capacities, as they focus on manifesting their broad potential into musical action for wider audiences.