The Winery Dogs Singer Richie Kotzen On Freshman Album, Working With Mike Portnoy & Billy Sheehan [EXCLUSIVE]

Richie Kotzen, who formerly played in Poison, recently released his first album with new band The Winery Dogs, which also features drummer Mike Portnoy and bassist Billy Sheehan. The relatively newly formed The Winery Dogs is currently touring internationally and Kotzen spoke with Uinterview exclusively about how the band has come together.

Formed in Brooklyn, N.Y., The Winery Dogs have a classic rock sound that has some undeniable soul. Despite having only gotten together in 2012, the new rock supergroup has already gained traction in the music world. The almost immediate success wasn’t expected by Kotzen. “The overall response to the band has been really great, and we're all surprised,” the musician admitted.

“We are developing and playing in various configurations, but this record is all over the world and getting positive reactions,” he added. “But we never made the record with preconceived ideas, we had no expectations other than making rock and roll and make music we all care about. But the reactions — we're really surprised and happy about.”

Throughout the process of making the self-titled album, Kotzen reveals that the best part was working with his new bandmates. “I really enjoyed the interaction with Billy and Mike, initially got in the room and it was a lot of fun for me and writing too,” Kotzen told Uinterview exclusively. “The whole creative process was very rewarding and effortless.” Both Portnoy and Sheehan are no strangers to “best of” lists regarding their respective instruments.

Click Here To Read Uinterview's Full Interview With The Winery Dog's Richie Kotzen

As The Winery Dogs continue their global tour, a second studio album will be put on the back burner. “When the touring has ended,” said Kotzen. “We'll go back to the drawing board and write the next record.”

The Winery Dogs are currently playing shows in the Pacific Northwest, with their next three concerts in San Francisco, Portland and Seattle, respectively. The band will be heading to the east coast later on in October.

– Chelsea Regan

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