Coming off their debut single + video “No Mercy” this past June, Southern California band SLEEPING DOGS today (August 10) have rolled out their second single + video, the upbeat and melodic rocker “Let’s Be Friends.” Watch the video, a modern-day vampire love story, here. It was premiered yesterday (August 9) by New Noise. Listen to the single, which will be available tomorrow (August 11) at all streaming platforms, here.
Filmed in Orange County with Jarrod Anthonee (Megadeth, Lamb of God, Social Distortion, and the Offspring) behind the lens, the “Let’s Be Friends” video stars two huge Internet personalities as the romantic couple: The Girl IQ (over 1.9 Million followers on TikTok, known for empowerment and inclusion) and The Magic Crasher (over 3.2 million Followers on TikTok, known for his creative viral “Magic Prank” videos). Says the band: “The Magic Crasher and The Girl IQ had great romantic chemistry, which really brought the story to life. They were awesome.”
“Let’s Be Friends” was written by the band’s lead guitarist/songwriter Danny Walker and produced by Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Agnostic Front, Adolescents, Zebrahead, H2O). It will be featured on SLEEPING DOGS’ debut EP in November, to be followed by a full-length album in early 2022. “Let’s Be Friends” is the follow-up to the band’s debut single “No Mercy.” Raved MXDWN: “’No Mercy’ is laid-back mid-tempo ska at its best, led by a slinky guitar lead from Walker. The upstrokes are never in much of a hurry, laying down an almost-funky groove for Amodeo to deliver the song’s message.” Below are quotes from the band about “Let’s Be Friends.”
SLEEPING DOGS—Bobby Amodeo (bass, vocals), Danny Walker (lead guitar), Higgins X-13 (guitar) Spider (drums) and George Hughes, Jr. (keys), who is keyboardist for Ziggy Marley–is a spinoff of the So Cal band WANK, who first made their mark in 1998 with their debut album on Maverick Records, which featured “Larry Brown” (produced by Mike Ness) and the KROQ hit “Forgiven.” WANK, who played shows with Social Distortion, The Specials, Goldfinger, and Deftones, split in 1999. In 2000, Walker formed and fronted HANDSOME DEVIL (RCA Records), and toured with Lit, The Used, Hoobastank and Zebrahead, and released three albums. WANK reformed in 2017 and released the full-length album White Knuckle Ride in 2020 and are currently on hiatus. WANK’s Amodeo, Walker, Higgins X-13, formerly of the Offspring, and Spider have joined forces with George Hughes, Jr. in SLEEPING DOGS. Says Walker, “He brings so much to our songs, creatively, musically, and vibe-wise, that we asked him to join the band. George makes us better–plain and simple.”
QUOTES FROM SLEEPING DOGS ABOUT “LET’S BE FRIENDS”
Song:
I wrote “Let’s Be Friends” for a musical I am writing about vampires. It’s about people from different worlds falling in love. I like the romance and simplicity of the lyrics. I did not intend it for Sleeping Dogs, but when we played it at rehearsal, it was special. We had to track it. Everybody in the band brought tasty riffs to the session. (Danny Walker)
Love this song. Musically and lyrically, it hits on all points. Monster chorus kicks you right in the gut. (Bobby Amodeo)
This song is a little different for us–I love the almost spooky sound of the chorus. I was trying to channel a guitar vibe inspired by memories of Bowie songs from the Deram Anthology album. I’m very thankful too that the boys kept my little guitar melody on the track! I love this song! (Higgins X-13)
It’s always fun creating new music—and hope this makes it to your favorite playlist. We should be friends. (George Hughes, Jr.)
Here’s a new song to ask her to slow dance to. (George Hughes, Jr.)
This song will play with your emotions. A love that shouldn’t exist somehow thrives. (Spider)
Video:
Really enjoyed making this video. Fun watching the story come to life. The Magic Crasher and The Girl IQ killed it with an incredible chemistry that brought it all together. (Bobby Amodeo)
The ‘Friends’ video was a blast to make – simply magic. I would have rather filmed it during the day but it was a pleasure to finally be able to work with a real life vampire. (Even though we had stay up all night to get it done.) David is a very, very cool guy. (Higgins X-13)
There are no rules in rock n roll. It’s fun to take a chance on a new music idea and see where it takes you. Let’s Be Friends; a modern-day film noir, takes you through the challenges of a beastly love for a fair maiden. (Spider)
Working with Production Team:
I love that David (Magic Crasher) and Rachel (The Girl IQ) wrote a treatment that aligned with the original theme of the song–vampire love. An improbable love story. It was great having their energy and enthusiasm on the planning and execution of this video. We all got to play a little role in the drama sequence too. I am a terrible actor, but it was a fun time with the crew. (Danny Walker)
Their ability to capture the concept of the song, lay out a video treatment in days of production was simply remarkable. The videographer captured our best musical moments, while never forgetting the story line. (Spider)
