Led by brothers Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty-founding members of ARIA Hall of Fame band Mental As Anything – Dog Trumpet have carved out a rich and idiosyncratic path through Australia’s musical and visual arts landscapes for more than three decades. With Bernie Hayes on bass and vocals and Declan O’Doherty on drums, the band’s distinctive blend of offbeat pop, psychedelia, blues and folk is as warm and imaginative as ever.
Known not only for their music but also for their art, Reg and Peter have exhibited work in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US. Their creativity flows seamlessly across mediums, and Live Forever is no exception – visually striking, sonically rich, and emotionally resonant. Dog Trumpet will mark the album’s release with a run of select live shows. Live Forever is available on Vinyl, CD and digitally July 11. Pre-orders, merch and more at: www.dogtrumpet.net
Pete and Reg from Dog Trumpet recently sat down for a chat via zoom with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips to discuss the making of their new album Live Forever
MORE ABOUT DOG TRUMPET
Reg Mombassa: Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter, Visual ArtistReg Mombassa (real name Chris O’Doherty) is a founding member of both Mental As Anything and Dog Trumpet. As a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, Reg is known for his uniquely Australian blend of offbeat wit, surreal lyricism, and melodic guitar work. Beyond music, he is one of Australia’s most recognisable visual artists — famed for his irreverent and iconic designs for Mambo Graphics, as well as fine art exhibited globally. Reg’s songs often explore themes of suburbia, mortality, and absurdity, all delivered with a dry sense of humour and a painter’s eye for detail.
Peter O’Doherty: Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter, PainterPeter O’Doherty co-founded Dog Trumpet with his brother Reg after both had long tenures in Mental As Anything. A gifted multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Peter’s work leans toward melodic pop with emotional depth and gentle satire. He is also an award-winning painter, whose work has been exhibited across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and Europe. Peter brings a quiet narrative style to Dog Trumpet’s music — reflective, poetic, and rich with observation.
Bernie Hayes: Bass, Guitar, Vocals Bernie Hayes is a long-respected figure in theAustralian indie scene, known for his solo albums, collaborative projects, and work with bands like The Whitlams and The Dead Marines. As Dog Trumpet’s bassist and vocalist, he brings a deep musicality and understated charisma to the rhythm section. Bernie’s harmonies and groove sensibility are a subtle but essential part of the band’s sonic identity.
Declan O’Doherty: Drums, Vocals, Composer, Engineer, Producer Declan O’Doherty is Dog Trumpet’s drummer, backing vocalist, in-house producer and recording engineer — and part of the next generation of creative talent in the O’Doherty family. Having grown up surrounded by music and art, Declan brings both technical skill and inventive flair to the band’s sound, anchoring their live performances while also shaping their recordings from behind the desk. Beyond his role in Dog Trumpet, Declan is an emerging composer in the Australian film scene. He wrote the original score for *Mates*, a short film that was selected for competition at both the 2025 Sydney Film Festival and the 2025 St Kilda Film Festival — a significant achievement that highlights his evolving voice as a film composer.
DOG TRUMPET AT NIMBIN ROOTS FESTIVAL
One of Dog Trumpet’s upcoming gigs is as a headliner for the 10th and final Nimbin Roots Festival.
Three-day festival passes, individual one-day passes and separate camping passes are available and include access to all venues and shows. The Festival includes a Peace and Love Parade that’s as musical as it is colourful, and the town overflows with art, poetry, workshops, markets and food – as all great festivals must! Always a crowd pleaser, Dog Trumpet will be joined at Nimbin by The Audreys and Paul Greene, Kingfisha and Mungo Fungo (a Regurgitator offshoot), the lineup this October includes Hussy Hicks, Wild Marmalade, Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange), Allison Forbes, Joshua Lee Wright, Thirst Trap, The Golden Gaytimes and many more.
More info and tickets: www.nimbinrootsfest.com
For more info on Dog Trumpet, visit www.dogtrumpet.net
