Doomed Confessionary: Neal Diamond & Ray Dickman (BirdDog)
BirdDog is a stoner/desert/fuzz rock band from Ottawa, Canada. They’ve spent the past couple of years jamming in their dingy practice space, and playing a handful of live shows. The group, during the time of recording, consisted of guitarist Ray Dickman (ex-Electric Ruin), his brother Eric on bass (ex-Electric Ruin), Diamond Neal on vocals (ex-Mighty Eagle Band) and Andrew Barr on drums. Recently, Dexter Tremblay has stepped in to replace Andrew on drums.
The band draws influence from 1970s doom rock, as well as boogie and punk rock. BirdDog is heavy guitar rock, with themes of fear, failure and getting old, performed by skids who lather on voltaren like sunscreen in the hottest parts of hell.
With BirdDog’s first official release, these six songs may ask more questions than they answer, but whether you are asking these questions or just bobbing your head and foot stomping along, the album is 22 minutes of compelling listening. BirdDog’s self-titled debut EP dropped on July 15th, 2025.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are BirdDog, a 4 piece band from Ottawa. We’re a heavy rock band…a bit of doom, a bit of stoner, a bit of boogie, and a little punk as well. The band consists of Neal Diamond on vocals, Ray Dickman on guitar, Eric Dickman on bass, and Dexter Tremblay on drums.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Finding and keeping a drummer that worked for the band was really hard before we got Dexter on board. It also took way too long getting our shit together to record an album. Things finally seem pointed in the right direction now!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Finally having an album out! And having a line-up that seems to be on the same page and headed in a positive direction.
Ray: I’m just really happy that we didn’t give up on this band even though there were some times that seemed like it might be hard to keep going.
What was your biggest regret?
Ray: No regerts. 😀
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Neal: Hard to pick, I’m usually never paying much attention, but the best concerts are usually ones where there is an enthusiastic audience.
Ray: Hard to say… we’ve only played local shows so far. There have been some good ones…. Shows at Avant Garde are always fun.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Ray: my brother and I (and Neal as well, I think) have been out of the actively playing music scene for a while before BirdDog. I’m Just surprised how much easier it used to be to get a new(er) band on decent bills in Ottawa. Once we stopped trying to latch onto local promoters’ shows and just started booking mostly our own shows with bands we love…things have gotten better.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Neal: Dead Moon, Faze, GI Jinx.
Ray: Brant Bjork Trio, Netherlands, Mars Red Sky, The Beths.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Neal: “Lift your voice so the lord can hear you” heard from an old gospel recording.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Neal: Cheese, vintage country music, being alone.
Ray: Reality tv, ordering movie popcorn by uber eats when I’m home, and KISS (Ace 4 life).
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Ottawa?
Neal: It’s alive and well, as long as the weather holds
Ray: Loads of great local bands in all the heavy genres in Ottawa. We’re a bit low on good venues, but yeah….alive and well overall for sure.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Neal: We are currently organizing ourselves to get to some venues around Ontario, before the winter.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep writing and recording! We have another 4 songs recorded that we’re super pumped about and excited for people to hear
How can people best support your band?
Telling a friend, or buying and sharing the album: birddog4.bandcamp.com/album/birddog.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Keep listening. We’re excited to finally have some music out there that people seem to be digging. \m/
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well