AFTER 30 years on the south Cumbrian indie/alternative rock scene, Roger ‘Dog’ Bibby has ‘unintentionally’ produced an album of classical guitar compositions.

Released under the name ‘Dogmusic’, ‘A Long Way Home’ marks the first ever solo recording from the Ulverston musician, best known from bands 12ft Machete and current outfit the Toledo Mud Hens.

“It was completely unintentional,” he explained, “usually I come up with the ideas for the songs and work with a lyricist.

“But on this occasion I didn’t have anyone to work with so I carried on with the ideas on my own and at the point where I would usually hand the songs off to someone else I just finished them off instrumentally.

“Once it was recorded I was surprised to see that I’d ended up with a classical album.”

Available to stream online at www.dogmusic.co.uk, ‘A Long Way Home’ consists of eight tracks combining classical and indie influences.

It was recorded at Roger’s home studio during sessions in which he “sat down and played the guitar until something sounded good.”

The process has inspired him to do more of the same, and a Christmas EP with acoustic versions of traditional carols is in the pipeline.

He has also already started working on material for the second Dogmusic album, due for release in February or March.

But right now Roger’s main challenge is working out how he is going to perform these songs live, saying, “I’m definitely not ready yet.”

Despite having started gigging in the area in the mid 80s as a teenager, Roger said, “I’ve never been on stage by myself, but it’s something I definitely would do.

“I think when I’m actually playing it wouldn’t faze me, but I would find it quite challenging keeping the audience entertained between songs.”

This project also marks the first time Roger has had to take over the ‘managerial’ side, setting up a website and promoting the music.

“I’ve found it quite interesting to be in charge of my own destiny,” he said, “my main problem is getting people to listen – I’m a live musician so normally that’s my way of getting people to hear my music.”