James and the Lost Dogs
If you like to lose - bet against us
Hear the Dogs Run Wild
From big riffs to microscopic love songs — explore the catalog.
Blues-Soaked Alt Rock With Wit, Heart, and a Little Cosmic Weirdness
Hailing from Roseburg, Oregon, James and the Lost Dogs blend blues-infused alt rock with a sharp lyrical wit that turns everyday curiosities into big philosophical questions — sometimes very big. (Their fan-favorite single Dust Mites in My Eyes wonders whether the microscopic creatures on your eyelashes write poetry or fall in love.)
Anchored by the fantastic rhythm section of Keefe Hirtle (drums/vocals) and Tim Graves (bass), the band’s sound comes alive through the virtuosic fire of James Lucier III on guitar/vocals and Michael Mendenhall on keyboards — a local legend everyone in town pointed to when James asked, “Who’s the best?”
Driven by wicked dedication, a sense of fun, and sincere showmanship, the group has released seven singles and is charging toward their first full-length album, arriving early 2026. Their mission is simple: music will save you — and no matter where you are in your journey, you don’t walk the path alone.
Nobody wants it more than us. You may want it just as much, but it is not possible to want it more; and as soon as we figure out what it is, we’ll let you know. -JatLD
From humble beginnings…
Born in the small but creatively charged town of Roseburg, Oregon, James and the Lost Dogs carve out a sound that’s hard to pin down but impossible to forget. Their music lives at the crossroads of bluesy riff-driven rock, alt-rock exploration, and a lyrical curiosity that turns both cosmic mysteries and microscopic oddities into fully-fledged musical worlds. Their breakout single, Dust Mites in My Eyes, asks whether the mites living on your eyelashes write poetry, fall in love, or dream — a perfect example of the band’s blend of humor, philosophy, and genuine wonder.
The band’s origins are as human and heartfelt as their songs. Guitarist and vocalist James Lucier met bassist Tim Graves at the local music store, a friendship that sparked long before a band had a name. James wanted Tim on bass so badly that he literally dropped to his hands and knees to beg him — and it might’ve stayed a running joke if not for a coworker who gave Tim the final nudge. The rest is Lost Dogs history.
Drummer and vocalist Keefe Hirtle joined after an early lineup shakeup, stepping in when the original drummer moved away to start a family. Keefe’s arrival solidified the band’s signature rhythmic backbone — a tight, soulful engine that drives both their blues grit and their alt-rock edge.
The search for a keyboardist became a local legend. James called musician after musician around town, asking one question: “Who’s the best keyboardist in Roseburg?” Every single person gave the same answer: Michael Mendenhall. With that, Michael brought his virtuosic playing, improvisational fire, and melodic instincts to the group, rounding out a lineup built on chemistry, craft, and community.
Together, James and the Lost Dogs are wickedly dedicated musicians who never lose their sense of fun or their commitment to sincere showmanship. Their songs are smart but not pretentious, emotional without being sentimental, and always anchored by a rhythm section that hits with precision and swagger.
After releasing seven singles, the band is deep into work on their first full-length album, slated for early 2026 — a record that promises bigger ideas, deeper grooves, and more of the thoughtful, offbeat storytelling that defines them.
At the heart of everything is their mission:
No matter where you are in your journey, you do not walk the path alone. Music will save you.