Interview: Dave Dobbyn on what it means to be a Kiwi   12 Oct 2015

Charlotte Everett

Dave Dobbyn is arguably New Zealand’s most iconic singer-songwriter - just hearing one of his songs evokes a sense of home and what it means to be a Kiwi. The legend is back in the UK later this month, and NZNewsUK London Editor Charlotte Everett grabbed the opportunity to chat with him ahead of his highly-anticipated London shows.

Kia Ora, Dave! Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. You’ve really been the “soundtrack of New Zealand” for the past 30 years. Can you tell us a little about how you got into music?
I’ve always been completely consumed by music above everything else. As soon as I knew I could mimic what I was hearing, I knew I had to explore it and find a way to make my own sound. I was blessed to have joined a band who could really play, write and record well and from the start we had radio hits here. The audience has taken me everywhere since. I never ever thought of not playing and recording. So I’m in it for dear life.

You’ve just finished a new album. Tell us about how that came about, and the sound we can expect? When will the album be out?
I never stop writing , but sometimes you need a catalyst to finish a set of songs. This time around I’ve had the sheer delight of having Samuel Flynn-Scott and Lukasz Buda, of The Phoenix Foundation, produce my album. It’s a splendid combination of characters. The result is a true collaboration and a sonic trip. You can hear their influence very well. They are masters of recording and mixing and we co-wrote a few tunes.  I’m so excited, I’m at that stage where I feel somehow misrepresented until the record is out. We’re releasing a few singles from November until March for the album drop. Can’t wait.

You’re back in London at the end of the month. How do you find the vibe here, and what can fans expect from these upcoming shows?
I love playing in London and feel quite at home there. We’re playing a broad selection of songs, from the very familiar, through the catalog, to the brand new. I have a great band in Ross Burge on drums, Alan Gregg on bass and Jesse Sheehan on guitars. I play guitar and some piano. The shows will be great. I’m feeling in top form performing and it’s definitely rocking.

How do you spend your “down time” in London – does that even exist for you?!
Looking forward to soaking up some culture, catching up with friends. This time around we have days between gigs, so I’ll get to spend time in galleries. Art galore, I love it. Oh and there is some rugby on there that will be ferocious and anxiety inducing. Also, to read some real newspapers will be a rare thrill.

What’s next for you, and when can we expect to see you up this way again?
Well we have a lot of work to do to promote my album. I’m an indie artist now, so legging it around the country and spreading the word will fill my days over summer. We have a few choice gigs including Rhythm & Vines on New Year’s Eve and some pre Christmas shows in the provinces. Then there’s a theatre tour to support the record. Hopefully we can keep going through Oz and back to you guys with a brand new record. I have a hunch these songs will be embraced. They’ve driven me mad for months and now it’s your turn, ok?

Limited tickets are still available for Dave Dobbyn at The Garage on 28 October. Visit spacific.net for more details.

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