TBI Q&A: Dave Dobbyn
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Iconic New Zealand singer Dave Dobbyn reunited with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on Sunday to perform the timeless classics that defined a generation, along with fresh songs from his new album Anotherland.
Dave Dobbyn has been in the charts for nearly 30 years and says he maintains his energy and passion by 'being driven crazy by songs'.
"It's always been a case of having to create songs to survive in my heart more than anything."
Dave Dobbyn has been in the charts for nearly 30 years and says he maintains his energy and passion by 'being driven crazy by songs'.
"It's always been a case of having to create songs to survive in my heart more than anything."
First thing around 6.30, with my family after a day at work and later if I decide to do a musical stint at my studio.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Obsessively soulful and probably romantically unrealistic.
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Playing with my band and seeing them lifted up in the music. Crafting of songs and getting better at simplicity.
How does your environment affect your work?
Hugely - I need a balance of busy city life and provincial peace to function. I don't get enough quality rest.
TV is just insulting. Architecture has never been more inhumane. People are the most important thing in any environment.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
The big picture just gets bigger and more exciting though I do stumble on details - a runaway airport trolley can be deeply irritating - but don't start me.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Reinvest everything you can and remain transparently honest in all dealings. Make sure that your output is quality and encourage your crew to improve on it. Praise your co-workers and keep your feet on the ground. Aspire.
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
It's always the current recording. Anotherland. I'm very proud of my band and it is growing. They were involved in the process from exactly the right time for me. There is this lovely element of surprise when your crew explores the structures of the new songs. You can re-arrange things on the spot if you're struck by a mood or improvised part. I love the way it affects my whole live catalogue - that can only be refreshing for the older tunes. I think now it's a matter of not striving or overplaying that is the buzz for this band. Simplicity and an emphasis on feel, as opposed to a clutter of clever chops or a virtuoso approach. Above all there's heart. You have to work and play collectively with heart.
What were the influences for your latest album Anotherland?
Isolation and hopelessness versus an opportunity to love and grow. Soul, gospel, dub reggae and Bob Dylan. .
What songs are you performing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra?
On Sunday we'll begin with a journey through some of the songs from 'Anotherland' before visiting some of the old favourites.
Who is in your band and how do you blend with the Orchestra?
Ross Burge on drums who has great experience with orchestras and big bands and understands the drop on the inherent delays across stage.
Marcus Lawson on bass and vocal who is a killer musician all round. His enthusiasm is infectious.
Mark Vanilau on piano and vocals. His playing is beautiful and his voice superb. His sense of harmony is deep and lush. It's like the whole of Samoan music history flows through his hands.
Victoria Girling-Butcher. Great singer / songwriter and exeptional guitarist.
Lauren Mitchell. Great singer / songwriter and wonderful all round jazz musician.
Haddon Smith of The Electric Confectionaires. Greatly talented trumpeter, guitarist, keyboard player and vocalist. A regular swiss army player.
What are your other upcoming concerts?
Next Thursday we all head to colder climes for concerts in Amsterdam, Edinburgh and three London shows.
You've been in the charts for nearly 30 years. How have you maintained your energy and passion?
A gradual process of getting to know people and emerging into the music that this creates. Being driven crazy by songs helps. It's always been a case of having to create songs to survive in my heart more than anything.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
Louis Armstrong, Ali Farka Touri. Bob Dylan. Black Americans. Barrack Obama. Little Bushman. Mostly my wife and children.
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Photograhy, sculpture, Painting. Possibly architecture and design.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The good company of God.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
In a Grey Lynn villa through some decent speakers at reasonable volume.
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Make an angel and hang it on the wall.
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
A great dose of black gospel music. The back massage at Purity Spa in Franklin Rd. is excellent.
What's great about today?
That it's not yesterday and I'm here.
What's your big idea for 2009?
Formulate a brilliant idea for 2010.
Image: By Grahame Sydney
Vero presents Dave Dobbyn and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Sunday 16 November, 8pm
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE ®
Phone 0800 BUY TICKETS (289 842)
Where: 12 Acklam Road (formerly Neighbourhood) - London
When: Friday November 28, doors 7pm til 2.30am, band onstage 9pm
Tickets: From Sanza.co.uk
Email: The editor@thebigidea.co.nz with the subject line Dave Dobbyn London tickets
Include: Your TBI username, your full name and contact details
Eligibility: To be eligible you must be a member of The Big Idea. You must be able to attend the show and tickets are non-transferable.
Entries: Need to be received by midnight November 22.
Winners: Will be contacted by email on November 23.
Please note: Travel to the event is not included.
13/11/08
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