Dave Robertson sings about kissing, climate change, cult 70s novels and more kissing. His thoughtful lyrics are often disarmingly literal, and simultaneously serious and playful. To quote the late Tom Robbins: “Wit and playfulness represent a desperately serious transcendence of evil. Humor is both a form of wisdom and a means of survival.”
The sonics of Dave’s band The Kiss List are diverse. You could place “indie” in front of folk, pop or rock and you’d be in the ballpark depending on the song at hand. The lineup is Rachel Armstrong on violin/mandolin, Rob Findlay on electric guitar, Tore Pedersen on bass and often Merle Fyshwick on drums. They all sing harmonies.
Their poignant new single The Lion of Lucerne takes inspiration from an historic monument to explore societal allegiances and the lines upon which they fall. It is part of an EP project that began with live rhythm section takes at Hopping Mouse Studios, and subsequent production in Dave’s own studio. Previous popular songs include Montreal from the Oil, Love & Oxygen album, and Canary in the Coal Mine, which was played nationally on Double J and glowingly reviewed.
The band have an extensive gig history, especially in their home town of Walyalup (Fremantle) / Boorloo (Perth), but Dave also has solo gig highlights that include the Nannup and Fremantle festivals, supporting The Basics in Tasmania and performing the song Rogue State to thousands at a Walk Against Warming rally.
Obligatory list of similar or influential artists: Big Thief, Ani DiFranco, R.E.M., The Go-Betweens, Paul Kelly, Kathleen Edwards, Jason Isbell, Billy Bragg, The Mountain Goats, Violent Femmes, The National, The Cure, Wilco, Ben Lee, Darren Hanlon, Tom Petty…
Dave has twice been a judge for the WAM Song of the Year competition in the Blues and Roots, and Folk categories, and is becoming increasingly known for his audio production work.