Dave Robertson sings about kissing, climate change, cult 70s novels and more kissing. His thoughtful, sometimes cheeky, lyrics are personal, political, playful and powerful. Influences range from story-teller singer/songwriters like Ani Difranco, Paul Kelly, Jason Isbell and Billy Bragg, to the atmospherics of bands such as The National and The Cure.
The sonics of Dave’s band The Kiss List are diverse. You could place the word “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 latest single The Green Light tells the tale of an amorous entanglement between two very different people. 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 impressive gig history, especially in their home town of Walyalup (Fremantle), but Dave also has solo gig highlights that include the Nannup, Fairbridge and Fremantle festivals, supporting The Basics in Tasmania and performing the song Rogue State to thousands at a Walk Against Warming rally.
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.