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Dave Robertson
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Dave Robertson
Genre: Indie, Roots
Region: Perth, WA
Members: Dave Robertson - vocals and guitar
Sounds Like: The Cure, Lucksmiths, radiohead
Influences: REM, Paul kelly, ani difranco
Artist Website: www.daverobertson.com.au

Unearthed Artists We Like: Lexi Keller , Institut Polaire , 37° Star


Wanted in all states and territories for honest song writing, Dave Robertson tells philosophical stories through driving indie-folk-pop songs. His beautifully unaffected voice and mercifully unschooled guitar playing appeal to young and old. Thoughtful lyrics combine personal and political musings, witty word play, everyday frankness and just enough passing detail to draw listeners into the subject of the song. Influences include Ryan (not Bryan) Adams, Ani Difranco, Dar Williams, Damien Rice and Bright Eyes.

Dave’s Little Scientist EP has received radio airplay on at least 22 stations around Australia including Triple J, the national youth broadcaster. The track “Other Body Parts” was recently selected by Foghorn Records for Sounds Like Cafe. The compilation CD series goes out to over 1200 cafes around Australia and has previously featured Paul Kelly and Sarah Blasko. The song debuted at #9 on the Sounds Like Cafe charts just behind fellow Sandgroper Abbe May. DJ Nana Mex, founder of Downunda Thunda Radio, describes it as “one of my top 20 all time fav tracks. Play it at least once a week on air”. “Lost and Found” can be found on Blue Tongue Records Rocky Blues Volume 3 compilation CD. The EP was Nexus Car Share’s feature CD in July 2007. You can read reviews of Dave’s songs on Triple J Unearthed.

Dave’s live performances have covered three continents and a plethora of bars, cafes, radio studios, folk clubs, house concerts, festivals and more. Gig highlights include:

* Performing the political “Rogue State” to thousands at the Walk Against Warming
* The acoustics of singing in the Fairbridge chapel at the Earthdance Festival
* Kicking off Fremantle Festival’s “Weave” event on federal election night (what a party!)
* Supporting The Basics (featuring Gotye) at Lewisham Tavern in Tasmania
* Supporting sultry Canadian Carolyna Loveless at a ranch near the US border
* Jamming with Kristina Olsen at the Nanga Music Festival
* Playing West Coast Blues and Roots Fringe Festival
* Being nominated a finalist in the Swan Hotel’s Step Up Live song writing competition

He’s come a long way from learning the Star Wars theme on clarinet at school. Violent Femmes, The Cure, REM, Radiohead and Billy Bragg inspired Dave to pick up the guitar. Backpacking in Europe he discovered he had a knack for entertaining and started performing at open mic nights in Edinburgh. In 2003 Dave released 15 of his songs on the home-recorded “Third Draft” CD, with which he toured to Canada. Moving to the musical port city of Fremantle he teamed up with experienced producers Pete Grandison and Peter Anthony to record the six track “Little Scientist EP” at Shanghai Twang studios. Backing vocals from Tessa Lee, slide guitar from Craig Sinclair and percussion from Simon Miskin and Pete Smith were a fitting addition. The CD was launched at Kidogo Arthouse in 2006, with Fresh Blast sponsorship from RTR radio and the WA government’s Healthway program. Following its great reception and several mini tours to the east coast, a full length studio album of new material is being recorded this summer.

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Rogue State (Kyoto to Bali) Demo
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Download mp3 - 3.83 mb
Little Scientist
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Played on triple j Other Body Parts
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reviews

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Little Scientist
rating:  4/5
I like and agree with the lyrics. I like that view. Good structure to the song, lyrics and melody are great. Good work :)




Other Body Parts
rating:  4/5
Love the lyrics! The guitar work is great! And the voice? The man sounds like he really enjoys what he is doing. Stick him in a studio with a bit of ...




Other Body Parts
rating:  4/5
"Other Body Parts" - what a great track! Gotta love it.




Little Scientist
rating:  3/5
Loved it right up until the spoken word! Went right over my head. Not a super unique style but still an awesome sound.
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This project is supported by the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, through its Music Board Section.