Dane Rumble’s latest single “Always Be Here” is one of the most addictive pop tracks I’ve heard in some time. So I was thrilled to catch up with the Kiwi singer ahead of his upcoming Aussie tour. Here’s what he had to say about the upcoming shows, his new album, and cracking the Australian market.
You’ve done really well in your native New Zealand. What’s inspired you to try and crack the Australian market?
As a Kiwi artist, it’s only a natural progression to release in Australia. We are very similar countries! Also I have spent a lot of time in Australia over the past seven years, and I absolutely love it. Any excuse to hang around really.
Your album The Experiment was a number one hit in New Zealand. Why are we going to love it?
I hope you guys will love it! I have had a lot of positive feedback on it and continuously hear how people can directly relate to the lyrics and topics of the songs. I guess it’s me laying it on the line, spiced with killer hooks!
When I first heard “Always Be Here” I was struck by its 80s retro vibe it had. Were you inspired by any of the artists of that period?
I grew up listening to a lot of 80s rock and pop, Midnight Oil, Talking Heads. I guess when I started writing this new style of music a lot of these influences naturally came out.
You’re just about to release your second single here, “Don’t Know What To Do.” What can you tell me about the song?
“Don’t Know What To Do” sounds like a love song, but it is really about my love/hate relationship with music. Being in the industry for the past 11 years, I have seen both the incredible highs, and the painfully real lows of the game. No matter what I do, I’m always drawn to it, so I guess I will never stop creating!
You performed in Sydney recently with Potbelleez and Taio Cruz. How did the crowds respond to your stuff?
The crowds have been great! Obviously we are new in Oz, so there’s still some convincing to be done, but there is nothing I like more than the challenge of persuading a new crowd. If you haven’t seen us play, come to the next show!
I’m guessing that the audience there would have been more familiar with the other two acts. How do you win over that sort of crowd?
With a well rehearsed show, a shit load of energy and some Jack Daniels.
What are your impressions of Australia having spent that time here?
I love Oz, been nearly everywhere! Contemplating a move across the ditch.
You’re going to finally headline some shows here later this month. Are you looking forward to that?
Hell yeah!
Why should people get themselves to those gigs?
We bring the show, you won’t be disappointed!
After these Aussie dates, what’s next on the agenda?
I have my own nationwide tour of New Zealand, and then we will be looking at Asia.
You can catch Dane Rumble as he travels around the country at the following shows.
17 November 2010 – The Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (Free show)
18 November 2010 – The Gaelic Hotel, Surry Hills
19 November 2010 – Revolver Upstairs, Prahan
Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity