A TWIST IN THE TRAIL

Rip It Up, Issue 218, 1 October 1995, Page 15

A TWIST IN THE TRAIL

The final, Dave Dobbyn chapter in John Dix’s book Stranded In Paradise closes with the line:

‘...his plan for the 90s is to tackle the greater international market.’

Keen to head down that road, Dobbyn was thwarted by those whom he needed most. In 1993, when he released his second solo album, Lament For The Numb, his label, Warner Music Australia, chose not to market or promote the album. Not unexpectadly, it was a commercial failure on both sides of the Tasman. By his own admission, disillusioned and lacking in confidence, Dobbyn returned to live in New Zealand later that year. Sony Music New Zealand sensed an opportunity, signed Dobbyn to a five album deal, and in December 1994 his hat trick of solo records was completed with the release of Twist. The album was a massive critical and commercial success in New Zealand, and is the record both Sony and Dobbyn believe will finally see him break internationally. Their prime target is the United Kingdom. Although Crowded House had their first chart hit in America with ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, the majority of their success in recent years has been in England, and Sony are keen to bring Dobbyn to the attention of this market.

Paul Ellis and Michael Glading of Sony New Zealand, sent Twist to the UK division, and both met with label representatives individually on business excursions to London. They secured a commitment from Sony label Columbia, and Twist was released in the UK on July 1. Dobbyn flew there a fortnight later, and performed four showcase gigs — two at the Borderline in London, and two at the Olympia. Favourable press followed in high profile magazines such as Mojo and Q, and, like the Mutton Birds, Dobbyn was added to the playlist at Greater London Radio. Similarly, he also scored a coup being invited to support Sheryl Crow at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, a gig that placed him infront of a crowd of over 4,000.

Without Dobbyn touring in the UK, Ellis says it’s an uphill battle to maintain momentum for Twist, and therefore sell a lot of albums, but he insists the label are in it for the long term. “Sales are okay... but Dave can’t retire yet!

At the moment I believe Twist, in the UK, will be one of those records industry people will love, but it won’t be until Dave’s next record that we’ll get some significant commercial success. He’s a brand new artist, so it could take up to six months to get any major recognition for Twist at all. Plus we really need to get Dave back in there to do gigs, to really get it pumping.”

Following the British shows, Dobbyn made a brief visit to America, playing two further showcase gigs in New York and Seattle. Twist went on sale in the USA on September 4, and Sony are currently working to secure Dobbyn as support act on a USA tour by a major act, to build a profile for the album.