13 Questions with Office Dog

Over the past decade, Kane Strang has been one of the most consistent voices out of the New Zealand scene.

A precocious, steady hand in songcraft, Strang’s solo career has become better as the years have passed. Providing a mixture of swirling blues that sit somewhere between the sweet lo-fi charm of The Beatles and the jangle splendour of fellow Dunedin natives, The Clean, Strang’s work has featured on lynchpin indie labels, Ba Da Bing! (2016’s Blue Cheese) and Dead Oceans (2017’s Two Hearts and No Brain), with his most recent release, the 2021 self-released Happy to Perform the pick of the bunch.

Having moved from Dunedin to Auckland, Strang formed Office Dog in 2021 with drummer, Mitchell Innes and bassist, Rassani Tolovaa. Shortly after their alliance, the trio began writing what would become their debut album, Spiel.

It’s an album that galvanises Strang’s songwriting prowess, as he revels in a new lease of life in the realm of collaboration. Released last September in New Zealand and Australia by local touchstones Flying Nun, today Spiel receives a worldwide release via New West Records.

Produced by De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming), Spiel sees Office Dog roll out a series bruising alt-rock ditties designed for loud volume and open roads, immediately drawing you in with all its honesty and charm. The highlights come thick and fast, starting with crunching opener, Antidote, the free rock jam of Big Air, and album highlights Gleam and In the Red – both irresistible numbers that garner the best results by pressing repeat.

Spiel’s release beyond the Southern Hemisphere is timely, containing the kind of songs that will go far beyond the current winter climes. With today’s worldwide release of Spiel, Strange kindly took part in our latest 13 Question series.

Witching Waves Interview: “It was a decision on our part to push ourselves to be more honest”

1. You’ve released music predominately in a solo capacity. When did you realise you wanted to take more of a collaborative approach?

Kane Strange: “I’ve been thinking about starting a band for many years, even as far back as when I was promoting my second solo record (2017/2018). During this time, I really started to find my creative world quite isolating and writing everything myself was beginning to exhaust me a lot. Finally taking that step in 2021 is the best decision I’ve made.”

2. Had you all known each other for a while before forming Office Dog?

KS: “Rass and I have been friends since the end of high school. We lived in Germany for a while together and he also played in my solo band. Mitch is from Dunedin like the rest of us, but we didn’t really become close until we all wound up in Auckland. I asked him to drum on my final solo tour of NZ and Office Dog was born quite quickly after that.” 

3. As a listener, to me it sounds like Spiel feels like a liberating moment for you. Can you tell us about the process behind the writing of the album?

KS: “We wrote this record during one of the most turbulent times of my life and I really did use it as a way to process what was going on / accept all of the changes that were occurring. I know this is cliche, but I think it’s also about finding beauty in the tougher things that all people go through at some point, which certainly did feel liberating after feeling hopeless for so long.”

4. Do you remember the records you were listening to when you were writing Spiel?

KS: “I was listening to a lot of local music; things my friends had made that inspired me (Fazed on a Pony, Bathysphere, School Fair to name a few). I always find this stuff so much easier to connect with. Aside from that I remember listening to a bit of Elliott Smith, Protomatyr and Helvetia.”

5. You’re now based in Auckland. Did your immediate surroundings play a significant role in how Spiel turned out?

KS: “I think I was more thinking about how I used to write / record music when I was younger in Dunedin and tried not to be too concerned about what was going on in Auckland. Those early days of performing felt so free and the main thing for me was trying to capture that feeling again.” 

6. As a current recording artist, are you constantly seeking out new music and artists, or are you more rooted to your past influences? 

KS: “To be honest I’m really not someone who’s constantly seeking out new bands and am quite comfortable mainly focusing on the music I’m making / letting other interesting things fall into my lap either through friends or happening upon a good show. When it comes to how I play guitar and things like that I’m definitely pretty rooted in old habits – but the fact that OD is a three piece also forced me to experiment as I couldn’t rely on layering in the studio or a lead guitarist.” 

7. Given how difficult it is for everyone in the arts to make a living these days, how vital is it that labels like Flying Nun continue to do what they do?

KS: “I think we’re very lucky to have the support of the labels that we do, and definitely experienced how challenging it can be to do it alone when I self-released my last solo album. For me I guess the most important thing is that we keep our creative freedom – and labels like Flying Nun definitely allow that.” 

8. Some fun questions now: do you have any hobbies outside of music?

KS: “At the moment I’m on a big movie watching buzz. And also have been watching Twin Peaks for the first time.” 

9. Going back to Dunedin, have you ever walked (or sprinted) up Baldwin Street?

KS: “My dad’s friend used to live at the very top of Baldwin Street when I was a kid, so we used to hang around there a lot! I’m sure we walked up it too, although these days I think I’d have a heart attack.” 

10. New Zealand has some stunning views. What’s your favourite? 

KS: “I just went to Tunnel Beach in Dunedin for the first time in decades this morning and that was pretty stunning. Overall favourite though is probably from the top of Flagstaff.” 

11. Guardian Singles are another great band out of New Zealand. Which are other new acts should be listening out for?

KS: “My partner Violet Hirst makes beautiful music. Also love Awning and Ben Woods.” 

12. Vinyl, CD or streaming?

KS: “[I] just found a working three-dollar Discman in an op-shop, so I’m going to be controversial and say CD.” 

13. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Any last words?

KS: “Thank you to anyone who gives Spiel a chance. We’re very proud of it and hope you enjoy.”

Spiel is out now via Flying Nun / New West Records. Purchase from Bandcamp.