Independent Australian singer-songwriter, Ziggy Alberts is returning to the live circuit with a 10-date east-coast regional tour this July-August.
Fresh from releasing his fifth studio album – 'Searching For Freedom' – that debut at #1 on the AIR Album Chart (independent labels) and #5 on the ARIA Australian Album Charts, Ziggy will play shows in Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowomba, Grafton, Canberra and Barwon Heads.Ziggy is also part of the line-up for 2021 Bluesfest (1-4 October).
Fan responses to the new album; what has the feedback been like?
It's been wonderful – I think the album is timely, and the themes are very relevant to many of our evolving circumstances.
I have, however, felt a little more distanced from my fans compared to the last album, simply because I haven't been able to play many live shows. I just played a festival on the south coast of NSW a couple days ago and it was brilliant to share this album and feel what the fans have been connecting with from 'Searching For Freedom'.
This 10-date regional tour you've just announced; how good does it feel to be able to arrange such a lengthy run of dates given the current COVID normal we all face?
It feels amazing. I think live music can be such a powerful, positive and healing experience for both the musician and the audience.
While major sporting events going ahead with tens of thousands of people in the crowd, venues and festivals have been subject to much heavier and inconsistent regulations. I don't think it is remotely justifiable that the music industry is being treated differently to any other event industry, especially considering the amount of money it generates for our economy.
What can audiences expect from these shows; will you be mixing it up each night, digging a little deeper into your back catalogue as well as playing the 'Searching For Freedom' material?
I will be doing my best to include the fan favourites while playing as many new songs as possible from 'Searching For Freedom'.
With how big my catalogue has become, I'm not going to lie, it is a bit of a juggle (haha) but I'll give it my best shot to give the people what they want.
You've opted for a run of regional dates; what prompted this decision?
Regional touring in Australia is where the roots of my career stem from. It just made sense and it's a great way to bring the new album to fans while visiting friends and family. It is also a great excuse to hop in my van and surf my way around the country (haha).
Tell us a bit about the Searching For Freedom magazine that launched last month with Vol 1; and how can people get involve for Vol 2?
Find out when you order your copy, or we have some copies in a local cafes and general stores; there is a page at the back with all the details. I'm really looking forward to involving my fans in Volume 2.
The 'Chocolate' music video was a one-take clip; the behind-the-scenes video shows how much work went into capturing the moment – how enjoyable was the process and you must be ecstatic with the outcome of the video?
It was a long, long day (haha), but I'm over the moon with the result.
It is a very simple concept, but it very much visually tells the story of the song and that makes me so happy. It is a pretty classy music video, and that is thanks to Commonfolk Records, Hype Republic and my partner Jo ?
Last time we chatted, we talked about ice baths and how beneficial that'd been to you and your family; are they still a weekly activity for you?
Absolutely! It is my cheat to life and good health.
If you are reading this, please look up The Wim Hof Method and just start with the breathing method and cold showers. It will blow your mind. I will miss my freezer when I go tour. . . thankfully, where I am going, the water is pretty cold anyway.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
Roast veggies and fish in the oven, with my secret spices, A LOT of garlic, and salt.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party?
Caamp, because they are my new favourite folk band. Ben Howard, to say thanks for all the beautiful music. And Bob Marley, because I love that he made music for the people.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
Tax receipts. I genuinely have a mental block with those things. I'm trying to work on it.
Ziggy Alberts 2021 Tour Dates
Thu 8 Jul - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)Fri 9 Jul - NightQuarter (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 10 Jul - NightQuarter (Sunshine Coast)
Thu 15 Jul - Empire Theatre (Toowoomba)
Fri 23 Jul - Saraton Theatre (Grafton)
Sat 24 Jul - Saraton Theatre (Grafton)
Fri 13 Aug - UC Refectory (Canberra)
Sat 14 Aug - UC Refectory (Canberra)
Thu 26 Aug - Barwon Heads Hotel (Barwon Heads)
Fri 27 Aug - Barwon Heads Hotel (Barwon Heads)
Sat 2 Oct - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
