Australian singer-songwriter and surfer, Ziggy Alberts makes his way back home as he prepares for the upcoming Australian run of his current 'Laps Around The Sun' world tour.
The tour is named after Ziggy's most recent album, which was released near the end of last year.
A staunchly independent creative, Ziggy has found great success beyond our own shores with his music and amassed a dedicated, grassroots following all around the world.
How have you found the response to your latest album 'Laps Around The Sun'?
It's been incredible. People have been singing the new songs even louder than any of my previous releases, which is pretty much a songwriter's dream.
What did you set out wanting to achieve with this record?
It was a personal thing. I wanted to explore more sides of my songwriting, and not just limit myself to one genre.
I think with this record I stepped more into truly being a singer-songwriter, and that's a lovely feeling of freedom. I was really patient with this record and I'm really proud of achieving that.
You picked up the guitar in 2011; how long did it take for you to start writing your own music?
I started writing my own songs in the first couple of months. I was already heavily into writing, so when I started learning guitar, songwriting came very naturally.
Do you remember the very first song you wrote?
Yep. It's still on bloody YouTube and you can go find it straight after this (haha!).
How has your 'Laps Around The Sun' world tour been going, so far?
It's been going great; touring is always a little chaotic. But all in all, it's going swimmingly. It's so good doing all these regional shows, it means a lot to people to make the effort and I absolutely love it.
Your first world tour, has there been a steep learning curve from local and national touring?
It's always a steep learning curve, but I'd say it's getting easier each and every year. The logistical side of a world tour is full on, but I'm lucky to have an amazing team at Commonfolk Records and we always pull it off in the end.
How are you feeling about getting back to Australia with 'Laps Around The Sun'?
The whole AU/ NZ leg of our world tour sold out before we even started. I think 18 shows sold out overnight when we released tickets, and the city shows sold out 5 months in advance. So I'm really looking forward to coming back in December and playing another round of city shows.
What can audiences expect from the upcoming shows?
Unity. That's what my shows are about. Massive sing-alongs and everybody just having an absolutely stellar time.
Do you spend a lot of time writing new material while on tour?
I do. I just finished up a new song last night that I'm really stoked about. It's challenging, but it is all I know – most of the songs that I've written have come together while I'm on tour.
You're an avid surfer; what role does it play in your songwriting and how are the two connected?
I grew up in the ocean and it has hugely inspired so many aspects of my songwriting – without those times, I wouldn't have been inspired to write songs in the first place.
Your favourite beach/ surf break outside Australia?
I had an epic surf adventure in Norway last year, up in the Arctic Circle, and that will stay with me forever.
What are your other plans for 2019?
To be healthy and sneak in some adventures in between touring. It's going to be a busy year.
Ziggy Alberts 2019 Tour Dates
Fri 8 Feb - Golden Hill Steiner School (Denmark, WA)Sat 9 Feb - Settlers Tavern (Margaret River, WA)
Sun 10 Feb - Yallingup Hall (WA)
Thu 14 Feb - Fremantle Town Hall
Fri 15 Feb - Badlands Bar (Perth)
16-17 Feb - Adelaide Fringe
Fri 22 Feb - Festival Hall (Melbourne)
Sat 23 Feb - Roundhouse, UNSW (Sydney)
Fri 1 Mar - The Triffid (Brisbane)
Sat 2 Mar - The Tivoli Theatre (Brisbane)
Sun 3 Mar - Byron Bay Brewery
