An independent artist whose grassroots energy and conscious-living ethos have seen him build a self-sustained fan base, singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts has added poetry to his list of creative activities.
After founding his independent label Commonfolk Records, Ziggy and his team recently attached a publishing house, Commonfolk Publishing, to their portfolio releasing a book of Ziggy’s poetry titled 'Brainwaves'.In other news, Ziggy's album 'Searching For Freedom' is a finalist at the 2021 ARIA Awards for Best Blues & Roots Album.
You have a live show at Sandstone Point Hotel (north of Brisbane) in early November; that's such a beautiful location, so close to the ocean – what can we expect from the performance?
It will be the biggest show so far of the 'Searching For Freedom' album cycle, and to celebrate that, you are going to see some special stuff at this show – but I can't give that away. . . you will just have to come along and hear for yourself (haha)!
The supports for the Sandstone Point show are also worthy of our attention: The Dawn Light, Tia Gostelow, Tay Oskee – what can you share about these creatives?
The Dawn Light were hugely involved in the making of my latest record – they run the studio (Yamanui), plus played and sung on quite a few songs.
Tay also did some vocals for me, and interestingly, Tay and Tia have worked on a recent release together called 'Blood Rush', which is currently charting top 10 on regional radio. As a result, I think there will be a very collaborative feeling to this show.
You've also got a couple of shows in Canberra in December; fingers crossed borders will be open; is the plan to play as many shows as possible when travel is again an everyday option?
I undoubtedly want to be singing and dancing with everyone again.
To me, live music is one of the few things in life that truly makes sense. It's unreal and I love being with the people. At this point, we are taking our touring plans week by week.
Viewing the tour video diary (part one) of your recent Toowoomba show; that looks like it had all the feels attached to it; what was it like to get back on stage in front of so many engaged, smiling faces? And will you pack an extra pair of underwear for future shows, haha?
HAHA!! I'm glad you picked up on the underwear commentary.
We were buzzing. It was really emotional to actually do it all again. I will undoubtedly pack two pairs of underwear for all adventures in the future.
It must've been extra special as well to return to the Empire Theatre where you filmed the 'Chocolate' video clip?
It really was. I think it will give people in the audience an extra special connection to that song/ video/ story. How many times do you get to place yourself in the seats of a music video story?
I think it was a very unique and unreal experience for both me and the crowd, to turn a music video into a real experience for the evening.
Tell us about your recent 'Brainwaves' poetry tour? Did you have a similar audience to your live shows, or has the poetry opened up your reach to a broader community?
It has undoubtedly opened me up to a broader community. There is a crossover, but I like that; it is a very enjoyable format to connect with some like-minded folks.
It's also a kind of meet and greet, which is something I used to do all the time before shows got a bit big (haha).
You released an EP of alternative versions of some of your 'Searching For Freedom' album tracks; was that always in the works? And how did you approach each new rendition?
We just applied what we had learned upon reflection of making this album.
We largely just made the songs a little more 'roomy'; stripped them back, without simply being acoustic versions. It was wonderful to see a couple of the alt versions are even outdoing the original recordings from the album.
The recent music video with Canadian ice skater Carlotta Edwards, for the alternative version of the 'Chemistry' track; how did that come about?
Don't quote me, but I think she tagged me in something online – and once I saw the beauty of ice skating, I really wanted to collaborate with someone for a song.
I think it's a wonderful change of environment for my viewers who love the nature-inspired elements of my music videos.
Can we expect any more videos of the 'SFF_ALTS' songs?
Not at this point, but if you have cool ideas, we are always open to suggestions. There is however a lot in the pipeline.
We've discussed your passion for ice baths previously; have you been able to convert many others to take up the practice? And have you improved your own time you're able to stay inside your 'personal freezer'?
Oh yes I've converted some people (haha).
It is amazing to see how it is changing people and how they realise their incredible inner strength. I have been as long as 12 minutes in the ice bath, but frankly, it is not about time. Many days I just do three-minute sessions, which is absolutely enough.
The time you stay in largely depends on your ability to relax, not to grit your teeth so to speak. If you try and 'force' your way through, you won't even make it a couple of minutes. So it is a wonderful activity to practice relaxing through even the most intense situations.
Summer's just around the corner; what are you most looking forward to about the change of seasons?
I just started a new ocean-based sport called foiling, so I am actually looking forward to making use of the wind and having some new awesome experiences.
2022 is quickly approaching; what's on the agenda next year?
Being healthy. Love. Continuing to try to play my part in creating inclusive, loving environments through music. Releasing music. Continuing towards inner peace.
Ziggy Alberts 2021 Tour Dates
Sat 6 Nov - Sandstone Point Hotel (Brisbane)Wed 1 Dec - UC Refectory (Canberra)
Thu 2 Dec - UC Refectory (Canberra)
