http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lz8Q2HznbKM
After a massive summer playing packed out stages at Woodford, Earth Freq, Folk Rhythm and Life Festival and more, Bobby Alu is proud to release the first single – You Know – from his upcoming second album Take It Slow. Given that his eponymous debut album (2010) has just peaked at #2 in the iTunes Australia World Music charts, it’s definitely safe to say Take It Slow is keenly anticipated among Bobby Alu converts.
For now, You Know will prove a well-received salve, something Woodford Folk Festival punters are well aware of. Following Bobby Alu’s blistering performances at the beloved festival over the summer break organisers were quick to sing his praises.
During a quieter period, new single You Know was written during a time of reconnection for Bobby: reconnection with his heritage in beautiful Samoa, birthplace of his mother. Feeling sentimental and grateful and inspired by aspects of the culture he both loved and hated, Bobby was moved to get a tattoo in traditional style as a marker of his time on the island; an experience that, strangely enough, doubles as a metaphor for You Know.
Although a playful, upbeat soul pop tune, You Know is a serious reminder for Bobby about accepting truth and not avoiding it no matter the discomfort. Bobby and his band worked on the song together during downtime in Melbourne but as soon as it was road tested on crowds up and down the east coast the bounce-heavy, beautifully harmonised, popcorn-guitared track got a resounding thumbs up.
Following Bobby Alu’s debut album in 2010, which quickly made the shortlist for Triple J’s Roots N All’s Top 10 albums of 2010, his trajectory was swift, evidenced by the fact that Bobby Alu’s third ever gig was a by-invitation appearance at the 2011 Byron Bay Bluesfest. His most recent appearance at Woodford Folk Festival rounded out a massive couple of years, festival-wise, that has seen him play Reggaetown Festival, Village Festival, Eclipse Festival, Wide Open Space in the Northern Territory, Folk Rhythm & Life Festival, the Australasian World Music Expo, Nannup Festival, Island Vibe and Deep Roots.
The year 2010 was seriously the beginning of a prolific time as the grassroots word spread. Bobby Alu recorded a live video for single One to Wait, which won a Q Music song award and was a semifinalist in the international songwriting competition. Love You More, his latest video single offering, received nominations in multiple categories of the Q Music Song Awards. It’s little wonder Bobby Alu won placement in the prestigious John Butler Seed Management Workshop and was invited on tour in support of artists like The Beautiful Girls, Katchafire, Watussi and Blue King Brown.
But that’s not to say that Bobby Alu is an overnight sensation; Bobby’s alter ego Charles Wall has long been a highly respected, sought-after musician for his incredible skills on the drumkit, his soulful voice and gifted songwriting. When Bobby Alu is taking time out from the spotlight, Charles Wall is touring the world as drummer and vocalist for renowned Australian progressive roots/dance trio OKA, and as a regular co-conspirator with the likes of Nicky Bomba, Kooii, Mista Savona, Saritah, Golden Sound, Cheap Fakes and many more.
Given that Bobby Alu shows create a contagious atmosphere spurred on by a therapeutic dose of reggae rhythms and roots with a distinctive Pacific influence, world beats, ukulele and awe-inspiring log drumming and percussion solos with influence from a fusion of Bob Marley, Ben Harper, Bill Withers, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Finley Quay, it’s going to be one smokin’ tour.
Get to know Bobby this Sunday at the Brunswick Heads Hotel.
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