Ziggy Alberts is a coastal folk, singer/songwriter, free surfer & environmental enthusiast from the East Coast of Australia. He sings heartfelt stories of personal endeavours and experiences, ocean-side upbringing, environmental issues and life on the road.
A passionate independent artist making music his way, perhaps he’s starting to mellow….
‘I think I’ve definitely lost some of my pre-disposition towards this : ‘I don’t wanna be involved in the industry’ because I definitely as a busker and as an independent musician I didn’t have something against the industry – I just wasn’t involved in it … I was just very lucky to have such a hard-working a management team who despite me and us being independent have really, as you said, built some good inroads but I think its very much a treat to – and very proud to try to – make other young artists aware that at the end of the day there’s a hundred ways to get to be a successful artist and I’m happy to be independent and prove it’s possible to be selling out these rooms and it’s possible to be having the career that I’m having without a major record label deal or anything else’ says Ziggy.
Alberts has found himself playing to rooms of 2000 plus, something built by sheer hard work and strong connections with his crowd.
‘It’s been driven hugely by the people that support my music, ‘ says Ziggy, ‘which is why I think it’s really strong, and why it seems very real, is because it’s really people-driven by the people that have supported my career and my music for the last couple of years, I think people who have seen and been involved in my music for the last couple years are kind of … They almost feel as like …” Well, I saw this guy play to 200 people. I’ve introduced him to 100 of my friends.” I think a lot of people feel proud and responsible and like they know that they’ve kept spreading my music out. I’m stoked for that. That’s exactly what I … Because it’s true. That’s what they have done. They have really … People have taken my music far and wide around the world. ‘
Alberts has created this phenomenon in just 6 years. Six years ago he picked up a guitar and the doors just opened.
‘It was 2011 when I first picked up a guitar and started playing and its been an absolute whirlwind since then. For sure, I definitely spent so much time working on my music busking. Which is … I think what’s really great about busking is that I was never skilled enough for my performances, but because you’re on the street, you just have to continue to get better and learn to better express yourself. And so, that comes out in your playing and songwriting. ‘
‘Writing and storytelling and songs came to me perhaps I was more apt at that. As for the guitar playing, I was absolutely horrid. I still wouldn’t call myself a professional guitar player at this point. But, I think the hours and hours and hours and hours and hours and hours of busking just shows that it’s really down to hard work and commitment and that’s what kind of grows you as a person and as musician.’
Alberts is excited to be playing Bluesfest this year. In fact is the first time he’s playing officially!
‘Last time I played Bluesfest, I actually got a permit to busk at the front of the festival and I ended up getting a trolley and putting my car battery and inverter and all my music in a trolley. And once the busking stage was finished, I actually snuck in and played underneath a tree in the middle of the festival. So, I’m really looking forward to not sneaking in this year to play music.’
Now that’s a man who wants to play Bluesfest! Catch Ziggy Alberts at Bluesfest this year! For tickets and program info go to www.bluesfest.com.au
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