Interview with Ziggy Alberts
Ziggy Alberts two years later at Tou Scene, Stavanger.
Ziggy Alberts is a singer and songwriter based in Byron Bay, Australia. After dropping his second album Land & Sea in December 2014 he has been touring Europe. When he found his way to Norway, Ziggy turned to his followers on Instagram for suggestions for places to stay and play. The result is a number of intimate concerts performed in independent venues, at the beach, and in backyards under the open sky and twinkle lights.
On September 22nd we meet Ziggy Alberts in a tiny book café in Bergen before he goes on to play his heartfelt folk tunes to a sold-out crowd. The room would soon be packed with 50 people sipping on coffee and even sitting on the floor on stage to make room for everyone who came to listen. But right now he is sitting in a creamy brocade chair, with his left-handed guitar leaning up against the bookshelf behind him. He wears a mustard shirt and his classic black cowboy hat as he talks about his musical influences, interest in the environment, and why he describes his music as a game of ‘hide and seek.’
Ziggy first picked up an acoustic guitar in 2011. At the time he thought he would become a journalist and was actually writing for a couple of surf magazines. “I think it turned from stories and writing to putting stories into songs. I had things I needed to work through and wrote music to express myself,” Ziggy explains. Becoming a musician had not crossed his mind until he found himself being one. “I thought I would be a writer, a dentist, or use my grades and become an engineer. Instead I chose a very different path. I was very passionate about writing, but didn't think of a creative career until I was suddenly immersed in it.”
Common themes in Ziggy’s songwriting are stories of his personal endeavors and coastal upbringing. Despite his fast-growing popularity, he emphasises that he does not see an end to his learning process. “I would describe my music to be a work in progress. It has only been four years since I picked up a guitar. Every time I do a show, a tour, or a new recording, I always learn a lot. I'm always showing people the best I can give now. It will be better soon, but I might as well show you now.”
“
I find myself more inspired by the individuals behind the music and the quality of the person, rather than their success.
”
According to Ziggy, his musical influences deserve much credit for the way his own work has turned out, particularly pointing to Horrorshow, as this was the first group that inspired him to start writing music. “It is hilarious because it's an Australian rap group, but what I like about them is that their music is not gangster rap, but more poetic and acoustic.” Over the years he has grown to find the most inspiration in his friends who play music, like Dustin Thomas, Garrett Kato, and Nick Saxon. “We are always pushing each other, being supportive, and we all want each other to do better. I find myself more inspired by the individuals behind the music and the quality of the person, rather than their success. It's more about the person that is behind the music.”
Although he admits that it is a cliché, another factor that has significantly impacted his music is traveling. “I think it depends on how receptive you are. Right now I live in a van, so I am not inspired by my home, because I don't have a one. I try to make a home wherever I go.” But what kind of inspiration has he come across on his visit to Norway so far? “My favorite thing about Norway is that there is a lot of good in the communities. There has been a lot of open arms and Norway has a great appreciation of music. If you make the effort to come here, you will find people that are receptive and they want to connect.” He specifically mentions the surfing scene as a community he has come to appreciate during his time in the country: “You are all encouraged to be together, whereas where I am from its all about being on your own. People here are just so happy to be surfing, it doesn't matter how good you are. In that way, the Australian and Norwegian culture is very different.”
Ziggy is a free surfer with a passion for the environment, which is often reflected in his music. “I think I was always aware because I grew up by the beach. It was a priority to climb in the trees, go to skateparks, and to be in the ocean every day. I remember that one day there was an oil spill, and we were not allowed to go in the water. Whether or not you are an environmentalist, it sucks if you can't go in the water. From there on I became more and more aware.” He refers to himself as an environmental enthusiast. While he does not consider himself an expert on the matter, he always continues to educate himself and share this knowledge about the environment through his music. “My music is not about saving and protecting the ocean, it’s more like ‘hide and seek’, people may not be aware that they are singing about the environment.”
“
Always remember how important music is to the world, and how you always have to keep sharing.
”
To this day, Ziggy has been on seven tours and has learned a thing or two from his time on the road. A good team is an absolute essential when on tour, and he is happy to share these experiences with his sister, who is also his manager, as well as her boyfriend who is the filmmaker. Ziggy also looks at his Hungarian passport with gratitude. His mom is Hungarian, which has given him the chance to tour Europe more easily. What about the mindset he brings with him on tour? “A friend once told me to always remember how important music is to the world, and how you always have to keep sharing.” He also highlights the importance of doing everything on your own terms, not somebody else’s. “I saw that in my own father who ran his own business since he was 25.”
The same night Ziggy plays his new single Runaway, which he says is a good example of what you can expect from his upcoming album. “It's a song that's a bit 50/50: The song is neither a sad or happy song. It's a good neutral and it's a bit more mature than my previous work. My songs will not change much, it will keep being me, but it's got better mixing and a few more instruments.”
