Exclusive Interview: Ziggy Alberts
Later last year, Australian singer/songwriter Ziggy Alberts answered Mogul’s questions, feeling sky-high, somewhere between Durban and Johannesburg. In the midst of the rollercoaster his life has been in the last couple of weeks, Alberts was about to head on his first international tour in three years in South Africa.
Just after his London press trip, Ziggy Alberts reflects on recording at Abbey Road Studios and its pivotal role in our modern sonic listening experience.
Previewing his most recent sixth studio album, ‘DANCING IN THE DARK,’ the talented performer hosted an intimate session at Notting Hill’s Rough Trade, where he reconnected with fans who had tickets to his canceled 2020 shows.
As Alberts chats about his new album and its recording processes, he also opens up about the grassroots community he was able to mobilise for a good cause.
How did you enjoy your stay in London last year?
I really enjoyed it, the weather was beautiful and we stayed in Paddington – so lots of time in the park! It was my first time back in the city in a few years, so around the busy schedule, it was great to catch up with some old friends!
How was it being able to record at the iconic Abbey Road Studios?
It was amazing. I went in without expectations and really didn’t do any research into the studios (other than knowing the iconic albums that were made there). I left it all for when I was there. We took a tour through the studio rooms, and it was amazing to learn the history and technical details about the rooms, the equipment and how it played such a massive role in our modern sonic listening experience. I really liked the people who ran the space, they were lovely. It’s a big part of international music history so I’m pretty honoured to have had the chance to record there.
Are you able to share what you were recording?
I can’t actually say …. but …. that’s because I’m playing hard to get. What I can say is it’ll be out next year…
You also had an unplugged intimate performance at Rough Trade West, how was it?
Loved the intimate session at Rough Trade. Was so good to play and meet with fans who had been waiting to come to a gig for so long. I always love hearing their stories about how they found my music and what it means to them. Many had tickets to my cancelled 2020 UK shows, so it was great to be able to show up and give a short performance before coming back next year to do it all again!
Also, it was pretty special to do the performance and signing at Rough Trade – it’s a place with such an important history with music and records, and being right off Portobello Road, another place that had a huge part of music history with Bob Marley’s affinity with London.
What did you take away from the forced break we’ve all had during the lockdown periods?
I truly didn’t take a break, because the moment tours stopped, I started recording 2 albums, and the moment it opened I finished my latest album and started touring again. At the same time, what I did do was dive deep into my health, heal some things, and learned to live in one place – which I really enjoyed.
You released your sixth studio album ‘DANCING IN THE DARK,’ could you elaborate on what the record focuses on?
In short, it’s a time code for a crazy couple of years. Very few people want to speak about it, but I guess I’ve felt it’s important to me as a songwriter to do so. The title largely describes endeavouring to continue towards peace and hope even in the darkest of days.
What inspired the ‘DANCING IN THE DARK’ cover art and where is the image taken?
We actually deliberated a lot on cover art, and this represented – I think – the minimalism, and the shadows on the sand dunes tell a tale of Yin and Yang. The image was taken on an island where we filming the REWIND music video in Queensland, Australia.
What was your favourite track to record why?
That’s a hard one … REWIND was a lot of fun. I think it was such an upbeat, sensual yet funny song that we laughed a lot during the making of the music video.
Would you mind elaborating on how you were able to mobilise people through your social media to help raise funds for the recent Australian floods?
Love and encouragement. I don’t believe fear and shame are the best way to mobilise people. You tell them they can make a difference, and they are needed – both of which are the truth. I’ve developed such a grassroots connection with the people I play music to, and that really helps in times when you ask for help. The community around me really deserves most of the credit, it was a huge team effort.
Do you remember when and how you got started writing music?
Last day of 2010. My parents bought me a left-handed guitar, and the rest is history!
Being born and raised in Australia, how would you say your lifestyle influences your music?
The coastal upbringing is referenced so often, and I would say I’m a blue-collar work-hard kinda guy.
What do you have coming up in the next couple of months?
At the time of writing this, I’ve got two more shows here in South Africa, then I go home for a couple of weeks and start touring with Jack Johnson around Australia, which is a pretty cool way to see out the year.
Stream ‘DANCING IN THE DARK’ out now.
