Ziggy Alberts is in his element in the Sunshine Coast – soaking up the sun after a casual busking session with some local mates, followed by yoga, a quick run, and, of course, a surf. It’s the perfect start to his day, blending music, nature, and a bit of self-care.
For a busker-turned-globetrotting singer-songwriter like Alberts, staying grounded is key. “Busking gives me that feeling of being totally in the flow,” he tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
While touring overseas, Alberts started work on his seventh album, New Love (which we gave a positive review), describing it as a return to simplicity – a kind of sequel to 2018’s Laps Around the Sun. Teaming up once again with Garrett Kato, Alberts resisted overproduction, opting instead for a more stripped-back sound. It’s a move that felt intentional and true to his style.
Simplicity in music, and simple pleasures in life. Even with a packed schedule, Alberts sticks to his daily rituals – slow coffee, a morning run, and a bit of meditation. “Meditation isn’t mystical,” he notes. “It’s just about observing without judgment. When I find that quiet place, everything else just clicks.”
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be massive: he’s already on a regional tour, set to make his debut at Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and will headline London’s famous Royal Albert Hall.
But even with all that going on (he might even find time to squeeze in a little more busking), he still finds time to appreciate the small things. “I’m just blessed to be healthy and doing what I love,” as he says.
Read on for Alberts’ thoughts on his latest album, busking, working with Kato, and more.
Ziggy Alberts’ New Love is out now. For tour information and tickets, head to ziggyalberts.com.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Where are you at the moment, Ziggy?
Ziggy Alberts: I’m in the Northern Rivers. It’s a glorious day – bloody stunning.
I saw you played a busking set last night?
Yeah, I’ve been doing the same route I was doing 10 years ago, with some up-and-coming guys in the local scene. It’s been hilarious and really good fun.
What do you enjoy about it?
It’s an immensely practical way to get show-ready. Last night was the third busk I’ve done this week. I’d been recording up until December, so it’s easier to get back on stage. Busking gives me that feeling of being totally in the flow and dealing with whatever’s in front of you. It’s incredible.
Is that feeling of flow something you strive for in every performance?
Absolutely. It’s nice that things evolve, but the fundamentals remain. I try to stay as connected to the place and the crowd as possible. Whether on the grass or in the Royal Albert Hall, it’s about being present. In the greater context of society in the world, there’s only so many places in the world that it’s safe enough to sit on the grass somewhere safe and clean and listen to music and watch a sunset. It’s something that’s uniquely Australian. The more I travel the world, the more I cherish that.
It was Australia Day yesterday. One of your new songs, “Singing for Country”, has an important message. Did you play it last night?
Yeah, it was cathartic to open with. I might even start world tour shows with it. It’s a song of celebration and respect for the land beneath you – whether in Germany, Australia, or anywhere else.
You’ve described your new album, New Love, as a sequel to Laps Around the Sun. What made you return to those principles?
It felt like the season for it – being back on tour. I wrote a lot of these songs at soundchecks, so it became an evolution of Laps. It’s been a while since I focused on writing songs to kick up the dust, sing, dance, and make out. I’d say it’s a smartened-up bedroom recording. Minimal, but not simple.
Is it normal for you to write backstage or overseas?
Absolutely. Otherwise, the song will float away, and someone else will catch it. I have to get it down before it’s gone.
What gives you a feeling of peace or grounding?
My daily rituals – like walking to the coffee shop, writing, or calling a friend. On tour, I’d run before every show to feel prepared. Meditation helps me loosen the grip of modern life’s chaos. It’s about observation without judgment. When I find that quiet space, everything else clicks.
Do you notice a difference in your songwriting after meditating?
Yeah, I get more poetry ideas. Sometimes songs come to me, but often it’s poetry. I write them down before they float away again.
You and Garrett Kato are back on the record together. What’s that like?
We’re old friends – one of my oldest in music. It’s been hilarious getting together again. There’s no filter between us, and we get up to all sorts of shenanigans. There’s so much banter. We go through the highs and lows together.
Was road-testing the songs important to the final sound?
Absolutely. I take notes from the shows – what guitars sounded best, how the crowd reacted. That definitely helped a lot. The old-school way was to have everything fully finished before recording, but the new-school way is to figure it out after. Still, I think there’s a lot of value in knowing what the fuck you’re doing before you hit the studio.
Any standout moments from your recent world tour?
Playing Mexico for the first time was electric – two sold-out shows, some of the best I’ve ever played. I also had great shows in Hamburg and always love playing in Montreal or Quebec.
Are you looking forward to the Australian tour?
I’m psyched! I cut my teeth touring regional Oz, and it’s been a while since I’ve done a full region tour. It’s beautiful to give back to the people who made it possible. Regional towns supported me to get to the cities, and I love that.
You’ve been playing solo for a decade. Would you ever consider a different setup?
I don’t know anything else, but I’m open to change. Maybe a three-piece down the line. I was inspired by artists like Passenger, Xavier Rudd, and John Butler to go solo. It’s tough enough to organise me, so I figured I might as well do it myself. Back then, I was living in my van, so it was pretty practical. Being solo has been incredible, but I’m always thinking about what’s next.
Anything else you’re excited about?
I’ve got a boat trip coming up in April, some new boards to try out, and I’m staying on top of my yoga. Honestly, I’m just blessed to be healthy and doing what I love. Maybe I’ll sneak in some more busking too – it’s always a good way to reconnect to where it all started.
