A Moment with Singer-Songwriter Ziggy Alberts
Ziggy Alberts is more than just a musician; he’s a storyteller, a seeker, and the kind of artist whose music quietly works its way into your soul—so much so, that in our studio, his songs are often on repeat. There’s something unmistakably grounding about the way Ziggy moves through the world, and it’s reflected in the lyrics he pens and the melodies he strums. His music is a reflection of a life lived close to nature, deeply in tune with well-being, and unapologetically authentic.
In our conversation, Ziggy opens up about what fuels his creativity, from surf trips and coffee-fuelled mornings to the simple, daily rituals that ground him on and off the road. We explore how life’s adventures, both grand and everyday, feed into his songwriting, and how a career spent busking, touring, and navigating the complexities of fame has shaped his evolving perspective.
Ziggy’s world is one where music, well-being, and community are inseparable, and where he’s found a way to carve out space for reflection and importantly, a bit of laughter along the way.
Photography by Samuel Hall
Interview by Anna Harding
Your music often reflects a deep connection to nature and personal well-being. How do you cultivate this sense of well-being in your daily life?
For me, cultivating a sense of well-being is all about connecting with nature, community, and grounding myself in the present moment. If I start my day with a morning meditation, yoga and coffee, it really helps clear my mind and set a positive tone. I find that being outdoors, and soaking in the sun keeps me balanced. I love time in the ocean, running, doing ice baths and breath-work. I must say, however, well-being is also about community and socialising. I'm not an all or nothing nature type; I think we got to balance it out.
Touring can be both exhilarating and challenging. Do you have any personal practices that help you stay grounded while on the road?
I'd say I have similar practices on the road, and in my time at home.
What is currently sparking your creativity?
I feel inspired going to gym (haha!), which is a new thing for me, and makes me happy. I have been on the barefoot shoe journey, which has been super interesting. I had a great conversation with a barber and he reminded me to keep my mind on the journey, not the destination. And finally, I had a great realisation on this tour that I stress a lot about things that I don't have control over the outcome on; I should let go, and focus on the input I can offer into my life and adventure.
“My creative process is still a mystery to me. Melodies will come over coffee, or super late at night, along with lyrical ideas. I'll be playing guitar at times, and the melodies follow.”
Your songwriting seems deeply personal. Can you take us through your creative process and how you translate your thoughts and experiences into music?
My creative process is still a mystery to me. Melodies will come over coffee, or super late at night, along with lyrical ideas. I'll be playing guitar at times, and the melodies follow. My favourite is being super inspired by a place, on a surf trip, and just observing the world and people around me and celebrating that. That's my favourite. It's akin to meditation; the art of observation, seeing things as they are. Ironically, it's hardly artistic when you think about it. It's more a process of meditation.
If you weren't immersed in music, what other passions or career paths do you think you would be pursuing?
Writing is the core from which my music and poetry has been born. But I think if I dramatically quit music tomorrow I'd want to be a free-athlete; just going on crazy adventures, whether that's the mountains or the sea. Is that a job? haha.
No matter what I do, I'd like to be paid to be myself. I identified that at about 17, and I think that's what I've done.
How has your relationship with music evolved over the years?
At first you only have simplicity. Then you learn, and you make things complicated. Then you get wiser, and you choose minimalism. I would say at the start, music led me to my adventures. Then, at some point, I felt like I drifted a little bit. Lately, I feel like I've remembered that music leads me to adventures, and adventures lead me back to my music. I feel more connected to the spirit of adventure than I have in years, and that makes me happy.
Is there someone who has impacted your journey as a musician, and what have you learned from them?
My influences are good people, with great values, who live their truth. Some of them are musicians, some family, some are friends. I've learnt I should keep going and trust my journey and believe things can be wonderful.
“I had a great realisation on this tour that I stress a lot about things that I don't have control over the outcome on; I should let go, and focus on the input I can offer into my life and adventure.”
Reflecting on your career, is there a specific moment or achievement that stands out as particularly transformative for you?
2019 was a crazy year. That's where I really went from underground surfer singer songwriter to 13,000 people sold out crowds. radio stations wanted to tell my story, people wanted me to succeed, I went on my first world tour, and when I came back I played the biggest sold out tour I've ever done (still!). It felt like the country rallied behind me and it was a really beautiful, unbelievable story, from street busker living in a van to that, and it felt like a " we did it!" moment for myself and the fans alike.
Touring allows you to experience different cultures and places in the world. Is there a particular place that holds a special significance for you? What makes it so memorable?
I can't believe you are making me choose, but here we go: Germany, the Quebec Province of Canada, Netherlands and Portugal. I just played my biggest overseas shows in Germany, which is super special. Montreal and Quebec people are beautiful, and so energetic. Netherlands is attached to my family history, and the Portuguese crowds, food and country is so wonderful. Often, it's the people that make a place the most memorable.
Staying creative under pressure can be challenging. What strategies or habits do you rely on to keep your creativity alive?
I love the pressure! That's where some of the best creative moments lie. There is just something special about being on the spot, and coming up with the answer. I think I get that from my busking days; under prepared, but giving it a crack (haha!). I would say my creativity dims if I feel trapped in my life circumstance; and the antidote is a little algorithm scramble, as I like to call it.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Today, it would be Lily Meola. I just met her cousin surfing in New Jersey, and her music is so class. I would love to sing her song Gasoline, and she could sing one of mine from the new album.
“These days, I just want to be an expression of love. That's the only thing I’m certain is right to do.”
How has your perspective on your role as an artist changed since you first started?
When I first started as an artist, my focus was primarily on self-expression and sharing my personal experiences. I wanted to connect with people through my music, but I didn't fully grasp the impact an artist can have on their audience and community.
Over the years, my perspective has shifted significantly. I now see my role as a storyteller and a voice for important issues, especially around personal rights, nature and mental well-being. I’ve come to understand that music can inspire change, foster connection, and bring people together.
I would say in the last couple years though I have had some doubts, and been disheartened. I believed more when I was younger. That is a side effect of growing older, and realising how big some of these issues are. These days, I just want to be an expression of love. That's the only thing I’m certain is right to do.
What core message or emotion do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
You can do so much good in the world. I believe in you. You came here to do something important, to love, stand for what is right, protect what is wonderful, to laugh, cry, to be human. If you want out of the illusion, you are free to break all the rules and be the hero we all so dearly need in these times.
Looking ahead, what are your personal aspirations for the future?
Here's my current list:
Live and die by my intuition.
Have those hard conversations in the most peaceful manner.
Improve my habits.
Continue on my barefoot journeyman.
Integrate more ashtanga yoga.
Go to the beach and have a good cry ( I haven't in a while).
Get jacked at gym! Just joking ( but seriously)!
Get some new asymmetrical surfboards.
Continue my 3 daily gratitudes and talk to strangers.
Follow @ziggyalberts