Ziggy Alberts has taken a significant step in his musical evolution with the release of his seventh studio album 'New Love'.
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Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts has taken a significant step in his musical evolution with the release of his seventh studio album, “New Love”.
This album marks a key moment in Alberts’ artistic trajectory, offering listeners an engaging collection that delves into themes of personal growth, the joy of second chances and the allure of simplicity amidst life’s relentless chaos.
Recorded during the "2023 Rewind World Tour" and finalised in the serene Northern Rivers region of Australia, the album serves as a spiritual sequel to his celebrated work, “Laps Around the Sun”, fusing acoustic folk warmth with an invigorating rock and country spirit.
Building momentum from pre-released singles such as “I’m With You”, “Outlaw”, "Where Does The Love Go?”, “Singing for Country”, and the title track “New Love”, Alberts has crafted an album that resonates deeply with the ideals of resilience and the beauty inherent in human imperfection.
A focus track for the soul: “Learn Yourself”
Particularly notable among the tracks is “Learn Yourself”, which encapsulates the essence of self-reflection and inner discovery. Composed on the North Shore of Oahu during his inaugural visit to Hawaii, the song conveys an uplifting message.
“It’s about learning and understanding yourself,” Alberts shares. He reflects on the common misconception that one must move mountains to achieve happiness, noting that often, reconnection with oneself and nature yields greater fulfillment.
With bright acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics, the song embodies a profound truth: that happiness originates from within.
Described by Alberts as his “Disney song” due to its sweet vibe, the track is accompanied by a visually stunning music video that showcases moments of his creative process involving sunrise yoga, breathwork, and ice baths before stepping into the studio.
A record meant for the stage
Designed with live performance in mind, “New Love” reflects Alberts’ narrative prowess while embracing his evolution as a global touring artist.
Despite the lengthy creation process, the album was captured in a focused four-week recording session, preserving its essence without succumbing to overproduction pitfalls. The result is a personal yet universally relatable record, inviting listeners to reflect and reconnect.
A decade into his career, Alberts has cultivated a loyal global following. His rise has been marked by dedicated touring and captivating songwriting, catapulting him from small cafés to sold-out arenas worldwide, all achieved without major label backing.
His commitment to independence led to the establishment of Commonfolk Records, granting him the creative liberty that resonates strongly with his fervent fanbase.
Alberts’ impressive touring record includes standout performances at Bluesfest Byron Bay and co-headlining Australia’s SummerSalt tour. His journey across continents has not only expanded his audience but also allowed him to share authentic stories derived from his own lived experiences.
Reflection and future goals
In an exclusive interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Alberts reflected on his early days, recalling how a simple gift from his parents - a left-handed guitar - ignited his passion for music at the age of 16. “At about 18 or 19, I quit everything to play music,” he shared. His relentless drive has transformed him from a street performer to an international sensation.
Alberts’ approach to music is distinctly individualistic, embracing a path less travelled by artists in an industry often dominated by major record labels.
“We've done everything independently,” he noted, taking pride in maintaining creative control over his work, ensuring that his authentic voice remains intact.
Reflecting on the creation of “New Love”, he paints a picture of serenity and intention. Living by a river next to the sea, “I was doing lots of ice baths which made for a peaceful album process,” he reminisced.
Striving for cohesiveness, he poured his heart into the collection of songs, successfully creating a rhythm reflective of his daily life - recording, surfing, and embracing nature’s bounty.
The messages within the album carry significant weight, especially in a world where darkness often prevails. Alberts views music as a transformative vessel, surfacing from personal hardships to inspire others.
“When things get worse, it's hard to believe they can get better again,” he observed, filling his songs with a hopeful narrative. He aims to encourage listeners to transform their struggles into something beautiful and meaningful, coining it as “manifesting not just an awesome life but a meaningful one.”
Looking ahead, Alberts is eager to maintain his momentum as he embarks on the album’s accompanying world tour, which consists of 70 dates globally. Excited about returning to South Africa, he appreciates the joy of performing in regions often overlooked by larger acts.
“The people are always very appreciative,” he expressed, thankful for the unwavering support from his fans. Balancing his music career with his love for surfing and adventure, he continues to pursue personal growth.
For those aspiring to carve their path in music, Alberts offers sage advice: "Say no 99 times and say yes once." His journey underscores the importance of remaining true to one’s values in an industry often rife with external pressures. “Your music belongs to you,” he asserted.