BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Bobby Alu

Answered by: Bobby Alu

Give us a short description of your music: Byron Bay singer, ukulele-strummer and drummer – smooth harmonies, Pacific rhythms, island grooves. Though it’s not all palm trees and daydreams – there’s a robust energy that'll get a crowd moving and smiling ear-to-ear.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Adrian Eagle, Black Rock Band, Greta Stanley, Mojo Juju, Rebecca Hatch.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I guarantee no one sounds like me and my band at BIGSOUND. The vibe is calm and smooth, but with real rhythm-heavy moments. Kinda like that sip of your favourite drink – while you're in a hammock at sunset – that ends up getting you tipsy.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Truthfully, I'm not that up with what's big right now, I just respond to music that feels good. That's the beauty of art, there can be all these trends and then something comes from nowhere and floors everyone. Looking forward to hunting down the feelgood vibes at BIGSOUND.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? I've been lucky to have many, though one of the most recent was supporting John Butler Trio in Europe – I marched on stage in London with just my voice, ukulele, a stompbox and a log drum and played to 5,000 people. What a feeling!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I'm always looking out for new lessons and insights into this incredibly fast-moving industry. It's so exciting to see what's possible. I don't know exactly what that looks like yet... but I know I'll be inspired afterwards.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? There's a big movement for increased diversity and equality right now. It's been exciting to see, but it's still only early days – we all need to be agents of change.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Sleep as much as you can before, there are too many good times to be had. Be kind to strangers always, and not just at BIGSOUND where a stranger could very well be your next meal ticket. And then, just go with the flow.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 4 Sep, The Zoo, 10.30pm; 5 Sep, Black Bear Lodge, 10pm.